Romney, targeted by evangelical pastor, warns of 'poisonous language'

WASHINGTON -- A day after a Dallas pastor's comments shined a spotlight onto Gov. Mitt Romney's Mormon faith, the former Massachusetts governor told religious activists in Washington that "poisonous language" hurts the conservative cause.

"We should remember that decency and civility are values too," Romney said at the Values Voter Summit. "One of the speakers who will follow me today has crossed that line I think. Poisonous language doesn’t advance our cause; it's never softened a single heart or changed a single mind."

Romney's comments came not in reference to Robert Jeffress, the Rick Perry-endorsing Southern Baptist leader, who yesterday referred to Mormonism as "a cult," but instead appeared to be directed at Bryan Fischer, a member of the American Family Association who has made controversial comments about Islam, homosexuality, and the Mormon faith.

"The blessings of faith carry the responsibility to civil and respectful debate," Romney said. "The task before us is to focus on the conservative beliefs and the values that unite us. Let no agenda narrow our vision or drive us apart. We have important work to accomplish."

Fischer, whose remarks immediately followed Romney's address to the group, opened his speech by saying that the next president should espouse a "sincere, authentic, genuine Christian faith."

In the past, Fischer has called Mormonism "not an orthodox Christian faith."

During his remarks, Fischer also repeated past statements about homosexuality as a threat to the First Amendment and Islam as an inherently violent faith.

While Romney did not directly address yesterday's controversy due to Jeffress' comments, he did praise another speaker at the summit, who skewered the Baptist leader for "bigotry."

Speaking before Romney, author and radio host Dr. Bill Bennett castigated Jeffress for doing "no good" for Perry by making inflammatory comments about Mormonism.

Taking the stage, Romney boosted Bennett for "hit[ting] it out of the park," the same phrase Perry used to praise his introducer Jeffress yesterday.

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Eat him alive evangelical political leaders.... EAT HIM. Let your poisonous vile reign...simply because he doesn't practice his Christianity the way you would like him practicing it.

It seems like to these evangelical political leaders... all you need to say is I'm a christian and it is qualification enough to hold the highest office; unless of course of your name is Obama, then your type of Christianity is even below that of Romney's (Mormonism)...

BTW, notice how I use the term "evangelical political leaders".... yeah an oximoron huh? you can not be an evangelical leader while at the same time delving into politics (the devils nest). Just doesn't work that way.

In any event, "can't we all just get along".... Sorry Romney, you will not be the nominee of the republican party, they would nominate a black man before you get nominated... it's just YOU bro....no hard feelings from the teabagging group..it's just how they roll... no sense of rationality.

  • 16 votes
Reply#1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:37 PM EDT

HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE A TEABAGGER

1) Jesus will no longer give fish and bread to the hungry crowd, instead he
will call them "lazy, deadbeats" and tell them to "get a job". He will then
explain the evils of redistribution with a parable about studying Christianity
to get into heaven, and not giving your knowledge to someone else who did not
study it as hard.

2) Jesus will no longer heal the lepers unless they pay him. He will charge a nominal fee upfront, and if they are poor he will instruct his followers to "let them die." Furthermore, the story of the good Samaritan will be changed to the "Responsible Samaritan" who realizes it is not his "responsibility" to help someone else.

3) While on the cross, Jesus will no longer forgive the man being crucified
next to him. Instead, Jesus will cheer as the man dies... but he will not be
able to clap, obviously.

4) The phrase "Love thy neighbor" shall be changed to "Love thy Christian
neighbor, and hate all others".

5) The phrase "Judge not" will be changed to "Judge often".

6) The story of the "rich man", where Jesus instructs him to give up all his
money, shall be changed. The NEW "rich man" story will feature Jesus explaining
that he deserves to keep all his money, because that is how one gets into
heaven. Furthermore, the phrase "camel through the eye of a needle" shall be
changed to "camel crossing the street".

7) The phrase "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" will be
changed to "let all Christians cast stones at the unworthy, so they shall know
the truth".

8) Instead of replacing the ear of the soldier, Jesus will not cut off the
other ear and claim the soldier is "gay"

"borrowed ths from someone and Im sorry I cant give them credit"

  • 14 votes
#1.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:51 PM EDT

(Tundy) Eat him alive evangelical political leaders....

* * *

Are you feeling hunger pangs or smokin' weed? One preacher expressed his views. His views, to me, are ONLY HIS. Religious people do vote; however, most of the ones I know, like to keep church and gov't separate.

