AMES: Dirty Tricks and Mormon Bashing

Mitt Romney's national political director, Carl Forti, said that he's received reports that Romney supporters are being telephoned and told that the buses transporting them to the straw poll have been canceled; it's false, of course -- the buses are running on time. The campaign is keeping track of their progress with a full phone bank that they've set up near the Hilton coliseum.

*****

Inevitably, anti-Mormon literature shows up at major Republican events, and a Council Bluffs, Iowa-based group called Christians for Truth is passing out a pamphlet entitled "Would Christians Vote For Mitt Romney???"

Here's an excerpt:

"We strongly believe that Jesus Christ, if he were alive in the flesh and voted, would never vote for Mitt Romney under any circumstances. Mitt Romney represents Mormonism which is counterfeit Christianity, a cult."

The pamphlet also bashes non-participants: Rudy Giuliani (for having "THREE WIVES, a notorious AFFAIR with his current wife:".... Newt Gingrich "AFFAIR, DIVORCE, ANOTHER AFFAIR, A SECOND DIVORCE," John McCain "AFFAIR, DIVORCE," and Fred Thompson, who had "TWO WIVES with his first child conceived out of wedlock."

The acceptable candidates: Brownback, Tommy Thompson, Ron Paul, Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, and Huckabee."

Comments

Ridiculous. The only "acceptable" candidate is Ron Paul of course.

Posted by P Lifton | August 11, 2007 2:06 PM

Jesus saves, but Ron Paul scores on the rebound.

Posted by Fluffy | August 11, 2007 2:13 PM

Those people aren't tired at picking people, huh ? But, admit it, there's a light sense of humor right there.

Posted by Michael Byrne | August 11, 2007 2:22 PM

This is why I have such a hard time trying to explain Christianity to my atheist friends - sanctimonious louts who call themselves Christian while acting in obviously un-Christian ways. I don't care about one's political view in this regard. How ironic is that someone can say, essentially, "This man is the only top tier candidate who openly affirms his belief in Jesus as his Savior and whose life mirrors our moral standards, but we don't like his particular brand of Christianity, so Jesus wouldn't vote for him." One of the only groups Jesus condemned were the hypocrites!

There is NO humor whatsoever in that. Terrible irony; yes. Humor; no.

Posted by curtis | August 11, 2007 2:36 PM

Unfortunately, Mormonism is not just another brand of Christianity. Mormons should not be bashed but the public does have a right to know what they teach and don't want the public to find out until they join the church. See www.WhatMormonsDontTell.com for some matter of fact (not Mormon bashing) comparisons of Latter-day Saint teachings to the Bible which no Christian could endorse, no matter what brand. By the way, Mormonism bashes all other Christians in their extrabiblical scriptures. See 1 Nephi 14:9-10 (in the Book of Mormon) and Joseph Smith History 1:19 (in the Pearl of Great Price).

Posted by Tom Jones | August 11, 2007 4:23 PM

If Jesus were alive in the flesh? So much for these self-appointed guardians of Christian orthodoxy!

Posted by Don Wacome | August 11, 2007 4:48 PM

all the so-called 'christian' mormon-bashers ought to also read up on all the problems with christianity and the bible too such as

http://atheism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=atheism&cdn=religion&tm=119&gps=121_275_1278_847&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.infidels.org/library/modern/donald_morgan/inconsistencies.html

Posted by Dan P. | August 11, 2007 5:02 PM

This is truly despicable, but expected, I'm sure, by the Romney people.

Conservative Christians have far more in common with Mitt's morality (and the average Mormon's moral views) than with any Democrat, and with some of the Republican presidential candidates.

They should remember that as they cast their ballots.

Posted by Michael | August 11, 2007 5:17 PM

"We strongly believe that Jesus Christ, if he were alive in the flesh and voted, would never vote for Mitt Romney under any circumstances."

Ummmm, if you are a Christian, then you believe that Jesus IS alive in the flesh.

But hatred and xenophobia makes people do and say stupid things.

Many pastors fear Mormonism because it threatens their influence and their livelihood. Always has been this way, always will be. There are many, many good, Christlike evangelicals and evangelical leaders who love their Mormon neighbors as themselves. And there are others who see Mormonism as a cult, and hate and distrust their Mormon neighbors. And, there's a third group that sees Mormonism as a threat to their business - what with Mormonism's unpaid, volunteer clergy, and their salvation-is-free message, and their volunteer missionary force. Must be quite threatening to people who collect money for their personal expenses from their followers.

