His tremendous leadership is what our country is sorely lacking. His integrity and passionate desire to serve our country really comes through as you hear him answer questions and explain his positions on different issues. The more you learn about him the more Presidential he looks. He is a very sharp and successful businessman and I think he is by far the most dynamic person since Ronald Reagan to run for that office. In my opinion he is heads and shoulders above all the others who are currently running. Most people with his wealth and talents would never want to put themselves and their families through the public scrutiny, and media feeding frenzy in the fish bowl, that an individual goes through nowdays to run for president. Keep your eye on Mitt Romney, I see big things happening for this man.

BA, Winter Haven, USA Fl.

This is very interesting. For fun go to Wikipedia type search Christian denominations or Google it. Gee, there are hundreds of different Christian Churchs in the World, most I have never heard of, oh yes, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is just as Christian as any other denomination, look it up. If you read the Bible, Peter and Paul had a knock down drag out fight about circumcision, really. Peter said you had to be circumcised to be Christian, Paul who was Saul, said, "No." Paul won. The main problem within all the Christain churchs, is that some believe in the one in three , God, or Trinity and some believe in three separate beings, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost., but are one in purpose. They like to fight about it, that it folks, Google it.

Jensen, Emmett, Idaho

Cannot believe people are concerned about Romney's religion. I talked with those Mormon missionaries who knocked on my door a few months ago...is their doctrine really that weird? I was taught in Catholic school that at communion, through the magic of praver, the wafer thing actually and literally turns into the body of Jesus Christ, a man that supposedly lived on the earth 2,000 years ago. Weird enough? These baptists the other day were telling me about God, the Son and the Holy Ghost and how they were separate but one, and everywhere. Think about it folks...lots of religions in this world believe pretty funky things...and just because folks know a little less about one it freaks them out. Grow up America. I think the real reason most Christian religions in America are scared of Mormons is because they feel threatened by the Mormon church's sucesss. My two cents from a Catholic in New York...

Jared, New York City, NY

People will have a hard time with his faith because speaking strictly of doctrine, LDS is slightly less bizarre than Scientology and only achieves that by leaving out some of the space opera nonsense. In its place are references to Christian scriptures. Despite the superficial similarities, what Mormon doctrine teaches is Christian heresy. Notably, polytheism and that Adam will return to a specific valley where he will turn over the world to Jesus in the end times. Oh yeah, that valley happens to be in Missouri. The point is that Biblical Christians are deeply suspicious of the LDS church because they feel that their Christian scriptures are being used to veil fundamentally un-Christian doctrine. Gov. Romney will have to convince people that it is his values, not his faith that counts. On that front, his recent conversion to social conservatism won't help ease suspicions.
I like the guy, but his LDS faith makes his electability doubtful, especially at the primary level.

J. Smith, Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri

I would have serious qualms about voting for a Mormon. This "religion" takes all the most backward and repressive elements of right-wing evangelical Christianity and combines them with the authoritarian hierarchy of Catholicism.

That may sound like I'm bashing Christianity in general, but Christians (and Jews) gave the world Western civilization. Mormons gave us ... Utah.

Ben, Austin, TX

you can say Romney is not christian because hes mormon but hes the one candidate that is more righteous and more like christ I would trust him over everyone else,hillary voted for bush and made a bigger mistake how do i know shes not going to do it again in the white house,romney changed the state of taxachusetts to massachusetts but hes mormon so you rather pay more taxes,and than about the whole"mormon thing" why is it that the Mormon church is financially the most successful church in the world having more real estate and businesses than any other religion with the best welfare system in the world and claim it to not be a great power in the world today so why is mormonism bad would satan run an organization that has helped more people than any sect around,so if romneys apart of an organization that does more good to the world you would count him out.thats pure ignorance and if most americans are like that than they deserve a president who is full of lies and is self centered.

J.Goudy, Corona, CA

Before voters decide against Romney because of his religious affliliation, they should have an understanding of what his religion does teach and not just go on heresay.

Judy , Burley, ID

I think Mr. Romney is probably a good man, but his religion will certainly be a stumbling block to a presidential nomination. In addition, he has waffled on some major issues, and I think the informed public have a problem with that.