  • 4 votes
#1.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:23 PM EDT

Greg Parker-626855,

It's ironic that you didn't get the sarcasm in my post... and bro, I actually agree with 99% of what you said..I called him an "evangelical political leader"... that's far different from being just a "preacher" that you are trying to defend against my liberal wrath. There's clear distinct difference in the two.

It is clearly conflict of interest when a preacher who stands to gain from his buddy becoming president telling his congregation to vote for one candidate over the other based of political ideology. This is what Jesus will frown upon, and you know Jesus preached that we need to look at him for guidance (and not your preacher).

Putting that much power in man is very dangerous as we've witnessed from past atrocities - with man at the helm, every religion has had someone who has used God's (Allah) name to justify their dirty doings. Bottom line is that when a religious leader says vote for Perry over Romney, he's mis-using the authority provided to him/her and doing a dis-service to his congregation...so I agree with you..complete separation of church and state - and it doesn't mean that the elected official doesn't have to be of faith. In a truly free society, anyone of any faith should be given opportunity to practice the way they wish, so as long as it doesn't impose its will on others.

By the way if you can't tell.... I'm Christian and some what Liberal. I never blindly follow and implore everyone else to do like-wise. Always question your being.....it's after all part of what makes us human and not zombies.

  • 8 votes
#1.3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 4:23 PM EDT

lol

  • 1 vote
#1.4 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 8:09 PM EDT

Sorry, republicans have shown no decency, civility or even basic honor since Obama was elected. Mitt, you"ll just have to live with it. Perry and the others will tear you limb from limb. Most americans could see this coming 3 yrs ago. The unhonorable are always predictable. Rove is a shrewd dude but not as smart as he thinks he is. Americans are finally wiseing up to the republicans agenda of phony tactics. I can see it starting to backfire, as it should. Bet it will get even uglier. Not the grand ol party our fathers knew. What a shameful bunch they have become.

  • 8 votes
#1.5 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 1:10 AM EDT

Poisonous Language indeed!

Beyond Rick Perry’s high-profile Friday endorsement from Baptist pastor Robert Jeffress, who openly calls Mormonism a “cult”, Perry has worked closely with the charismatic evangelical tendency known as the New Apostolic Reformation, which dominated Perry’s August 6th presidential campaign launch event, The Response, and whose top leaders advise burning Books of Mormon.

Uh oh. I hope you weren't planning to carry Utah, Rick.

There is no question as to the facts; repeatedly in their in-print books, Wagner and his top NAR movement leaders (including Cindy Jacobs, Ed Silvoso and Chuck Pierce) have detailed the need for believers to burn, smash, flush down toilets or otherwise destroy allegedly evil and idolatrous objects including Books of Mormon, statues of Catholic saints and rosary beads, and native art, such as ceremonial masks and totem poles.

Be very scared. Is this the face of the GOTP? Sounds like the Good Ship Scary is taking on water.

    #1.6 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 12:03 PM EDT
    Reply

    Mitt is a true politician... you can't believe a word he say's or trust his actions ..anything to get a vote ...He seems to shoot himself in the foot every time..His new use of the word "GOD" just lost him a huge group that might have considered him . His handlers should be fired, once again he is a train wreck in slow motion !

    • 8 votes
    Reply#2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:39 PM EDT

    what??? You saying obama is his idol and mentor? lmao!

    • 2 votes
    #2.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 4:24 PM EDT

    Romney's economic advisers should be fired. Many are from the old, debunked New American Century, and one person in particular, who inserted the now infamous "Sixteen Words" into Bush's speech about uranium and Africa, which many felt was grounds for impeachment of Bush, has been hired by Romney!

    At least we know who they are now. We still don't know who helped Cain come up with his 9-9-9 plan, or how this is calculated. But of course, trolls like american will try to take any criticism of Teapublicans and apply it to the president. There's a reason for the vetting process, and it's a good reason.

    • 7 votes
    #2.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:34 PM EDT
    Reply

    Aren't there enough divisions between the children of God without creating more? These people are running for president not for pope.

    • 10 votes
    Reply#3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:40 PM EDT

    Agreed. AND we should vote for them based upon their ideas of governing.

    • 2 votes
    #3.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:26 PM EDT

    so why does FR bring up the religious angle and why do the libs relish it so? OK, I forgot, this is a libs dream blog and they don't know how to talk up obama. clicks means dollars for these greedy libs. lol!

