Ahead of the PBS broadcast “The Mormons”, Mitt is getting some comparative coverage.  Some is better than others. 

The Union Leader’s Shawne Wickham does a decent job of covering the issue – several quotes by Tagg Romney help. 

The Saginaw News’ Barrie Barber reports on Mitt’s once having sworn off politics. Somebody get me an egg timer before this is labeled as another flip-flop.  Barber also has another piece reporting on Mitt’s address to the Saginaw County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day breakfast. 

The Boston Globe’s Campaign Notebook chronicles the blogospheric “firestorm” resulting from his comment that “It’s not worth moving heaven and earth spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person [Bin Laden]”.  Here’s some food for thought: Bin Laden hasn’t been able to send even a video taped message from his hole in the ground for nearly five years.  Yes, he’s an important target, but in an era of strained resources, just exactly how much are we willing to spend in order to get one man?  Mitt understands a concept foreign to those on both the left and right side of this manufactured controversy – its called “Marginal Cost/Benefit”.  I don’t have the time to explain it to them. 

If you’re looking for a speech that transcends rhetoric and has actual goals and objectives, check out Mitt’s address to Yeshiva University in New York. 

The AP’s Daniel Lovering has Mitt’s reaction to last week’s Democratic Joint Press Conference in South Carolina.

The Salt Lake Trib’s Thomas Burr has a biographical piece on Mitt’s head money man, Spencer Zwick.  If Zwick raised $20+ million for me, I’d adopt him too. 

Seacostonline’s Chris Quartarone reports on Mitt’s visit to Stratham. 

The Stanford Review’s Grant Starrett has read Mitt’s “Turnaround” book.  Good review. 

CBN’s David Brody has a bunch of comments on his last Mitt post. 

The AP’s Liz Sidoti, published at ABCNews, quotes Mitt as saying “everybody changes their minds”.  Unlike most of the MSM, Mitt actually backs his claims up with facts. 

Politico’s Mike Allen interviews Mitt.  Allen tried to sneak some curveballs past Mitt on the “Mormon” issue.  Case and point:

Q. At the grand opening of your headquarters in Iowa, on a teleconference call you had question from a lady about polygamy. Why do you think that in this day and age, the year 2007, some key tenets of your faith are still so misunderstood? 

A. “Well, I think most people have other things to do in their lives besides keeping up to date with Mormon doctrines.” 

Q. But, Governor, polygamy is more than just a doctrinal issue. 

A. “Yes, of course. But you have TV shows that continue to play off the old history, and people don’t spend a lot of time looking at the disclaimer that says this is not the practice of the Mormon church today. They just sort of watch it and don’t pay a lot of attention to it. My expectation is that as this campaign goes on, there’ll be a little more attention to recognize that some of the old misconceptions are exactly that.” 

Memo to Mike Allen:  It’s called “originality”.  Try it sometime. 

Finally today I’ll point you to Frank Pastore – it will be the last time I do so unless Mr. Pastore has something constructive to say about Mitt specifically or Mormons in general.  This is Pastore’s second attempt to explain Mormonism as seen through his fish-eye lens.  This attempt is no more successful than was his first.  He asks a question at the top of his column entitled “Mormonism: Religion, Denomination, or Cult?” 

Am I an anti-Mormon bigot for simply raising this question? 

To which I will answer – Yes, Mr. Pastore.  You are a bigot – and an Anti-Mormon one at that.  To refer to Mormons as not only “not Christian” but “Anti-Christian” from birth can only be interpreted as bigoted.  I’d use more expressive language, but this is (by my decree) a PG blog.  I state again, for the record, sir, you are not remotely qualified to judge just who and who is not Christian.  Your column is badly researched, deeply flawed, and fundamentally offensive.  Strike two. 

Corrections, Revisions, and Extensions 

Two issues have been brought to my attention which need some clarification.

