The Religion Question

Over the last week we've heard so much from the Republicans about whether religion, and specifically religious denomination, is a good test for Presidential fitness. Some have pointed out how defensive Romney gets when asked to outline the specific differences between Mormons and other denominations. Frankly, I don't think he handles the question very well, but I don't blame him either. (The Huck handled it a bit better, but also declined to get specific.) The LDS folks are definitely a bit weird, but so what. I don't see them threatening to cut women's heads off over the name of a teddy bear or anything. Nor do I really think there's a situation where a President Mitt makes a major policy blunder because of his fidelity to a "kooky" religion. I've said for some time now that Romney will not only get the GOP nomination, but will also win the general election in '08. I continue to believe that's true, and the recent weakness of Hillary is a good sign that the competition is not as tough as most have made it out to be.

First things first, though, Mitt has to get by Rudy and Huckabee. The recent insights by Gingrich show how brilliant Newt can be, but they also show how little people know about The Huck. Sure Huck got things done regarding health care in small state Arkansas - he got very liberal things done regarding health care! Now that this goober is out in the public arena, he's going to have to defend his actual record, and I doubt the Republican base will like him as much once they get to know his record. I'm a bit fearful that this process may not happen before Iowa, and with the 2nd chance voting process inherent in the caucuses, The Huck might just win Iowa by taking Thomson and McCain votes and make the whole deal a big mess just in time for New Hampshire. If Mitt doesn't lead after those two states, he's toast and Rudy probably gains tons of support back as the "electable" candidate.

I don't buy it, I think Mitt has enough time to crush The Huck and salvage the lead in the GOP race. I also think Hill is imploding and very soon will start to show her true weakness - nobody really likes her.