Mitt Romney Enters The Race
Yesterday, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney formally kicked off his presidential campaign. He made the announcement at the Henry Ford Museum. During the speech he attempted to distinguish himself from the other candidates by taking advantage of his position as somewhat of a political outsider. He highlighted this by saying, “I do not believe Washington can be transformed from within by lifelong politicians.”
The issues that Romney will have to face are his religion and his past stances on social issues. Romney is a Mormon, which wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that a large group of his party happen to be evangelical Christians. Meaning that they pretty much agree on the social issues, just not on God. Unfortunately for Romney, God is a huge issue when dealing with evangelical Christians.
As far as his past stances on issues, Romney supported abortion rights earlier in campaigns and also claimed that he would advocate gay rights during a 1994 campaign. He has since changed his views. He now opposes both, abortion and gay marriage.
And you remember how much they dogged on Kerry for switching positions. Boy, change your mind on one thing with these Republicans and you’ll “flip-flop” your way out of an election. Romney essentially did a 180 on those two issues. However, he does seem to be the most conservative candidate right now. McCain seems to be very conservative on the social issues, but Republicans just don’t seem to like this guy at all. And Giuliani is pro choice and also supports certain gay rights. I believe civil unions is one of them.
I figure that unless another Republican comes who is just as conservative on the social issues as Romney is, he might have a chance. But then again, he’s Mormon. And like I said, his primary audience isn’t one that generally gets enthused about different perceptions of God. There’s also the possibility that I am severely underestimating these people. We will find out soon enough.
With love,
Steve.
Mitt Romney, election, 2008, Republican
February 14th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Oddly, I had hoped that Mitt wouldn’t enter the race. Every last thing that he has ever done in his life will be reflected on the church rather than on him personally, don’t you think? And every decision he makes as president will reflect poorly on it, because people can’t be rational when it comes to Mormons. Everything he does will be blamed on the religion instead of on HIM or his political party.
February 14th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
That’s very perceptive. I didn’t even think about that. I wish I could say that I don’t think that would happen, but you are right when you say that a lot of people aren’t rational when it comes to Mormons. I could definitely see some people picking him apart and then using his faults to further their bigotry. The funny thing is that if people did that with every president or president hopeful, there would be a lot to say against white Protestant males. Good point.
May 1st, 2007 at 9:31 pm
[...] Mitt Romney - Does he stand a chance at being the next president? [...]
December 7th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
[...] candidate Mitt Romney gave a much anticipated speech on Thursday regarding the role of his Mormonism in a potential [...]