First, Holly Ramer doesn’t work for the Boston Globe, she’s an AP reporter out of Concord.  My mistake, Holly.  And, she actually didn’t say Mitt needed “better answer” on Iraq.  Apologies again.  That volley should’ve been directed at the nameless, shapeless journalistic entity known as “The Headline Writer”. 

Also, I evidently rankled a feather or two over at the New York Sun’s Political Blog.  My point in linking to Ryan Sager’s denial as to the source of a Romney to Thompson defection was not to finger him as the source, but only to point out glee with which he would welcome such news.  I’m sure he is equally hard on all the candidates, and it wouldn’t surprise me to find voodoo dolls of Rudy, Mitt, and McCain in his office – each full of pins.  Oh, and Ryan, I don’t have to work very hard to point out anti-mormon bias in this campaign cycle.  The difference with this cycle is guys like me aren’t going to sit around and take the bricks that are thrown at us.  This isn’t 1830 anymore, and there’s a lot more than 6 of us Mormons – so expect some of those bricks to be hurled back.

The Washington Post’s Zachary Goldfarb reports that Mitt’s Deputy Campaign Manager, Jason Roe, has resigned.  Goldfarb was quick to point out that Roe had some involvement in the Jack Abramoff fallout, but after I read that it was limited to an email to a newspaper, I became disinterested. 

The Providence Journal’s M. Charles Bakst gives a quick and mostly straightforward take on Mormon history and how it affects Mitt.  Take it with a grain of salt. 

The Boston Globe’s Holly Ramer says Mitt needs to come up with a “better answer” on Iraq.  Hey, Holly!  How’s this one sound:  We win.  They lose.  Question answered.  Wait.  Maybe that’s not nuanced enough for you. 

CBN’s David Brody like’s Mitt’s strategery.   Brody is right – Mitt is always on the offensive – out front and thinking outside the box before his opponents have had their morning coffee.  Maybe there is something to that Mormon health code after all.  

The AP’s Glen Johnson, published at FoxNews, tells of Mitt’s plans to appoint a “ambassador-at-large to prevent nuclear terror”.  Mitt also chided Jimmy Carter’s non-understanding of the enemy in the middle east.  Add that to the many things Carter has no grasp of. 

National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez looks at Mitt’s campaign and sees strength and momentum. 

Two links to Politico today.  First go check out Mike Allen’s Mitt interview.  Then read Jonathan Martin and Mike Allen’s piece where Mitt chides weak-kneed Democrats for shying away from any debate venue they don’t completely control.  The best zinger is: 

Why is it that the Democrats wouldn’t even go on Fox, but we Republicans are happy to sit there and have Chris Matthews of the Carter administration, former chief of staff to (ex-House speaker) Tip O’Neill?  We’re happy to sit there and have him dish questions to us, but they won’t even go on Fox. 

Spokespeople from Hillary and Obama had retorts to Mitt’s zinger which were so predictably pathetic that I will not waste the keystrokes necessary to quote them. 

Dean Barnett tells of Garry South’s religious cheap shot.  Dean is right.  The Left in this country is continually “plumbing the depths” of political and religious discourse.  Blogfather Hugh also takes South to task – which basically means South is left wearing a suit of shredded rags wondering where he got all the stiletto wounds from.

There’s a little bit of infighting going on over at the National Review’s blog space.  Ramesh Ponnuru delivers a two paragraph smackdown of David Frum’s weak attempt at a broadside on Mitt.   Game, set, and match to Ponnuru. 

Fox News’ Greta Van Sustern interviews Mitt and Ann on a wide range of issues. 

USAToday’s G. Jeffery MacDonald takes a look at some of the new documentaries focusing on Mormons and therefore on Mitt.  MacDonald makes sure to highlight “controversial” subjects like the Mountain Meadows Massacre and, of course, polygamy.  What? You say you’ve never heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre?  You’re not alone.  Don’t worry.  I’m sure somebody will find a way to tie that event to Mitt’s candidacy. 