I personally have a problem with both issues...his waffling and his cultish religion. Mormonism tries to hide behind a "christian" facade, but the differences between the Mormon faith and mainstream Christianity are many. The right-wing fundamentalists will not likely vote for Mr. Romney no matter what.

Mitsy, Kirksville, MO

If the Republicans decided to present their strongest ticket in 2008 it would be Brownback for President and Romney for Vice President and the Democrats would chose Edwards for President and Pelosi for Vice President. But voters will never see those tickets.

J. Boyle, Cheyenne, WY USA

Dick Morris, [a political commentator], looks at
the four leading GOP presidential contenders in 2008

John McCain, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rudy Giuliani

and notes

"the only one of these guys who hasn't had multiple wives is the Mormon."

Dave , Gilbert , AZ

All the attention paid to Mr. Romney's religion will eventually shift to Mr. Romney himself. When that happens, most Americans will be pleased to meet a very decent man who has done an excellent job as governor of my home state of Massachusetts. He has a very fine family and a very loyal and lovely wife, who he always refers to as his "sweetheart" (which impresses my wife!). I am a life-long democrat in a very democratic state, but my vote went to Mr. Romney in 2002. My only disappointment is that he did not choose to serve another term as governor here.

George Sutton, Springfield, MA

Clinton has already been crowned queen of the North American Union House of the New World Order. The decision is already over.

patrick , Lexington, KY

In the meantime, expect to hear a lot more about Mormonism in the next year or so than you will ever learn from those nice, smart young men who come and knock on your door.

I know this was somewhat written to try not to offend, but the statement basically says that the media can describe Mormonism better than these "nice, smart young men" who have devoted 2 years of there life to do nothing more than embrace themselves in spirituality and teach others.

Thomas Hughes, bowling green, KY

I agree with most of those who have posted, the voters will see past the religion and vote for the person who they feel can best lead this country.

If any reporter looks into the Mormon faith they will see that the Mormons are one of the first to respond to the natural disasters around the world.

As for polygamy, anyone who claims Abarham, Moses, Issac, or Jacob as Old Testament prophets, has polygamy in their relgious background.

As Americans get to know Mitt Romney, they will want him to be their President.

Romney Rocks!

Don Nelson, Phoenix, AZ

What an awesome opportunity for the Media to actually do their research concerning Mormonism. Millions of viewers around the world may come to understand many of the misconceptions related to the Mormon religion. No doubt more questions may arise while viewing various reports on the media. When they do, those nice, smart young men and women who may come knocking on your door will be able to help you answer your questions. :)

Maiona, Mangere, Auckland, New Zealand

Some of the greatest moments in our nation's history have been when people of faith set aside theological differences in order to heal our natin. You say that evangelical Christians are the ones who will attack Romney the fiercest. I doubt it. I believe those attacks will come from those who find entertainment in Christians fighting each other. From those who have rejected the Bible and the "as I have loved you, love one another" principle.

Just before Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, he spoke to how people of all faiths faced the fire hoses. He said they weren't afraid because they already knew water. The way they had been baptised was different, but they all knew water. And they all stood together.

That's the type of executive leadership I want. Leadership by example. There to serve, not as a puppet of special interests. Someone whose actions with respect to family speak even louder than his charismatic words.

Eric, Sammamish, WA

Ignorant misconceptions about the LDS faith mostly put forth by so-called Christians are indeed a problem. Maybe this will be an opportunity to expose their religious bigotry and show that the Mormons are an exceptional lot. 'By their fruits, ye shall know them' is a verse that these people not only believe, but practice daily as they take care of not only themselves, but also their fellow man.

Bill Phillips, Lafayette , USA/Louisiana

Romney is the best presidential candidate the United States has seen in a long, long, time. It is true, as Mr. Baker points out, that many narrow-minded Southern evangelicals will be blinded by the own religious rhetoric and refuse to support a "Mormon" president. But in time, as Romney has the chance to get in front of more and more people and participate in televised debates, the critical mass of the Republican base will be nudged past a tipping point that will allow the momentem to be swung in his favor. The "Mormon" factor will become a non-issue even though it preoccupies many now.

Craig Loveland, Atlanta, GA

Yes, listen to the experts over the next year. Surely you can learn more about Mormonism from them than those "nice, smart young men" that have spent their lives learning and living Mormonism.

