From The Road
January 28, 2008 7:33 AM

Romney On Death Of Mormon Church President

By
Scott Conroy
Topics
Mitt Romney
(CBS)
From CBS News' Scott Conroy:

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. -- At an early-morning press conference at a Texaco gas station, Mitt Romney remarked on the death of Gordon B. Hinckley, the Mormon church president who passed away yesterday at the age of 97.

"We will miss him as a family, respect him as a man of great character and courage, but particularly his humility and ability to touch the lives of each individual is something for which he will long be noted," Romney said. "His ability also to talk to people throughout the world and to make close relationships with people in the public sector and in the media distinguish him as one of the great leaders in our faith."

Romney, a Mormon, knew Hinckley through his work leading the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The former Massachusetts governor recalled a meeting he had with Hinckley, in which the LDS president showed such an impressive knowledge of detail of Salt Lake City that he knew the sewer system would be an obstacle for an event that was being planned on church-owned property.

Romney also said that Hinckley was friendly with Mike Wallace and that when Wallace interviewed Romney, the "60 Minutes" legend asked Romney about Hinckley.

Romney said that he hoped to attend Hinckley's funeral in Utah.

The press conference was called at the gas station to draw attention to the McCain-Lieberman climate bill, which Romney said would raise gas prices and have a minimal impact on the environment.

He also attacked the Arizona senator for the McCain-Feingold campaign finance bill and McCain-Kennedy immigration reform bill.

"I would note that senator McCain is noted for three major pieces of legislation," Romney said. "I think all of them were badly flawed and if somebody wants to know where he would lead the country, you simply have to look at the three pieces of legislation with his name at the top."

  • Scott Conroy

    Scott Conroy is a National Political Reporter for RealClearPolitics and a contributor for CBS News.

Add a Comment
by winnersedge4 January 28, 2008 6:19 PM EST
denn034 --Your accusation of Pres. Hinkley is wrong. Go talked to Larry King and Mike Wallace and they will tell who this man really is. You might swallow you own tongue for what you have said. If you consider yourself an educated person--watch your mouth.
Reply to this comment
by genias1 January 28, 2008 1:17 PM EST
President Gordon Bitner Hinckley did, indeed, have the innate ability to personally "touch the lives of individuals" despite being an inordinately busy leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Prophet of God. By one account, perhaps in London, after a very long day of Church conferences and speaking engagements, President Hinckley, his beloved wife and another couple were ordering dinner in the restaurant of the hotel in which they were staying. He noticed that their waitress seemed sad so he drew her into a conversation about her life. She was a widow and things were not going well. He offered her words of encouragement and comfort. She was astounded that such a prominent man would take the time for a ''common'' person. Due to his simple expression of sincere compassion, genuine interest in her life and well-being she, eventually, became a member of the Church. President Hinckley''s humility permitted him to unwaiveringly live the principle that God is no respector of persons. Like ripples in a pond, his legacy will live on Eternally. May he have peaceful slumber until that great day when we are all reunited with our Maker and loved ones!
Reply to this comment
by syropsponge January 28, 2008 12:42 PM EST
furry116, you are such a sad individual
Reply to this comment
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