Posted by Drex Davis | August 11, 2007 5:35 PM

"We strongly believe that Jesus Christ, if he were alive in the flesh and voted, would never vote for Mitt Romney under any circumstances."

Come on, if Jesus Christ were alive in the flesh and voted it would mean that 1) He would be here, in the United States, illegally 2) He would have broken the laws by illegally voting in an election - Himself being a citizen of another country 3)by breaking the law He needs to be locked up; preferably in the Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas to keep Him away from law-abiding citizens 4)as an illegal alien who has committed a crime He would need to serve some jail time and once He has paid for His crime, He needs to be deported from the USA and sent back to Israel as fast as could be arranged.

Keep the foreigners out!

Posted by Kris Larsen | August 11, 2007 5:39 PM

The bashing of Romney, Guiliani, McCain and Thompson sounds like the work of the Ron Paul supporters. They spam the internet polls, blogs, etc. with this type of stuff.

Posted by Renee | August 11, 2007 6:18 PM

I thought this was about voting for a Presidential candidate, not an imaginary super-bestfriend.

Posted by Fiftycal | August 11, 2007 6:36 PM

I thought this was about voting for a Presidential candidate, not an imaginary super-bestfriend.

Posted by Fiftycal | August 11, 2007 6:36 PM

So Romney is a Mormon, and Mormon's aren't Christians? Funny...by the way Romney talks and acts, and with the family values that he shows within his own family, you'd think he is the most Christian person out there! Words say a lot, but actions speak louder than words...and to me, it looks like Mitt is talking the talk AND walking the walk!

Posted by DJ in AZ | August 11, 2007 6:37 PM

If I were Mit Romney and I wanted to get my supposed Conservative Christian bonafides out to people indirectly, I would circulate a pamphlet, criticizing my Mormon faith. I would blame other campaigns for distributing this pamphlet.

This would achieve a number of positves for my campaign.

1. It would generate discussion about my belief in Jesus Christ.

2. It would garner sympathy from the ignorant masses.

3. It would make my opponents look like hypocrits and bigots.

All in all, it would be good for my campaign.

Posted by Chris | August 11, 2007 6:43 PM

Chris says "If I were Mit Romney and I wanted to get my supposed Conservative Christian bonafides out to people indirectly, I would circulate a pamphlet, criticizing my Mormon faith. I would blame other campaigns for distributing this pamphlet."

Chris, you make an interesting argument, and if I didn't know that flyers like that are overwhelmingly common among those who have a vitriolic hate for Mormons, I might buy into your conspiracy theory. The thing is that Mitt doesn't need to make any self-deprecating flyers. There are plenty of CINO (Christians in Name Only) willing to do that work for him in a pathetic attempt to discredit what they fear the most.

Posted by Braden | August 11, 2007 7:19 PM

Unfortunately anti-Mormon pamphlets came out long before Romney was born, let alone becoming a politician.
What is more troubling is that the American people are being directed towards the line of thought that the qualifications of a candidate for public office must involve his or her personal religious beliefs. Yet, I seem to remember that one of the foundations of our country was to have religious freedom, that our leaders would be chosen not for who or what they worship, but because they will protect our rights and freedoms set forth in our national and state constitutions. If we are being told we should not vote for someone because their personal religious beliefs are not in sync with a particular group(s), then we will one day reap that whirlwind.... The history of the Middle East about religious intolerance would surely teach us someting.. but I guess not....

Posted by Sam in Nv | August 11, 2007 7:21 PM

You know, it's funny. You read John 3:16, and you hear that "whosoever should believeth." And you have a Christian message that teaches that all have fallen short and that salvation is but from grace through faith alone.

Well, exactly how do the holier-than-thous get around the fact that they're narrowing the message put forth in the Bible? Excluding people from heaven? And why?

I say this as a southern Presbterian who would love to see Romney as President. And who quite frankly has seen over and over again how Mormons consistently outperform their peers in countless pursuits. They're over-achievers, strong-willed, and raise strong families. Not complaints from me at all.

I do see Mormons as slightly different--moreso that Catholics, for instance, but when running for President, who cares? Give me a strong leader with values and conviction.

Romney is that guy.

Posted by CMartel | August 11, 2007 7:36 PM

Welcome to the world of the 'holier than thou' crowd who are some of the most unethical Republicans I have ever met and have been a Republican my entire and lived all over the Country.