David Thompson, Wasilla, Alaska

Debating the fact that Romney is Mormon is assuming that all of us subscribe to the idea of creation and religion. What we really should be debating is how to change the system.Corporate influence and money, the good ole' boy network of gov't, holding the elected accountable etc. The princiiples of the founders of this country, were lost long ago. If you think that Bush has made mistakes,imagine what it would be like to live under the policies and influences that a Mormon president would effect. I do have close Mormon friends, I am familiar with Mormon history and doctrine, and I for one am glad that his being a Mormon, and his inconsistent stand on issues is coming out earlier rather than later. Most people I know in the US, with the exception of academics and select others, have lost the critical thinking at this point in time that is needed to truly effect change. The last thing we need is another leader whose policies and thinking are "in the name of God". Who's god?

Helene, LA, USA

Maybe Romney will just say, "Oh America hear the words of my mouth. Oh America hear the words of my mouth. Oh America hear the words of my mouth." And then will people stop asking questions about his religion? I doubt it.

Al, Chicago, Illinois

more cognative dissonance

According to the American press, polygamy is a problem for any Mormon candidate for president even though the it was discontinued 100 years ago. Meanwhile making unflattering comment about homosexuals got a basketball player banned from the all-stars.

Derogatory slang words and expressions for homosexuals
77 (not counting all variations of ___ queen)

Derogatory slang terms for polygamists
0

Doug, Wheeling, USA

Vernon Sullivan's comments show why religion and politics should be seperated. I'm mormon and you don't know what you're talking about. I know I'll vote for the best qualified candidate no matter what he believes in

patrick, Virginia,

Remember the kid in school who was a religious bigot or a racist, and inwardly everyone hated the guy? In the end this anti-Mormon peddling by the media and opponents will back-fire. People I talk to see right through this. The looser of all of this will not be Romney nor certainly Mormonism. Only the likes of Gerard Baker and the liberal press, (or anyone else who jumps on board) who use this as an opportunity for what they perceive to be a politically correct platform to push their bigoted platform. The problem with this position is that people know Mormons. They are neighbors, co-workers, CEOs, PTA moms, nurses, firemen, athletes, students, leaders and business owners who contribute to society. People know they are by and large exceptional people with strong moral ethics and firm family values. In the end it's the ignorant who will loose the respect of smart, discerning, voting Americans.

Bryan Monson, Boston, Ma

In response to Dave, it's not liberals who are opposed to Mitt's religion, it's the conservatives who have an issue. Most of the polling data suggests that the 35% who say they couldn't elect Romney because of his religion are Republican, conservative, evangelists. It's the 35% who still support Bush. The polling also suggests that liberals tend not to care about this aspect of Romney's background. So, Dave, stop misrepresenting the issue.

E. Krauss, Owensboro, KY

You've got it a bit wrong Vern, although this isn't really the place for a theological discussion I'd just like to say that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, badly misrepresenting LDS doctrine. My guess would be unintentional as your views seem to incorporate some common rumors. I don't think it should be an issue in the presidential election anyway. Although I am a deeply religious person myself, I rarely even know the religion of the candidate I support, and if I do I know it far less well than his issue positions.

Mark Nelson, Provo, Utah

The problem with mormonism and the presidency isn't evangelicals in the republican party (only a secular liberal journalist would think that) it's with the inherent racism and sexism imbedded in the core beliefs of the faith. Joseph Smith's scripture isn't offensive because of it being "revelation", it's because the basic tenet is that the native americans couldn't have founded the great civilazations found here by europeans, people from ancient classical societies (like our ancestors) must have founded them. The patriarchal nature of this religion is well known and polygomy is only one extreme expression of this basic core belief (and though polygomy isn't practiced by mainstream mormons the scriptures founding the practice have never been repudiated). Racism and sexism are serious issues and republicans know that they make Romney a poor candidate w/o the petty mormon-bashing that the chattering classes want to talk about. He may be a great guy and natural leader but we may never get to find that out instead of reliving why blacks only gained full church membership in the '70s and why.

Gerald Berg, Renton, WA

Genius, Vernon. You couldn't know less about the Mormon faith.