    • 3 votes
    #3.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 4:28 PM EDT

    lonereb -- The right-wing has been using fear and religious wedge issues to divide people for a long time, to divide and conquer. This has increased over time with abortion, wars where WMD never were, Sharia Law, unions, poor people, and now in a time of economic duress people are even more susceptible to fear and division. The biggest problem is turning people against one another has become so ingrained in conservatives they can't help but start turning on themselves. Reap what you sow, Teapublicans, self-implode for everyone's sake.

    • 9 votes
    #3.3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:17 PM EDT

    Not yet

      #3.4 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:29 PM EDT
      Reply

      Constitution;

      Article VI Paragraph 3.

      • 12 votes
      Reply#4 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:43 PM EDT

      Good point NDD.

      • 6 votes
      #4.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:59 PM EDT
      Reply

      I am much more worried about Romney wanting to build up our troops and war machine. In a time when our country and our people need our resources he is about building up the defense department?

      I think we all need some magic underwear to save us from Romney and the return of the bush advisers.

      • 10 votes
      Reply#5 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:44 PM EDT

      but you fully support obamas actions in building up troops and war machines, right??

      • 3 votes
      #5.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 4:34 PM EDT

      I don't care about underwear, but a magic jobs machine would be great. Ha!

      Most Americans, even conservatives now support a draw-down of the wars. Iraq has been drawn down, and troops are preparing to leave Afghanistan to be out completely by 2014. The Iraq war never should have been, and neither should have lasted so long.

      Another concern has been the explosion of Homeland Security. Good luck getting that costly department under control. It makes the EPA, Dept. of Education, and all the "hated" departments combined look like nothing.

      • 7 votes
      #5.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:49 PM EDT

      True Patriot you are exactly right, we are out of Iraq as war fighters, most operations have left the country and we are starting to leave Afghanistan not quickly but we are leaving but were you really hit the nail on the head is Homeland Security. This department is now the largest single department we have behind the Department of Defense with over 200,000 employees, their authority destroys the bill of rights and does little more than supply a false sense of security behind body scans and patdowns.

      • 6 votes
      #5.3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:47 PM EDT
      Reply

      That pastor just lost my Vote for president............

      • 5 votes
      Reply#6 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:50 PM EDT

      Mine too.

      • 4 votes
      #6.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:27 PM EDT
      Reply

      "Fischer, whose remarks immediately followed Romney's address to the group, opened his speech by saying that the next president should espouse a "sincere, authentic, genuine Christian faith.""

      Since when did it become a requirement that the President be a Christian? This country was not founded as a Christian nation. The founding fathers were very explicit about that and even included it in Treaty of Tripoli:

      As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

      Christians complain that everyone is attacking their religion when it is actually quite the opposite. What I'm tired of is all the Christians who throw their religion in my face. Keep it to yourself, I really couldn't care less about your religion, and I want nothing to do with it. You want to pray and go to church? Fine, go ahead, just don't tell me about it, as I do not care. And stop telling me I am 'blessed', I am not, I have worked hard for everything I have, no mythical god has provided anything.

      • 13 votes
      Reply#7 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 12:55 PM EDT

      Good to see you Matthew - thanks for the assist the other day on the Solyndra thread! ;o)

      • 6 votes
      #7.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:01 PM EDT

      No prob, Feisty. When you're right, you're right. Keep on posten', you redheaded wonder.

      • 2 votes
      #7.2 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 1:57 AM EDT

      you redheaded wonder.

      *blushes* lol

        #7.3 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 10:15 AM EDT
        Reply

        Have you ever had someone keep telling you how honest they are and your body tends to get a little firmer grip on your purse? This trying to out christian each other is having the same effect. Just tell us your views on policy and let us decide for ourselves.

        • 6 votes
        Reply#8 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 1:10 PM EDT

        The evangelical radical fringe is clearly off the rails. They are fueled by bigotry, hate and power. The Jesus I read about would be called a commie by this crowd. What happened to the republican intellectuals? They must all be held captive somewhere. The thinking republicans I've known for years now call themselves independents.

        • 4 votes
        Reply#9 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 1:30 PM EDT

        I hope these so called Independents all don't vote republican. It seems like every time there is a poll on independent voters, they still favor republicans.

          #9.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 9:42 PM EDT

          It seems like every time there is a poll on independent voters, they still favor republicans.

          They favor generic Republicans. Put a name on that Republican -- Perry, Bachmann -- and things change. Of all the current Republican presidential candidates, only Romney is even close to beating Obama and he's not very far ahead.