This group of people that call themselves social conservatives are the 'my way or no way' crowd and will do anything to get their way and will lie like crazy if it suits their cause.

In my area Mormon candidates are some of the worst at saying whatever it takes to pander to social conservatives and on the other hand spending their campaign dollars like it is their own personal account including using it for church functions. Heard from friends in several states that have experienced the same thing.

Posted by Samantha | August 11, 2007 7:40 PM

YOU LOST MY E-MAIL WHILE I WAS EDITING IT.

BOTTOM LINE THE DEM-LIBS ARE CRAZY! MORE U.S TROOPS DIED DURING THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION NOT AT WAR. THAN HAVE BEEN LOST DURING THE WAR IN IRAQ.

THERE WERE 16,500 MURDERS IN THE U.S. IN 2005-(1YEAR). SO FAR BUSH HAS LOST LESS THAN 3,500 IN 4 YEARS), AND WE ARE AT WAR. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME CHECK IT OUT. THIS DATA IS FROM THE DRUDGE REPORT, BUT SUPPLIED BY THE NYT, AND WASH. POST, AND IT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH OTHER SOURCES. OUR TROOPS ARE DOING A GREAT SERVICE IN IRAQ. THE DEM-LIBS ARE IN DEEP SURRENDER AND THE FACT IS OUR TROOPS ARE SAFER IN IRAQ THAN THEY WOULD BE IN THE GOOD OLD U.S.A..

Posted by FAPLAND | August 11, 2007 7:45 PM

Samantha-- I had a little trouble with your post on first reading, but after studying it a few minutes I think I know where you are coming from.
Utah would be my guess. Seems like many of the folks out there are fed up with them Mormons running the show.

I'm sure they're not all as perfect as most other Christians. But lying to get their way? Spending their campaign money for church functions? You say this is widespread and common in our church? Thanks for tipping us off

Posted by Daniel Wright | August 11, 2007 8:08 PM

The last thing we need is phony Christians trying to tell us how to vote.

Posted by bjalder26 | August 11, 2007 9:49 PM

The flyer said, "if [Jesus Christ] were alive in the flesh..." Do they not believe Christ was resurrected and lives in the flesh. I know Jesus lives, was resurrected on the third in the FLESH. If they are not sure of this what can they really tell me about Romney. Romney will take Iowa, N.H. and many more!

Posted by Ardon Kruse | August 11, 2007 11:15 PM

I know a guy who joined the Mormon Church after a pastor gave him an anti-Mormon pamphlet. The pamphlet seemed so mean-spirited and ridiculous he decided to study Mormonism to find out the truth. He became a Mormon, went on a mission, got a PhD and was teaching at BYU the last time I talked to him.

Anti-Mormon tactics will frighten some away from Romney, but it will also cause some to become curious or sympathetic and give him a second chance.

Posted by Slick-Willy | August 11, 2007 11:48 PM

So very true. The anti actually draws more people to the Mormon church because most people have common sence and are willing to go to the horses mouth to find the answers.

Posted by Micah | August 12, 2007 2:48 AM

ABOUT MORMONISM

I married a Mormon, and to please her I took missionary lessons not once, not twice, but three times. I finally ended up with a Mormon Bishop as my teacher. I was told as a Mormon when I died I would become the ruler of one of the billions of planets in the universe. If they offered me seventy virgins like the Muslim religion promises, I might have converted. I even allowed my daughter to be baptized as a Mormon. When she developed a logic reasoning brain at sixteen she became an agnostic. My three closest Mormon friends, my brother-in-law, my best male friend for over 10 years and an alcoholic Mormon whose family asked me to be his in-house caretaker for gratis; I was asked to help him get over his addiction. Two of my best Mormon friends eventually stole from me big time with both of them eventually going to jail on felonies and one ending up being a pedophile, the third, the alcoholic was a good person, but because of his homosexuality, finally told me after three months of being his home companion, not to waste my time with him unless I wanted to be his lover.
And there was my son-in-law, another very nice but very confused man who was adopted and raised by a Mormon family who sexually abused him as a child.

Read the story of how Joseph Smith, his son, his wife and his brother-in law concocted a story that originated the Mormon religion. It made a good fiction movie.

Some of my best friends were Mormons.

Posted by unclejoe | August 12, 2007 7:37 AM

Unclejoe, your story would be better if I hadn't already read it on four other websites.

Granted, it could be true, but your "logical" conclusion that:

1. I had bad experiences with three of my (imaginary?) dysfunctional mormon friends.

ergo

2. The LDS religion is false and based on a story that Joseph Smith created with his son (unfortunately none of his children were even pre-teens when he died let alone began the church 14 years earlier)

is decidedly ILLOGICAL.

Posted by sloagm | August 12, 2007 8:00 AM

Romney is not an extreme conservative and that is why he has a shot at being President.
Rudy is a democrat and always has been. He changes parties to suit his ambition. It doesn't matter what party he is in he is a democrat. He just doesn't want to get beat in that party by Clinton.
John McCain will never be president. He supports the war too much for about 75% of Americans, and Americans don't like a loser of previous presidential runs. (i.e. al gore/bob dole)
Romney is the only one who has lived a successful family and business life, unlike most of these life long Washington politicians.
If America still votes for people solely on whether they are black or white or a man or woman or a catholic or a Mormon, then we should think twice about our pride in thinking we are the greatest country of freedom and equality in the world.
Romney is the Republicans last hope in 2008, so I hope republicans study and choose wisely instead of making a rash judgment based on religion alone.
I will definitely vote for Romney!

Posted by Android | August 12, 2007 8:26 AM

The presidency is always (or at least nearly always) won by the candidate who is:

A. The most presidential
B. The most optimistic, experienced leader

Mitt Romney has all the other candidates beat on both counts. McCain can't win because he's a senator, not a leader, and he seems sour and surly much of the time. (Bob Dole's problem too.) Indeed, none of the other Republican candidates has anything comparable to Romney's executive experience on their resume, with the possible exception of Giuliani, who is not conservative enough in policy or personal life to win-over Republican voters. Hillary Clinton is shrill one minute, artificially pleasant the next, constantly negative, entirely lacking executive experience, and has enough personal and public scandal between her and her husband to give many voters headaches just thinking about another Clinton White House. Obama is charming, but entirely inexperienced ... all talk and image, little authority. John Edwards is hollow and likewise not an experienced leader or executive. Of the Dems, Bill Richardson comes the closest to meeting Romney on qualifications, but the Dems will never choose him because he's not the "rock star" the left and the media are looking for.

On top of all of this, Mitt Romney's personal life and family are void of any embarrassment or scandal. His wife is a definite help, not a hinderance or distraction (as with Theresa Heinz Kerry), his kids are fiercely supportive and well-behaved, and it will be easy for most voters to identify with their views and values.

Mormonism? For those who know Mormons by living near them, working with them and talking with them, Romney's religion can only be an asset. Quibbles with doctrine mean little to most people when they see a body of believers who actually live as Jesus Christ taught us to live, and by far, most Mormons do and do it well. Only myopic Christian leaders and their hangers-on, for whom image is everything, will have a problem voting for a Mormon. Their votes will not amount to a hill of beans because most Americans, despite their flaws, aren't quite that shallow.

Barring a third-party candidate committing a Ross Perot, I expect Romney to go all the way, and to become our next president.

Posted by Quin | August 12, 2007 10:59 AM

um - Jesus is in the flesh. I think that pretty much sums up how credible this nonsense is.

Posted by Jerry Gemstone | August 12, 2007 4:53 PM

It is interesting reading all the perspectives about Mitt Romney, and I agree with many, yet disagree with many as well. The best thing about our free country is the diversity we share. Religion is not a factor for me when choosing a US President; the person who has the closest values to mine is who I will vote for. Right now, I believe that person to be Mitt Romney, as he does have the most experience of ANY candidate, Republican or Democrat.

Posted by Renee/CO | August 12, 2007 6:10 PM

Ohhhhh, Haaahaaa, Heeeheee, cough, cough, Hoooo Hoooo, oh, funny day. This stuff just kills me! How many generations learn the same lessons over and over and over? Bad people persecute good people and it will never end. Why we even debate the "rightness or wrongness" of these battles surprises me. Bad people mock, persecute and kill good people all the time; every day. Simple fact is, Mitt Romney stands for right and will therefore be the target of evil people who have their own personal problems to protect and justify. Mitt's greatness is his ability to withstand all of the attacks and do what is right regardless.

Posted by Teuvo | August 13, 2007 4:32 PM

RE: If Christ were alive in the flesh today, yes He is, but so far no one's given scriptural evidence. Here's a relevant passage:

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. -- Romans 6:9 (KJV)

BTW, if you want to know what the Mormons really believe, check this site: http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/

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