The Pendragon's Hall

Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of freedom of religion at the George Bush Presidential Library this evening. He struck the absolute right note--he gamely admitted the role his Mormon faith plays in his life but denied that he would be "a Mormon president." He promised to be the president of all Americans, which was a given for anyone who knows anything about American politicians. He noted that his father, a devout Mormon, led volunteer organizations and marched with Martin Luther King. He implied the question that has been burning in my mind since the announcement: Why in the name of all that is holy can't a Mormon be President? What is it that disqualifies him? If Catholics can't be disqualified on the belief that they actually eat the body and drink the blood of Christ at communion, there is little that should count against a candidate of faith. Romney drew blood when he declared unequivocally and with no obvious stammering, that Jesus Christ is "the Son of God, and savior of mankind." He has referred to Christ as his "personal savior" several times on the campaign trail. I'm not an expert theologian but isn't a belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ pretty much all that makes a Christian? Am I (gasp!) suggesting that Mormonism be included in the religion? Not at all. Even Romney admitted that different Mormons have different views on Christ. But is it possible that someone could worship in a Mormon church and believe in Jesus Christ the way ordinary Christians do and go to Heaven when they die? I don't know for sure, but why not? But the fact of the matter is, it shouldn't matter. What is being debated this year is Mitt Romney's fitness for the presidency, not the state of his eternal soul. He is, if anything, overqualified, for the job. Romney confidently declared that the American people would not vote for a President based on his religion, but said that if he was wrong, "so be it." He would not back away from the faith of his fathers. He should not have to.

The Pendragon has less faith than Romney in this regard. Even on something as stupid as "Dancing with the Stars" Americans tend to rate likability higher than competence. Marie Osmond went to the finals of the show despite having less dancing ability than most couples who exited in the first couple weeks. The reason? Fans liked her. This does explain why Rudy Giuliani and Barack Obama are doing so well in the polls but it is hardly reassuring.