If Mr. Romney Were Catholic . . .

Marjorie Campbell, marjorie@marjoriecampbell.com

My colleagues here have left me puzzling, “if Mitt Romney were Catholic” would they be forgiving Mr. McCain’s unCatholic position on embryonic stem cell research, his flagrant tampering with First Amendment rights and his equally disturbing flair for disregard of Republican conservative positions?  Hmmmm.  I wonder.

Marc wrote “In the Republican field, who can win the hearts and votes of the Catholics?  Romney - forget it” only shortly after Deal wrote “For many grassroots conservatives, and those from the Religious Right, Romney may be too big of a stretch.”  What explains this dismissive shorthand for a candidate who has garnered the endorsement of the National Review as “a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest." 

I do not think “flip-flopping” or “waffling” explains the current Catholic curry of enthusiasm for a candidate indisputably less “Catholic”, at least on embryonic stem cell research, than Mr. Romney.  I rather suspect, without charging, an unease with all things Mormon.  I understand this.  Fox’s own, typically-tolerant Father Jonathan Morris issued a suddenly detailed demand to account for faith disparities between Christians and Mormons when he faulted Mr. Romney for not injecting and explaining Mormon dogma in his December 6 Faith In America speech.  Curious what Father Jonathan would require of Mr. Romney when Catholic politicians are not called upon to use their political podium to explain the Immaculate Conception or the Eucharistic Presence.

Still, I think I understand.  I have spent a significant portion of every year over the last 7 years in Utah and count among my friends many Mormons.  That I find odd some of their beliefs has proved no stumbling block to friendship or admiration.  To the contrary, I find myself similarly disposed to admire the values and culture of this people as I once developed, years ago, in a Christian minority among practicing Jews in New Jersey.  I found agreement on doctrinal details quite secondary to shared values in family, social and political life, which abound and bind.

I do not find, in Mr. Romney, many of the reservations I have with the "I am Legend" McCain candidacy – which I outlined on November 30.  Indeed, Mr. McCain’s unwillingness to reconsider his position on embryonic stem cell research – even confronted with developments that appear to eliminate the need to create and kill embryos - and his history of flying solo on significant party issues like Mr. Bush's tax cut, the elimination of the death tax, judicial nominations (Gang of 14) and, of course, immigration leaves me wary of his ego-driven approach to leadership. 

So I am left thinking, like Mr. Novak, that “the attacks upon Romney's religion . . . are just not fair.”  More, I am left thinking that, if Mr. Romney were Catholic, instead of Mormon, the choice for church-going, conservative Catholics would not be difficult.  Am I missing something?

Comments

[GregY]

Once a strong propnent of gun control and now a card-carrying NRA member.
Once a supporter of McCain's comprehensive immigration reform. Now hammering McCain (and Huckabee) on the issue.
Once made clear that he was not a big fan of Reagan. Now clammoring for the Reagan mantle.
Evolution on the issues is one thing, but for goodness' sakes, Romney's inconsistencies--and, his shameless bashing of other candidates for the VERY POSITIONS he himself advocated sometimes as recently as 2005--are fatal flaws imho.
There is a reason that Brownback is supporting McCain. He's an honest man and a heckuva candidate for the general election. Let us hope and pray he sees the light on embryonic stem cell research, but I think he's the GOP's best bet, and it wouldn't change a bit if Romney were Catholic--well, maybe just a little bit ;)

[James]

If you are familiar with the term RINO (Republican In Name Only), you realize that that term is often applied to John McCain. He has spent far too much of his career courting independents and centrist democrats, to the exclusion of republicans, and often been made to look a fool in the process.

People try to say that they have an issue with Romney because he has changed his positions. If you are unable to learn, and must maintain your position on every issue as it is first formed, don't you think that would lead to a stilted political system. I feel that people who use this excuse just don't want to admit that they're bigots towards Mormons.

[Jeff Miller]

I don't think the large majority of conservative Catholics are worried about his Mormonism. The only people I have heard/read say that this is their main issue against him were not Catholics. Though there is a legitimate prudential argument against electing as outlined by Jimmy Akin. Though I don't think most Catholics are going along this line.

The Catholic commentary on Mitt has always been about other issues. His Romneycare which he approved has a $50.00 co-pay for abortion and this was after his pro-life conversion. He did nothing to help Catholic Charities getting a conscience clause as far a homosexual adoptions. Plus Catholic Hospitals did not get an exemption as far as Plan B goes. So his pro-life and pro-social conservatism towards Catholics has been negligible. During his term as Governor Catholic bloggers living in his state were not exactly praiseworthy towards him.

While his ESCR stance isn't as bad as McCain's it doesn't help him convince people of this pro-life conversion. His support of "sexual orientation" being added to the employment act also isn't helping him with social conservative.

Conservative Catholics have a lot more to be leery about than his Mormonism. But then again the same goes for pretty much all of the front-runners who are a mixed bag at best.

[Carol McKinley]

Happy New Year.

Yes, you're missing the long list of dishonest things Mitt has said. You do know Romney's position on stem cell research is exactly the same as McCain's?

Saying people who don't like Mitt must be anti-Mormon is like saying we don't support Obama because he's black.