Someone, Who Has, A Clue

The comment made my Mr. Vernon Sullivan of Texas, "Mormons believe that God came down to earth with Eve, one of his celestial wives and procreated mankind," is doctrinally and scripturally unsubstantiated. The reality is that most people are ignorant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints true beliefs. I mean this in a respectful manner. Just an added note, this supposed interpretation comes from a volume called the Journal of Discourses. These are not considered doctrine, but rather journals and articles, many of which in translation where misconstrued. The official website and doctrine of the church is published on LDS.org. This should help to eliminate erroneous misconceptions and anti-mormon slander.

Brad, Dallas,

Why would believing in a young earth creation, which I do not, make certain Christians unable to criticize what they see as heresy? These Christians may be overly literal when they look at the bible, specifically Genesis 1, but at least the bible for them is the authoritative Word of God. The same as it's been for 2000 years of Christian history. The Mormon religion completely distorts the Gospel and the Word of God. Christians have every right to say it. Yet if Romney proves to be the best man for the job I don't care what his religion is. I'm sure most Christians would feel that way, but maybe not most fundamentalists.

Mike D', Bolingbrook, Illinois

Mormon fondness for polygamy was the primary factor that led to the recent failure in Arizona of a state constituational proposition to define marriage as between one man & one woman.

That was the only failure of such a proposition on a state ballot. Over the past half dozen years in at least 28 states such propositions have appeared on the ballot & been passed.

East Coast Leftists crowed that the proposition failed in Arizona because people were becoming less hostile to the homosexual agenda. In fact, the proposition's failure was due to quite the contrary, an over-abundance of affection for hetrosexual relations.

It's no surprise that no such proposition has been seriously considered in very conservative & heavily Mormon Utah.

Dave Livingston, El Paso county, Colorado

I'm not very religious but the more I hear about him, the more I like, if not admire. As far as the war, I wish more of the candidates would say less about it. We're in it and the region demands our presence and action. What more can you say. We're not getting out of there for a long while and just like the Eastern/Western European borders after WWII, we will have people there for a long long time because of the new threat the Islamists pose (think of it as the new mutually assured destruction only it would happen very slowly). Don't take my word for it, just listen to what they SAY and DO.

steve, henderson, nevada

There is a huge groundswell of support here for Mitt Romney and in the coming weeks it will become evident. The nonsense about his religion is just that--nonsense. It didn't prevent John Kennedy from his presidency, nor has it interfered with Senators Reid and Hatch. The mainstream media has nothing else negative to say about him, and that is the only problem he has--the media.

R. Pedenko, Los Angeles, CA/USA

Hey Mr. Barker,
Do you call this news? This non issue was "hot" like 6 months ago. Why don't you do some real groundbreaking reporting about Romney rather than stirring maintaining the same old worn out stereotypes.

Joey, Destin, Florida, US

As a resident of Massachusetts, I can assure you that Mitt Romney was neither popular nor effective by the end of his term. From the outset, he had his eye on the US presidency, not on the job of governing the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Months before officially announcing his candidacy for president, Romney spent more time campaigning in other states than he did in Massachusetts. Needless to say, this alienated the people he was supposedly governing!

But what will hurt him most in seeking the Republican nomination is his flip-flopping ideology. To get elected as governor of Massachusetts, a liberal state, Romney pulled out his liberal credentials--insisting, for example, that he was pro-choice. But that won't fly with conservative Republicans, so now he's saying he's anti-choice. He's earned a reputation for telling people what he thinks they want to hear, rather than standing on his own principles. And that will hurt him far more than anything else.

Colleen, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA

Being a Mormon was not a serious impediment to Senator Orrin Hatch's presidential campaign in 2000. It never came up because he was a seriously underfunded long-shot who dropped out after the first several debates. If he'd been a more serious candidate, it undoubtedly would have gotten more mention.

Jill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Romney's religion wouldn't so a big an issue if it weren't for the dominance of Evangelicals in the Republican Party and their frustrations at not seeing more during the Repulican control of the White House and Congress. The political marriage--one made in Hell for sure--between the socially conservative Christian right and laissez faire Wall Street that was so powerful for so long is starting to fray over Iraq, the environment, and a host of other soical issues. Romney likely appeals to more socially mainstream low-tax libertarian Republicans, and so will draw very close scrutiny from the already embittered Evangelicals.

