If all that reads like cheap armchair psychoanalysis of the candidates and the voters, go to Mitt TV and see what I mean. I scared myself. I believe the Iraq war is a nearly criminal enterprise. I’m a social-cultural leftie who wants the government out of my bedroom and away from my body. But I was nearly mesmerized by a guy whose religion I consider akin to a cult, whose Iraq war support angers me and whose posturing against gays I find obnoxious.

So, I find it kind of appalling that I find him appealing.

Terry, come to the Dark Side.  We have cookies.

The Washington Post’s Jason Szep chronicles the “Pressure on Romney to firmly address Mormon faith”.  This purpose of this article is no doubt to persuade Mitt to address Mormonism in a public forum with the MSM as an honest, unbiased broker.  We’ve already seen what ABC’s George Stephanopolus did with just a single question.  Has anybody considered the possibility Mitt refuses to have an ecclesiastical debate with unarmed people? The Associated Press’ Glen Johnson is on a roll.  After “breaking” the 150-year-old story of Polygamy in Mitt’s family tree, Johnson has again shown his colossal ineptitude in journalism by attempting to tar and feather Mitt with allegations he supports Iran.  According to Johnson’s research, the Italian arm of Bain & Company – designated Bain & Co Italy - has some dealings with Iran.  Evidently Johnson can read neither a map nor an organization chart.  You’ll note I’ve highlighted the geographical location of Bain & Co’s Italian branch just in case anyone missed the fact they’re located in Italy.  You’ll also note that Mitt hasn’t had an organizational role in Bain & Company for nearly a decade if not longer.  Memo to Glen:  Bad form.  Really bad form.

I hate to take shots at the same person twice in one day, but GetReligion’s Dan Pulliam is letting his biased shorts show just a little.  According to Dan, the movement/website MormonsAgainstRomney is gaining steam.  Well, I checked, and their goal for website hits between now and the end of December is 60,000 hits.  With such low expectations they have no place to go but up.  Nice try, Dan.

Human Events’ Matt Naugle has a round up of the reaction to the AP’s hit piece on Mitt.

And finally, for today’s “Read The Whole Thing Award” we go again to Blogfather Hugh’s loyal co-blogger Dean Barnett.  Dean always makes me laugh, and here’s his best punchline:

In short, Mitt Romney is more formidable than a Republican presidential candidate has any right being. He is a fat target in a way that a guy like Mike Huckabee never could be, even if Huckabee hadn’t lost all that weight.

To Dean’s analysis I’ll add but this:  Mitt can take a few punches and still fire back.  Obama can’t even handle potshots about his ears and don’t even mention Bill to Hillary.