            #9.2 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:06 AM EDT
            Reply

            These Teavangelicans are in no way Christians...They have perverted religion and call themselves followers of Jesus Christ.

            Would they deny that Jesus welcomed everyone, held no bias or hatred. Perhaps to admit that Jesus was (liberal) a man of peace and love for everyone without distinction is too much.

            Their bigotry shines bright.......They do not practice Christianity!

            • 8 votes
            Reply#10 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 1:55 PM EDT

            same can be said of the progressive caucus as well as many of the obama FR supporters, so what?

            Christ was a liberal? A European liberal would stretch it, but he definitely would not be an American liberal or progressive.

            I don't ever recall him saying that wealth was bad and should be redistributed, or that a businessman was bad for generating more income than another. However he did bring up points that with wealth, there was also responsibility. responsibility that lay with the wealthy and not anothers opinion of what the wealthy should do with their money, except of course "render up to Caesar, that which is Caesars" . Nor did Christ imply that it was the sole responsibility of the wealthy to look after the many, but rather it was the responsibility of ALL to do so.

            I do recall him saying that the poor will be with us always, and after his resurrection his disciples admonishing others to work or not eat.

            • 2 votes
            #10.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 4:57 PM EDT

            The difference is professing to be a Christian, or worse running on being a Christian, and then even worse getting busted for a sex scandal after being elected as a Christian. This is why "family values" Repubicans who get busted for sex scandals are more repulsive than Democrats who get busted.

            There are religious people who you would never know are devout, because it's between them and God. Wearing something on one's sleeve is pretentious and suspicious. Enough with professing and "protesting too much" about religious faith, and focus on qualifications and solutions for our nation. Enough with mixing religion in politics--this is where it gets you, all of you, including Mormons.

            • 6 votes
            #10.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:02 PM EDT

            Iam sorry american 2051576 when did you say you heard Christ speaking, you do know the bible was written by man. God only used stone. So again we are simply listening to your interpritation right you really did not hear him say anything you know nothing for fact just what others have told you.

            • 4 votes
            #10.3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:53 PM EDT

            american-2051576, wasn't there something about an eye of a needle, camels, rich men, and getting into heaven? Something about being a brother's keeper? Seems to me, you haven't got a clue about Christianity, but me, an deist, has more of a clue, than you . . . . hmm, a poet . . . and I know it. ;-)))

            • 3 votes
            #10.4 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 2:08 AM EDT

            Yes, Matthew -

            The problem with them is the "picking and choosing" what part of scripture they want to follow in a given circumstance.

            It is easy - and evidently popular - to cite passages of scripture out of context to support some point or a given position. If American or any Republican candidate or anyone else for that matter chooses to play that assinine, untruthful, misleading game, I say to them:

            IS IS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE - "Then Judas went out and hanged himself." "Go ye and do liikewise."

            Playing politics upon a religious foundation is irreverant (Gov. Perry, Romney, Congresswoman Bachmann, et.al.)

            • 3 votes
            #10.5 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 1:26 PM EDT

            These Teavangelicans are in no way Christians.

            Agreed. The fact is -- you cannot be a 21st century Republican and a Christian (or a good American for that matter) at the same time. The two are polar opposites.

            • 2 votes
            #10.6 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:08 AM EDT
            Reply

            The TEA Party is "economic" -- it is different from "social conservatives".

            • 5 votes
            Reply#11 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:29 PM EDT

            It isn't their poisonous rhetoric I care about, it is their poisonous little minds and their poisonous little candidates, and their poisonous little laws.

            • 3 votes
            Reply#12 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:32 PM EDT

            opened his speech by saying that the next president should espouse a "sincere, authentic, genuine Christian faith

            This from the idiots who claim to "love the constitution" but fail to remember that Article 6 states:

            "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

            • 5 votes
            Reply#13 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:36 PM EDT

            iceman6, put down the kool aid ...............here's the antidote to all the supposed "poison".......

            Mr.Cain is THE rising star in the GOP among constituents . He tells it like it is and everyone understands what he means ( there's no B.S.) .

            Herman Cain presents the greatest positive contrast to Obama ( to whom B.S. comes natural ).

            • 4 votes
            Reply#14 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:37 PM EDT

            Leona, time for your meds and put down the kool aid no drinking here. You have your opinion as that is good for you but mindless statements about rising stars will not persuade anyone. While you may understand him I do not nor his 999 plane but I know what that is when you turn it upside down 666.

            • 6 votes
            #14.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:57 PM EDT

            Tis the Season: " While you may understand him I do not nor his 999 plane but I know what that is when you turn it upside down 666."

            I wouldn't call anyone "mindless" with a statement like that. I guess Herman Cain is right when he says some people are simply "brainwashed." Herman Cain is a true American success story. You only demean yourself with the "666" comment. Only kool aid drunks say stuff like that. lol

              #14.2 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:13 AM EDT
              Reply

              I think the past 24 hour news cycle illustrates what a conumdrum the GOP faces in selecting their presidential nominee. Two of their front runners - Romney and Perry - face huge obstacles.

              Up front let me say I support President Obama. I am a middle-aged, white, suburban wife and mother who is a mainstream Methodist.

              Romney's obstacle comes from a substantial part of the GOP base - the Evangelical Christians. I think it is utterly deplorable but many of these Evangelicals view Mormonism as some kind of cult, as stated by Perry's pastor. It will be very hard for Romney to do well in the Iowa Caucus and southern primaries in places like South Carolina. If he does manage to get the GOP nomination he will have a tough time in swing states like Virginia and North Carolina that have large Evangelical voting populations. Perry's pastor was on MSNBC with Alex Witt this morning and said that even though he, himself, would vote for Romney if he were the nominee he believed that millions and millions of other Evangelicals would sit on their hands and not vote for Romney in November 2012.

              Perry's obstacle is that his religious beliefs seem to strongly influence his own beliefs on issues like global warming, evolution, etc. He is Scary Perry who will frighten away Independents and make Democrats like me work extra hard to be sure he does not win! His pastor is scary! And of course Perry has other obstacles like the "rock" issue, etc.

              So who is the answer to this GOP conumdrum of who should be their nominee? Herman Cain! He seems like the only viable option left!

              • 5 votes
              Reply#15 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:52 PM EDT

              hey Monetfan, I beg to differ when you call Mr.Cain the only viable option. He is MUCH more than that. The American people like STRAIGHT TALKERS. Cain is very well liked ( maybe NOT by establishment GOP) by the American people !

              Again, Mr.Cain is THE rising star in the GOP among constituents . He tells it like it is and everyone understands what he means ( there's no B.S.) .

              Herman Cain presents the greatest positive contrast to Obama ( to whom B.S. comes natural ).

              • 3 votes
              #15.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 3:03 PM EDT

              That is just it leona, The populace likes the "feel good" BS, not logic or reality. Obama would be in deep do-do land if he attempted any type of logic except political logic.

              OMG 2012...Obama must go 2012...

              • 4 votes
              #15.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:05 PM EDT

              Leona, say it three times and it will be true, you got one to go and then we will all fall magically in line behind you just keep looking straight ahead.

              • 3 votes
              #15.3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:59 PM EDT

              "Two of their front runners - Romney and Perry - face huge obstacles."

              All Republican candidates faces huge obstacles. The party is controlled by crazies. Most of the candidates are crazy. In order to get the nominations -- you have to please the crazies running the show. CRAZIES DON'T WIN NATIONAL ELECTIONS.

              • 3 votes
              #15.4 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:11 AM EDT

              Hey Charlie-1915998, is it crazy to want businesses to create more jobs ? As I see it, you can continue to ask for more hand outs ( Democrat Platform) or more JOB opportunities (Republican platform).

                #15.5 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:17 AM EDT
                Reply

                The blessings of faith carry the responsibility to civil and respectful debate.

                Umm, since when? Seriously, I want to know. Seems that historically faith has always been the enemy of civil and respectful debate. I mean, when God's already handed you a cosmic crib sheet, what is there left to debate? Why be civil or respectful of those who disagree with you when you speak for God and they must therefore be absolutely wrong?

                • 4 votes
                Reply#16 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 2:59 PM EDT

                Hey Nathan, you sound like the typical Atheist who thinks he has all the answers . God = civility, love, respect, put your neighbor first , "do unto others...." etc.....................unless its twisted by "religious extremists " ( they are very few ) .

                • 3 votes
                #16.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 3:08 PM EDT

                No one has all the answers, even fairy tales meant to regulate the masses.

                • 2 votes
                #16.2 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:27 PM EDT

                Leona, like how God told the Israelites to show civility, love, and respect for their Canaanite neighbors by slaughtering every man, woman, child, and animal in the land?