David Lentini, San Francisco, CA

A Presidential election is much more complicated than being part of an specific religion. If Mr Rommey has a chance to become the first Mormon President, it should have little or nothing to do with his faith. Nevertheless, seems to me that all this controversy developed around being an LDS, is becoming a great low-cost promotion for the Republican candidate.

The fact that Mrs Clinton is a woman, Mr Obama is African-American, Mr Giuliani is Italian-American or that Mr Rommey is a Mormon, is irrelevant when it comes to decide who will run the country.

Mario, Mexico City, Mexico

Religion is a personal issuerequiring each person to make his own decision about his religion for his own reasons.

When people of orthodox Christian faith (whether Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc.) and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) talk about their belief in God, they are all talking about fundamentally different definitions of God. Orthodox Christians believe that the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are the one true God. Mormons believe that God came down to earth with Eve, one of his celestial wives and procreated mankind, that Jesus Christ and Satan are spiritual brothers and both are God's sons. So, when I state that I won't vote for Mr. Romney because of his belief in Mormonism, I am stating that orthodox Christianity has important values which I personally believe in and which must be supported by the way I live and the way I vote.

Vernon Sullivan , Houston, Texas

Romney is being misrepresented often in the press because he truly is a strong contender for a major party nomination for the presidency of the US--so the opposition is strong. It is a sad state of affairs that other men who are apparently so considered from that party are Guiliani-- adulterous, Mafia friendly, former mayor of one of our historically most corrupt cities and the too-hungry-for- the-position Senator McCain -- whose McCain/Feingold campaign finance bill was a not-so-thin end of the wedge part of strangling American rights in election time activities.

Terri, Salisbury, MO, USA

Count on Mormonism to be media-hyped into a big issue this season only because the liberal media gang rightly see Romney - the handsomest, most intelligent, accomplished and personable candidate in either party and perhaps since JFK - as the only real threat to their goal of electing a democrat - any democrat. They've got a pretty good game plan to tarnish old-timers Guiliani and McCain. They know only Momonic-phobia can stop Romney. But he's too smart for them and too perfect for the country. They'll do their best to keep the country from really seeing this guy. He knows that. He will be seen. And I think ultimately he will be chosen. He's that good.

Dave, nyc/ny, usa

As a Mormon, and an American, I think that the "Mormon problem" is more of an issue in the foreign press than it is in the US press. I think that Romney's ever evolving stance on relevant issues will be more of a problem for his campaign than his religion. That and the fact that everybody and his Uncle's dog will be vying for the Republican nomination in a year where it's not good to be a Republican.

On another note, I have met Mitt and Ann and their sons. I have even petted their dog. They are very nice people. I still don't know how qualified Mitt is to be president, and I don't know yet if I will vote for him, but he is a good person. I would probably vote for him.

Karen, Newton Upper Falls, MA

i live in Rhode Island, which is next to Massachusetts on our northern & eastern borders. Romney isn't hated because he is a Morman, but becuase he is a wolf in sheep's clothing-much much worse than Rudy Guilani.

william rhoades, cumberland, Rhode Island

I'm tired of the doublespeak about any changeabout of Romney's views on abortion. As an elected magistrate he would no choice but to uphold the foul Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and it's present consequences in his bailiwick. That is what his statements meant in context. There are circumstances which can warrant the legal availability for an abortion. The "abortion safe and legal "aspect must be true victims of rape, incest and life-threatening ( not the doublespeak US legal definition of "Health" threatening) situations for the mother should be able to be dealt with in a competent manner. Rape and incest having already abridged the rights of the pregnant person and they may properly decide to take the risks of a pregnancy or not. Abortion for convenience is "like unto murder" and usually follows some other illicit act and compounds the 1st offense. The tangled web....

Terri , Salisbury, MO, USA

In response to Mr Thomas of Arizona, perhaps you should try living in Utah, as I do. Mormons are no different to the rest of us when it comes to being of good character etc. They have all the usual human failings, and are no better or worse than those of us who have no particular affiliation to any religion. I don't imagine Mr Romney's religion makes him a better human being than, say Mr Obama's does. The arrogance is that most of the Mormons I have had to deal with on a daily basis truly believe they are better than the rest of us!