Politico’s Mark DeMoss pens an interesting look at why evangelicals could support Mitt’s run for the Oval.  His best line: 

So, could I vote for a Mormon? It depends on who the Mormon is. 

Can’t argue with that logic.  HT – Political Derby. 

And finally, in a nod to what passes for Pop Culture today, it has been announced that Rosie O’Donnell is leaving ABC’s The View.  No details were forthcoming on her future career plans, but I wonder if she’ll get any offers from university physics departments around the country.  She is, after all, an acknowledged expert on the strength and durability of steel as it relates to fire.

Lots to catch up on.  Here we go. 

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Howard Wilkinson tries to wrap his brain around Mitt’s fundraising success in Ohio despite lackluster poll numbers.  Memo to Howard:  Nobody votes until November 2008. 

The Bradenton Herald’s Carl Nudi chronicles Mitt’s visit to Sarasota.  Basic economic platform data there. 

Reuter’s Michael Flaherty reports on the private equity donations flowing to Team Mitt.  This is not surprising.  Of the three top Republican candidates, Mitt is the only bona-fide capitalist. 

The New York Sun’s Ryan Sager has a non-denial denial about being the source of a NHInsider.com story about a major defection from Team Mitt to Team Fred.  Sager is really disappointed that Mitt hasn’t turned out to be the flash in the pan Sager predicted.  Sager should get used to disappointment. 

More less than earth shattering quotes from Damien LaVera’s favorite source for all things political – Damien LaVera.  Is it just me, or is Damien LaVera the only person Damien LaVera talks to? 

The Des Moines Register’s Tom Beaumont, printed in the Deseret News, reports Mitt promises some surprises in Iowa.  Mitt, please remember Howlin’ Mad Howies Iowa Surprise and don’t follow his infamous example. 

Mitt wants more information before passing judgment on Antonio Gonzales.  Would that the US Senate might have the same type of wisdom, though don’t hold your breath. 

On the subject of the US Senate, Mitt took a well placed shot at Senate Majority Leader (and fellow Mormon by the way) Harry Reid’s declaration that the war in Iraq is “lost”.  Mitt’s got a good question when he asks “Is there something wrong among the Democrats that they can’t form the words ‘win’ and ’success’ on their lips?” 

Check out Townhall’s Mary Katherine Ham’s lengthy interview with Mitt.

In the category of “It’s About Damn Time”, I link you to PoliticalDerby’s latest Power Rankings. Mitt rides in at #2 - behind Rudy but ahead of McCain.  Not a bad showing at all.

The Detroit News’ Neal Rubin explores the origins of Mitt’s name.  Yawn.  At least we find out Mitt subsidizes his staff’s junk food consumption.  Look for a “Mitt Drinks Coca-Cola” exposé soon. 

Quad Cities Online’s Jenny Lee chronicles Mitt’s stop through her region.  Quick takes on the War, Immigration, Taxes, and Abortion. 

Hollywood Today’s Lagan Sebert thinks Mormons have taken over Hollywood. 

Check out Rabbi Levi Brackman’s essay on why Mitt’s Mormonism is important.  Its one of the best thought out piece on the issue I’ve read in a very long time. 

The same cannot be said for the Dean of Trinity Law School, one Donald McConnell.  He writes an exceptionally long and meandering treatise which could have been simply boiled down to the phrases “I don’t like Mormons” or “Mormonism is too much for me to really understand so I’m going to throw rocks at it and Mitt”.  Up until now I’d never heard of Trinity Law School.  I don’t know anyone who has attended the school.  That said, with narrow minded religious bigots leading the school, I’m pretty sure it won’t prosper very much.  Karma isn’t limited to Hindus.

Ok.  Back to business. 

The Rocky Mountain News’ Burt Hubbard reports on Colorado fundraising where Mitt leads the pack. 