                That's an extreme example, but read the bible some time. Old testament or new, it's not big on being civil and loving to people who don't fall in line and who harbor differing or opposing religious views. Its one of the few topics where the bible is pretty consistent, and the Quran and Book of Mormon don't deviate from that theme either (though the Quran is less consistent since it can't make up its mind whether Muslims are supposed to love their Jewish and Christian neighbors or kill them). If I'm wrong, please point out relevant counter-examples, thanks.

                • 2 votes
                #16.3 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:10 PM EDT

                Nathan, I mentioned God and you are concentrating on what the Bible and other sources say. God is pure and can be used and twisted by PEOPLE and even some who "penned" the Bible.

                • 2 votes
                #16.4 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 4:27 PM EDT
                Reply

                Wow, tolerance must not be politically correct for this election.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#17 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 5:27 PM EDT

                Cain wants a return to the gold standard, says being unemployed or poor is your own fault, says everything out of his mouth like it's being dictated to a guy making a stone tablet, says Obama is not "authentically black" whatever that is. With Bachmann, Santorum, Perry discussing others' Christian fitness--my goodness gracious--with a talent pool like this--makes me freaked out to think these people are being taken seriously as possible nominees!  Sounds like the inmates are in charge of the asylum.

                • 3 votes
                Reply#18 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:21 PM EDT

                Herman Cain is a puppet for the Koch Brothers...they pull his sting and he opened his mouth and BS fall out...Herman Cain is not his own Man

                They taught him well...they keep him around because they are tried of being accused of being racist, but every one KNOW for a FACT that the Koch Brothers are very RACIST...

                • 3 votes
                #18.1 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 8:45 PM EDT

                They have been for a while.

                  #18.2 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:02 AM EDT
                  Reply

                  I want each and every candidate to shut the hell up about their religion, and the religion of any other candidate!  Religion has no place in a political race.

                  What I want is an atheist...hell, I'd settle for an agnostic, at this point.

                  Just tell me what you're going to do about the economy and jobs and the economy and the enviroment...and JOBS! And the economy.

                  Pay attention, you jerks!  Pay attention to the real issues.

                   

                  • 7 votes
                  Reply#19 - Sat Oct 8, 2011 6:35 PM EDT

                  I'd settle for a human being instead of a special interest fueled sheep herder.

                  • 1 vote
                  #19.1 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:04 AM EDT
                  Reply

                  ENOUGH with these knee-jerk reactions to the current situation! The last three Presidents have been elected with knee-jerk votes against the current Status Quo, look how well that has worked out!

                  I thought we had learned our lesson when we replaced Foley with Gingrich and Byrd with Thurman in '95'. Now here we are again back where we were before we got to where we are! We might want to consider that Anarchy isn't a better form of governance than Socialism, just a different one

                  In any case we must not allow anyone unconcerned with a nuclear armed Iran or North Korea ANYWHERE near any seat of power!

                  • 3 votes
                  Reply#20 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 8:32 AM EDT

                  MB-

                  Yes, let's see...

                  Before Romney took the podium at the Values Voter Summit, conservative commentator Bill Bennett upbraided Jeffress by name. “Do not give voice to bigotry,” Bennett said.

                  http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-his-mormonism-a-campaign-issue-again-condemns-religious-bigotry/2011/10/08/gIQAnQxKWL_story.html

                  What do you think? So far, is it the LIBERAL media or the left in general making Romney's faith an issue? Remember, we're keeping a watch on ALL religious bigotry...

                    Reply#21 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 11:13 AM EDT

                    Absolutely, dangerfield.

                    Let's see where the anti-Mormon bigotry is coming from when and if Romney becomes the GOP nominee.

                    Until then, go to any of the left-of-center websites...Daily Kos, HuffPo, Firedoglake, or here at First Read, and describe the tenor of the comments by liberal/progressives with regard to Romney.

                    No bigotry there?

                    And again...you seriously expect me to be surprised that a fundamentalist Dallas pastor prefers born-again Texas Governor Rick Perry to Romney?

                    I prefer Romney.

                    I'm happy to field questions about what I think.

                    Got a horse in the race, df?

                    Not the Republican nomination race...the general election race?

                    For me, Romney/Rubio trumps Obama/Biden every time.

                    But you're welcome to disagree, friend...if you're so inclined.

                      #21.1 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 3:18 PM EDT

                      you seriously expect me to be surprised that a fundamentalist Dallas pastor prefers born-again Texas Governor Rick Perry to Romney?

                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      No more than you should be surprised or feign umbrage at the antics of "left-of-center websites, although you don't cite a link or example of this "bigotry", Is it the articles or the comments that express this sentiment as I do not frequent either Kos or FDL.

                      I'm not doubting you my friend, just wondering what the source of this anti-Mormon prejudice is.

                      If it is the comments, Did you READ the comments from the article I posted from WaPo? The only 'bigotry" expressed there is decidedly "right-of-center, no?

                      Values voters backed Mitt a whopping FOUR percent...just saying...do you think there was maybe a little bigotry expressed there? Do you think the President could have done any worse?

                      Again, the mainstream left will not and has not made Mitt's(or Huntsman's for that matter) Mormon religion an issue, and democratic candidates are not as likely to make anyone's religion an issue, since JFK's 1960 speech.

                      I am only posting (and counting) from the so-called MSM; WaPo, not HuffPo et al. , and IMO, our resident racists/bigots here don't count in my book anyway as they are utterly predictable and of little consequence.

                      You seem to be going pretty far afield (Fire Dog Lake? Come on!) to search out this "bigotry" when it was in sharp relief just this weekend right there at the Values Voters Summit.

                      But still we will both be keeping count, if not keeping score...

                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      Senator Rubio will not, I repeat, will NOT accept a VP invite, whoever the top of the ticket is, period, so who's your second choice?

                      PBS was a Mitt-fest on Friday, so in case you missed it, here is an in-depth interview and most of Shields and Brooks segment all about Mr. Romney.

                      I already told you that I think The President wins against Mitt, but neither of us knows Jack at this point so what's the point? Maybe if we had an imaginary tavern or something....

                      Enjoy!

                      http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec11/romneyfull_10-07.html

                      http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec11/sandb_10-07.html

                      • 2 votes
                      #21.2 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 4:23 PM EDT

                      From Today's op-ed;

                      In picking a presidential candidate, the Republican establishment appears to favor Mitt Romney. But the party's populist faction isn't sold.

                      Those two campaigns, 40 years apart, were different in many respects, but similar in that they highlight the obstacles facing candidates who run against incumbents, even weak ones, while tending to divisions within their own parties. In both cases, populist forces challenged a more traditional establishment, producing exciting, unpredictable primary races. But in neither instance did the eventual nominee succeed in healing the divisions. The result is that they had this too in common: Both times, they lost.

                      http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-gopfield-20111009,0,3558555.story

                      • 1 vote
                      #21.3 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 5:42 PM EDT

                      Some of you guys are funny. Every time I see one of these straw polls and the winners, I wonder how President Obama would come out on YOUR straw poll. I would bet money that many are doing the same as me. Tuning out until time to vote. We have made our decision, no reason for any hoopla, we know we are voting for Obama. We don't seem excited, we don't seem alarmed, we just know what we are going to do. That may not register in the polls but if your house is burning, you try to stop the fire. And when you have it under control you don't turn it back over to the arsonists. I can't believe anybody that voted for Obama would switch their vote unless they had a big, big misunderstanding of what he was going to do. And the main complaint many have is that he isn't doing enough of what he is doing not less. So you don't give your vote to someone who will do exactly opposite of what you wanted him to do. Think about the debt ceiling bebacle, the dont raise taxes on the rich at any cost, don't even think of helping create jobs situation, and on and on. First of all what candidate would take responsiblity for that which is one of the problems they are havingand then who would vote for a candidate that did. Wise up people unless you are totally brainwashed!

                      • 2 votes
                      #21.4 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:56 AM EDT

                      dangerfield-

                      The bigots among the bloggers here and at the other left-of-center sites are exactly who I was referring to when I raised the issue of attacks on Romney. They actually began long ago, but probably escaped your notice.

                      Now, they'll be ramping up.

                      The left-of-center msm will participate to the extent that they'll highlight and over-emphasize examples of right-wing anti-Mormon bigotry. That's to be expected. It's already begun as well.

                      I have freely acknowledged that there is anti-Mormon bigotry on the Christian right, but that's a bit like saying the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Does it really need to be said? The left has its fringe as well, doesn't it, df?

                      There is also the sentiment among many conservatives that Romney isn't conservative enough...a perfectly legitimate concern, in my view. That said, more than anything, most conservatives want the candidate with the best shot at defeating President Obama in November, 2912.

                      I believe that's Romney. To be clear...I'M sold on Romney. Specifically, I'm sold on Romney over President Obama.