Mita Higton, Kanab, Utah

Being a Mormon didn't hurt Romney's chances of being elected Governor of Massachusetts, so why should it hurt his chances of becoming President? Mass. is notoriously one of the hardest liberal nuts to crack in the US - he obviously must be doing something right. I'm looking forward to finding out more about him.

James, Dublin, Ireland

America was founded by Christians and is successful because of our Christian beliefs. Mitt Romney represents what has made our country great - the strong belief in God, family and the rule of law.

What most people outside of the United States don’t understand is that America is fundamentally a very religious country. Our liberal media portrays a very different (wrong) image of what America is really like. Christianity isn’t feared by the vast majority of Americans, but rather embraced and celebrated. It is what gives us our strength and makes us the most charitable nation on earth.

As an evangelical Christian myself, I wholehearted support his bid for the presidency of the United States!

Vic Tohak, Branford, CT/USA

As one who lives in Massachusetts, his Mormonism wasn't- and shouldn't be- an issue.

I would, however, take much excpetion w/ the overly-glowing portrait Mr. Baker paints of Romney's term as Governor; his was arguably the least accomplished of the recent string of Republicans elected Governor here. Long on rhetoric, short on results.

HL, Boston, MA

Gerard has correctly identified Romney's central weakness -- his inconsistency on key issues. I am also Mormon, but I would not vote for Romney. I don't think even he knows what he really believes. I'd vote for Rudy before Mitt given what I have seen and heard of the two so far. As one commentator notes, Mitt was for abortion before he was against it. Sounds suspiciously like another candidate from Massachusetts.

JD, Atlanta, USA

I'm tired of the doublespeak about any changeabout of Romney's views on abortion. As an elected magistrate he would no choice but to uphold the foul Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision and it's present consequences in his bailiwick. That is what his statements meant in context. There are circumstances which can warrant the legal availability for an abortion. The "abortion safe and legal "aspect must be true victims of rape, incest and life-threatening ( not the doublespeak US legal definition of "Health" threatening) situations for the mother should be able to be dealt with in a competent manner. Rape and incest having already abridged the rights of the pregnant person and they may properly decide to take the risks of a pregnancy or not. Abortion for convenience is "like unto murder" and usually follows some other illicit act and compounds the 1st offense. The tangled web....

Terri , Salisbury, MO, USA

We love our Mormon's as long as they are in sports (Steve Young, Danny Ainge), music (Gladys Knight, Osmonds), business (David Neeleman), beauty pagents (Miss America Sharlene Hawkes), media (Jane Clayson), journalism (Stephen Covey), educators, doctors, lawyers, landscapers, or your neighbor next door. They can even be Congressmen, Senators AND Governors - but a Mormon President? The real problem is most people are simply afraid of what they don't know. Until 9/11 the majority of us didn't know anything about Muslims, yet no one is talking about Obama's Muslim upbringing. True Mormons, Muslims, Catholics, Baptists and all the rest seek out the good, have a genuine desire to serve others and live honorable lives. Someone please put the "Mormon" issue to rest so we can concentrate on who is best suited to lead this country with courage and integrity.

Lisa West, Sacramento, CA

At the age of 61 I find it hard to believe, that many of the same misconceptions about Mormons (or Latter-day Saints, as we should be called), which were common uninformed belief in those days, when I was 16, are still in circulation now. Incredible, but, apparently, true!

May I point out that there is no such thing as "posthumous baptism"? The correct terminology is "baptism FOR the dead" not "baptism OF the dead"! Obviously some people’s imaginations have been running wildfire!

Also, why does it seem so strange? The Roman Catholic Church, in which I was brought up, says masses for the souls of the departed. The objective is the same, only the form in which it is administered differs.

Regarding what has been referred to as "Mormon underwear”, this is not meant to be high fashion, but when it was designed, such underclothing was worn by everybody. A person's underwear should not be on display anyway. If the niqab and the burqa can be tolerated.....!