CHIP’s (a student newspaper of Luther College) Jake Rosholt and Eric Schultz look for the Right Stuff amongst the Republican field.  They find it in Mitt and Rudy. 

The Boston Herald’s Wayne Woodlief consults the poll tea leaves and finds both doom and gloom for Mitt.  He also seems to think John “Lurch” Kerry is running for something.  Woodlief would find doom and gloom in a clear spring sky.  Maybe it’s something in Boston’s water. 

Speaking of Lurch Kerry, Seeing The Forest’s Dave Johnson has a problem with one of Mitt’s donors.  Excuse me while I have a heart attack from NOT surprise.  I guess Johnson is still upset about all the controversy generated by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.  Memo to Dave Johnson:  Lurch Kerry sunk his own ship with his own Vietnam fabrications.  Just how exactly did Nixon order Lurch to Cambodia before Nixon took office?  I know, I know.  I should take Lurch at his word, even though he’s suffering from a virtual memory.  Its probably a side effect from that Magic Hat he carries with him.  I guess blood money is any money spent against Dave Johnson’s preferred candidate.  Dirty money comes from anyone not specifically endorsed by the HuffPo.  End of memo. 

On to more serious stuff.  Ok.  I’m kidding.  The AP is spreading around Jim Kuhnhenn Mormon Money story.  Article VI has a breakdown as to who wrote which headline.  The MSM, and even some slightly conservative outlets like Human Events are trying to figure out the “real” source of Mitt’s Millions.  In their minds it can’t be normal every day Americans filling his campaign coffers.  It has to be something else.  So far the MSM has latched onto the “Big Business” and “Mormon” sources which proves little more than they have little or no understanding of the average Mormon.  Memo to HE’s Amanda Carpenter:  Work harder next time. 

Hillary is taking shots at Mitt for having once agreed with her “It Takes A Village” bumper sticker campaign.  Mitt wasn’t talking about her Village.  Nobody in their right mind would want Hillary’s village raising their kids. 

Guess who’s coming to dinner. 

BYU students gathered last Friday to support Mitt.  Look for the Boston Globe to take that story and turn it into yet another LDS Church endorsement of Mitt. 

The Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza is troubled by Mitt’s knowledge of insignificant historical facts.  Yes, Chris, Hitler pioneered what is now referred to as Liquefied Coal Technology.  What you don’t mention is that the US is the Saudi Arabia of Coal.  If a viable way to turn coal into a powerful liquid fuel could be commercialized, the Oil Baron Mullahs would be sitting on lakes of worthless crude. 

A troubling story from London on a mother (who happens to be Mormon) hitting her kids with a rolling pin.  Ouch.  I’ve heard of wooden spoons, but rolling pins?  I wonder if Mitt will have to issue a statement decrying the use of rolling pins for non-culinary purposes.

 

This is a Virginia based blog, so the Virginia Tech tragedy hits a little too close to home.  I’ve never been to Blacksburg, but I know several Hokies personally.  As for this blog, it has been visited several times from the Virginia Tech campus.  All I can do is offer my thoughts and prayers to those who have been given great cause to mourn this day. 

In the coming days there will be much made of the massacre which took place in one of the least likely locations.  There will be many who will attempt to dissect the psyche of the shooter to ascertain his motivation for taking so many lives in so brutal a fashion.  Its not America’s most redeeming quality, but as we learned so well yesterday, people will do what people will do. 

None of the pontifications – political or otherwise – will change the very grim and painful reality which now grips the campus of Virginia Tech and indeed the attention of the nation.  Reality is there are 32 families who lost loved ones yesterday.  32 mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers were taken suddenly and violently.  Nothing that is said or written here or through any other medium can change that reality. 