                      I'm a fiscal and national defense conservative...NOT a values voter or a social issues voter. If I'm proven incorrect about Romney's chances, so be it. It's my opinion...nothing more.

                      I'll believe that Marco Rubio won't be the vp candidate when the GOP convention selects someone else. I'm aware of his comments on the issue, but I don't consider him unpersuadable. We'll see. Until then, it's Romney/Rubio 2012. In any event, I love how that looks at this venue. Sorry.

                      Lastly...why is Firedoglake farther afield than First Read? Both have a clear editorial stance. Firedoglake is a site devoted to pure liberal/progressive ideology; First Read is a site devoted to a cult-of-personality surrounding President Obama. I've watched you go toe-to-toe with that cult-of-personality many, many times, dangerfield. Aside from promoting political centrism, that's largely what you do here. It looks that way from here, anyway.

                      As someone who champions political centrism, and bemoans rigid ideological polarization, I would have thought you might regard the prospect of Romney as the GOP nominee as a positive development, given the viable alternatives...without regard to how you actually cast your own vote. I never really saw you as a political independent, dangerfield...although you certainly sound like one in an environment like First Read.

                      But then again...at First Read, I'm viewed as a hard-right, racist "hater" engaged in "brainless teabaggery".

                      It still makes me laugh.

                        #21.5 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:56 AM EDT

                        Sorry.

                        That's "November, 2012".

                          #21.6 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 11:04 AM EDT
                          Reply

                          The phony liberals with their usual shell game.

                          Liberals claim Mitt's Mormon religion should not be raised as an issue, but the liberal media takes every opportunity to stir up the pot.

                          MSNBC, doing its part for the Obama campaign.

                          • 1 vote
                          Reply#22 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 12:39 PM EDT

                          BS, Bob -- What Democrat is stirring up the pot about religion? Every time Romney runs the Evangelicals spew their usual Hate speech about other faiths--not just Mormons--and they do it every time Romney runs not just at present. The media, well that's what they do to get ratings, they report about controversy, currently conservative against conservative within the religious Right. Social conservatives are just showing their true ugly colors once again for all the world to see.

                          Get religion out of politics and all this will stop! That's the answer Bob, getting religion out of politics, not whether the media reports on how disgusting you all are.

                          • 1 vote
                          #22.1 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 1:26 PM EDT

                          Duh! It is not a liberal media. Fox News is not media? Come on! Every chance the media gets to pick on Obama they do! Maybe you are too busy celebrating to hear clearly. You whine and complain about the media repeating what some like Bachmann and Palin and Angle and the plethora of others who constantly make stupid remarks but you don't realize if they would quit making stupid remarks they wouldn't be repeated.

                          • 2 votes
                          #22.2 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:47 AM EDT
                          Reply

                          On the issue of religion I fully support Willard. This pastor is so ignorant of the beginnings of his own church that he has made his Southern Baptist roots just that much more ignorant in my eyes. Go back to school Reverand and this time listen. I have no concern whatsoever about Mr Romney's religion other than he obvioulsy does not practice it. He does not misstate he blatantly lies. And that is but one thing, there are so many others. Of course that may come from the bad air in his son's basement in Belmont?

                          • 2 votes
                          Reply#23 - Sun Oct 9, 2011 1:29 PM EDT

                          Romney/Cain 2012.

                          ABO 2012.

                          • 1 vote
                          Reply#24 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:08 AM EDT

                          Joseph, You know , I like that alot ( Romney/Cain) !

                          Romney is Ready and Cain is Able !

                            #24.1 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:23 AM EDT
                            Reply

                            Romney got that one right! Remember when the GOP hated Bush being bashed. So they learned how to do it and attack and bash anyone that opposes anything they do. I myself take issue with a minister who attacks anyone, I don't care if it is the local child molestor. Isn't there a be angry but sin not concept. Isn't there a do as to others as you would have them do unto yourself? Isn't there a as you treat the least of them you have treated me? These zealot people have lost their moral compass and believe that it is my way or the hiway. They do have to realize though that the hiway may not go exactly where they think it does. Because there is also a concept of all who knock will not enter. And if you lead thousands down the wrong path, you may not have the password.

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#25 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:41 AM EDT

                            I myself take issue with a minister who attacks anyone,

                            I have found that nobody is more hateful towards somebody who disagrees with them about even the slightest issue than a person totally and completely convinced he (she) speaks for God.

                            • 2 votes
                            #25.1 - Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:19 AM EDT
                            Reply
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