Romney impresses at least one listener

The ultimate effect of Mitt Romney's much-anticipated speech today on religion and politics will best be determined on caucus night next month in Iowa -- the state where concerns about his Mormonism among evangelicals have clouded his presidential hopes. But Romney can bask in a rave review from one keen observer of political attitudes within the conservative Christian community -- David Brody.

Brody, the senior national correspondent for the Christian Broadcast Network, seemingly could not have been more impressed with Romney's remarks. In a file he posted shortly after the speech ended, Brody termed it "sweeping, lofty and presidential."

Romney, he wrote, "looked natural and spoke passionately." He added that the candidate "didn't just look like a president today. He sounded and behaved like one too."

You can read the rest of Brody's reaction here. And you can read our news story on the speech here. The text of Romney's remarks are here.

CBN, of course, was founded decades ago by televangelist Pat Robertson, who recently surprised many by backing Rudy Giuliani in the GOP presidential race. Brody's page takes note of that with the following: "Pat Robertson as a private citizen has recently endorsed a candidate for public office. As a private citizen he has the right to participate in the political process, and is entitled to express his personal views. CBN, as a public charity, does not support or oppose any candidate for public office, and as a result will not address or comment further on this matter."

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Jim H]

He was preaching to evangelicals, not the voters at large. I myself, when awakened by those very serious young gentlemen on a Saturday morning, slam the door in their faces. How on earth can this guy say that "religion is necessary for freedom?" His freedom, not mine. I don't want to hear one more hypocrite babble on about his religion while running for dogcatcher. He's there to catch dogs, not to be Pope.

[Jack]

Good for him, I know alot of people probably needed to hear this speach. I just read on Cnn that a recent poll taken shows 77% percent of people say they dont care if he is a mormon. Hmmm I dont know if thats correct. I think alot of those people just say the most "politically correct" answer. Alot of people to this day dont know much about mormons and therefore are skeptical of them. So hats off to Mitt, I think this was necessary and hopefully people can get passed all this Religious bigotry.

[Steven Rinehart]

GO ROMNEY!!!!

[Yasser F. Sanchez]

Romney did an incredible job today.

He showed America he is ready to lead. This was a crucial moment in the campaign. Rush and Hannity could not stop talking about how solid Romney is and I truly agree.

Go Mitt!!!!

[onecitizenspeaking]

Romney's Mormonism: It's Not About Religion -- It's About Ethics and Behavior. Here are the four questions we need to ask... http://www.onecitizenspeaking.com/2007/12/romneys-mormoni.html

[rob]

Ralph Reed gave Romney a glowing review on CNN or Morning Joe (can't remember which one.)

It is sort of ubsurd - a Republican who can win in Massachusetts - would seem like a dream candidate to defeat the dems. Brilliant Speech - terrific record as an executive.

The pro abortion crowd seems to have a problem with having converted him to their viewpoint - pathetic. Get in the big tent and stop hurting our chances of winning in the general election. After 7 years of Bush the country wants CHANGE - this translates into nobody is going to get behind a Baptist Minister for president, not because of his religion, but because so much of his professional experience is as a Minister, and the way he campaigns is an insult to our constituition. Great Speech, great article, Jewish American for Mitt - no longer willing to vote Republican unless we agree on a moderate.

[J. D. Alder]

He definately sounds, looks , and acts presidential. He would be a president that I would be proud to show off to the world. He does have conviction and passion and is very educated. He is the best I have seen of all the candidates.

[Michael Snyder]

Looks Presidential!? What's that? Grey hair, balding, beer gut, Armani suit? What about Hillary? Do big hips count as a beer gut? We have a messed up way to vet our leaders.
The last election was hijacked by the Pro Lifers and the leader they chose has killed more people than all of the abortionist in history.
I've never met a Mormon who didn't have a highly developed sense of community, wasn't family orientated and didn't value integrity along with their relationship with God. And I've known these people from my teens. (I have an AARP card)
We're a country founded on the principle of religious freedom. That means the freedom to worship in any way we choose, not just according to the religious right. As a matter of fact, if you scratch the paint you'll find a bumper crop of hypocrites hiding behind that crucifix.
Mitts' a good man. He's proven he can make a buck on his own and that places him ahead of most of the field. I don't agree with him on everything but he beats the heck out of the Bozo in the White House now.

[Debrar]

I am so impressed with Mitt Romney. He touched my heart and made me happy to be an American. I appreciate his comments on faith, which echos what so many of us say and feel.

What a great man!

Go Mitt !!!

America needs you !!!

[Shawn M. Hussey]

I concur with Governor Romney that religion has an important place in America.The Founding Fathers were correct that there should not be an established state church or a religious test for public office.But that does not mean that our nation should refrain from discussing God and the Lord's teachings.The Declaration of Independence states how our rights are derived from our Creator.The right to life itself comes from the Lord.