I often find solace and comfort in music, so I’ll share with you parts of two hymns which may bring peace to those souls who grieve this day: 

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger or malice I draw myself apart searching my soul?
Where when my aching grows, where when I languish, where in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand? He, only One.
He answers privately, reaches my reaching in my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind, Love with out end.
- Where Can I Turn For Peace by Emma Lou Thane 

And finally, a few somewhat modified stanzas from some seldom sung verses of a seldom sung hymn: 

There is no end to glory.
There is no end to love.
There is no end to union.
There is no death above.
- W.W. Phelps

A few weeks ago the world celebrated Easter.  Easter is a celebration of life beyond this mortal sphere and at times like these I take comfort in knowing the tomb is empty.

 

The AP’s Phillip Elliott reports Mitt’s latest statements on taxes.  He doesn’t like them.  Neither do I.

The Salt Lake Trib’s Thomas Burr reports that Tagg Romney is leaving his job with the LA Dodgers to take an active role in Mitt’s campaign.  If Mr. Burr were to simply report the facts without opening his column with a cheap shot about something Mitt said 45 years ago, I wouldn’t have to remind people that if I was to research all the foolish things Mr. Burr has written or said in the past 45 years, I’d run out of bandwidth space on this blog.

CommonConservative’s Thomas and Marcie consider the “Mormon” question.

USAToday’s Fredereka Schouten details the financial state of the various campaigns, citing the oft used MSM “Burn Rate” cliché.  MSM people have no understanding of start up costs.  Neither does Political Derby’s Dave Michaels.

The Times Union’s Matt Towery has an interesting campaign scenario.  

The St. Petersburg Times’ Adam Smith looks at poll numbers, campaign cash, and platforms and has good things to say about Mitt.

Townhall’s Frank Pastore says he’ll vote for Mitt, but will do so holding his nose.  As much as I hesitate to contend with someone on my own team, I can’t let this graph go uncontested:

Mitt talks leadership in South Carolina.

KCBI’s John Clemens interviewed Mitt and got right to the “Mormon” issue.  I’d say Mitt acquitted himself rather well.

Damien LaVera quotes himself yet again.  I’m starting to believe LaVera is personifying the definition of “lame”.

Mitt spoke with KSL’s Doug Wright.

NewTeeVee’s Steve Bryant says Mitt won’t play well in cyberspace.  I beg to differ.  Show me one other candidate who is managing the internet space better than Mitt.

The APs Glen Johnson takes a shot at Mitt’s health care plan.  What Glen fails to mention, and its not the first time, is that Mitt is the only candidate who has actually done something on the health care issue.  Everyone else is just talk.

The Boston Globe’s Scott Helman has Mitt’s response to Hunter’s Gate.  Dean Barnett has a better take on the issue, but it’s pretty well summed up with the picture.
           

Ann went to Birmingham to speak to the Alabama Federation of Republican Women.

The World Peace Herald’s Stephan Dinan declares that Mitt “supports Bush’s war on terror.  Memo to Dinan:  You have a short memory.  This war was brought to the United States, not just to Bush.  Better luck next column.

CBN’s David Brody again explores the abortion issue.  Mitt states that he wants each state to decide the issue – which is exactly what would happen if Roe v. Wade was overturned.  Those on the far right of the abortion debate aren’t satisfied with this, but then again, they won’t be satisfied with anything but an anti-abortion amendment which is never going to happen.  Send Brody your comments.

Unity08’s Steve Kornacki, writing in the New York Observer attempts (and fails) to liken Mitt’s current campaign with Phil Graham’s ill fated 1995 oval office run.  Kornacki is anything but original, citing old YouTube clips and “burn-rate” numbers which he simply doesn’t understand.  Let’s get one thing straight – Kornacki wants a “bi-partisan” 2008 ticket.  He evidently missed the explanation of the two-party political system lecture most of us heard in Junior High.  In this system, there are winners, there are losers.  Nobody is interested in a compromise “kiss your sister” ticket.

And finally, Politico’s Kenneth Vogel reports on Eagle PAC – a Mormon run though not LDS Church sponsored Political Action Committee.  He quotes BYU assistant political science professor J. Quin Monson on the political donations of most Mormons: