Mitt Romney in 2008?

Mitt Romney in 2008?

I ran across a few articles [1] and web sites [2] that are trying to position Mitt Romney as a presidential candidate for 2008. And although they claim it’s very possible, I just am not sure someone like Romney will be able to win the Presidency.

Let’s explore the reasons why he might be a good candidate for president and also the issues that might make obtaining the office just a dream.

Strengths:

  • He’s a proven leader as evidenced by his turn around of the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics
  • He is relatively main stream or centrist (although this is questionable)
  • Although he is a conservative, he doesn’t feel it’s necessary/practicle to change Roe v Wade (making him moderate — or at least pulling from both sides of the isle)
  • As others have mentioned, he’s a “good looking, well spoken gentleman”

Challenges:

  • He’s a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)
  • Although this shouldn’t come into play, it’s obviously a major issue as many of those who are speaking of Romney for 2008 mention it.
  • The above mentioned strength of being able to pull from both side is often seen as a weekness by the controlling members of the Republican party.

I’m sure there are many other strengths and challenges for Mitt Romney. These are just a few.
So what do you think? Do you think he can even get the nomination? If he does, can he pull enough of the Southern Baptist vote [3] because he’s a “Mormon”?

[1] http://www.ksl.com/?sid=539597&nid=148

[2] http://www.runmittrun.org

[3] http://www.evangelicalsformitt.com

2 Responses

  1. Mike W. says:

    Many folks in Washington see the race as between McCain and Romney. The interesting thing is that neither has much support among the religious right. The point that Romney has over McCain is that since JFK, no standing senator has won the presidency. Two VPs who had been senators (Johnson and Bush I) became president, but the others were governors. This bodes well for Romney. Also his broader, more executive and presidential demeanor may play better to the republican voters. Among independents and Democrats, Romney will have much better play. We’ll see how it comes out.

  2. Zac L says:

    If you would have asked this question a few months ago I would have said ‘no way,’ and laughed in the face of any-one who would put money on it. I think his challenges are HUGE (i.e can the South…or anyone else for that mat-ter, vote for a Mormon…guh?!), and I just don’t know if his strengths would outweigh that in the minds of many, unfortunately.
    This is why I think differently now…yes, i believe Mitt will run, and may win, in 2008. Bill O’Reilly is behind him–announcing on his show that he would like to see Mitt run as the Republican candidate. To have Mr. O’Reilly tak-ing notice is no small feat. Then, that wacko conservative lady (I forgot her name) who wrote the book, “How to Talk to a Liberal…If you Must” also endorsed him. Though her annoyance-factor is undoubted, she pulls some weight in the eyes of many.
    I like Mitt. Any Republican who can not only win in Massachusettes, but succeed as he has, deserves a long look. Not only is he a man of faith (and a BYU grad!!!), but he seems to know what the heck needs to be done…and per-haps more importantly, he can effectively communicate what needs to be done…unlike the current leader.

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