Kathryn Jones, South Shields, England

Romney is not a serious candidate for the Republican nomination for all the reasons Baker notes. But in any case, there is absolutely no way a Republican can win in 2008. Just check the politcal betting sites where the serious anoraks place their bets. The only way they could slip through is if there were a serious third party candidate such as Bloomberg of NY who could take away enough from the Dems. But that is a true long shot.

oldasiahand, Guildford, Surrey

Brother) Mitt Romney is either a politician who happens to be a Mormon, or a Mormon who happens to be a politician. However people perceive him, he is a politician. And what are politicians? I'm a Mormon, and I certainly would not put my confidence in a fellow Mormon, in any position of power; be it secular or spiritual, UNLESS I knew his character. Where there is power there exists a breeding ground for corruption. I speak from first hand experience as others will: Mormons in positions of power are not always full of integrity. They too are mortal, and just as susceptible to corruption. It's not about espoused the standards and principles of the Church. It is about how the individual applies them; and I can tell you that those in high places (the hierarchy) don't always practice what they preach. Sometimes, it is quite the opposite, although the very faithful will follow regardless.

Mary., Middlesex, United Kingdom.

Elena, wonderfully balanced opinion, life must be wondeful not trusting the majority of people in the world. Keep up the prejudices.

Toby , London,

The combination of Mormon character, principles, family values, integrity and achievement with political power could be a blockbuster.

dr venables preller, Warminster, UK

Mr. Baker notes that being a Mormon in the past did not seem to cause a problem for candidates --only now with Mitt Romney. This is an interesting point but irrelevant unless Mr. Baker is prepared to say exactly why he thinks this is the case. As for me, there is something vaguely reminiscent in Mitt Romney of Bill Clinton --he comes across as far too slick, but without the boyish and rogue charm that was a plus, not a minus for Clinton. I cannot say what makes me uncomfortable with Mitt Romney, I can only say that I am, and it has nothing at all to do with the happenstance of his being a Mormon.

James H. Cohen, J.D., Ph.D., New York, NY/USA

Mormons comprise little more than one percent of the US population, and are therefore not well known. Human nature causes us to view the unknown with trepidation. As Romney becomes better known than his religion he will gain the trust of enough Americans to be nominated, then elected the 44th president of the United States of America.

Dennis Koffel, Kansas City, Missouri

I do not trust religious people in general. If they believe what they say they believe they are fools. If they don't they are manipulative hypocrites.
Furthermore, religion should have nothing to do with political power. Wasn't that a crucial point that Jesus himself made?
So, all of you highly estiamated presidents and priests, leave God out of politics and out of your minor personal interests. Go on and keep making money and cut the nonsense about love and kindness. That would at least be honest from your part.

Elena, Athens, Greece

For quality of Character & personal Integrity I will put my money and vote on a Mormon anyday, anywhere and in any situation.

R. Thomas, Safford, Arizona

George Romney, as CEO of American Motors, turned a bankrupt automaker around without having to fire a single employee, as it went against his religious convictions to put a worker, union or otherwise, out of a job, simply becuase management wasn't doing its job through designing and marketing the cars people wanted. He was the man responsible for the AM Rambler, one of the biggest selling cars in the US history.

He was felled for that remark about brainwashing because at that time, and until the end of the Viet Nam war, the American people backed our involvement in Viet Nam (the protestors had no impact then whatever, and did not shorten the war one minute), and saw him as a bit of a fashion following turncoat backing the protestors. His only crime was honesty and integrity. We were all "brainwashed" then, but Watergate is what stopped the war, not ineffectual smelly oafs too stupid to petition Congress.

No one cared about his religion then. I don't now. Good has no religion.

Walt OBrien, Binghamton, NY USA

Whichever way it goes for Romney I can't help but think that his running will open up a much needed discussion on the Mormon faith. There is so much missinformation flying around out there it's just unbelieveable. I just want to groan everytime someone attempts to explain it. Generally they get it wrong. What I hate most is when we are depicted as some sort of dangerous cult.

Since learning about Romney's bid for the 2008 election I've read some pretty bigotted things about Mormonism on the web. I wonder, Do any of these people know a Mormon?

It might shock them to know that we believe in God and we study the Bible to. We do lots of charity work. We obey th ten commandments and then a few more of our own. We don't drink coffee, tea or alcohol. We don't smoke and don't believe in sex before marriage. We prefer to wear modest clothing and we don't gamble. We're patriotic, law abiding people. In other words, pretty square.

Debbie, Mountain House, CA