Poll: Romney's Mormonism May Be An Issue

Americans Have Less Favorable View Of Mormon Faith Than Of Most Other Religions

(CBS)  Republican Mitt Romney, a Mormon who announced his candidacy for president on Tuesday, may face an obstacle because of his religion, according to a CBS News poll.

A majority of Americans say they would vote for a qualified Mormon from either party for president, but fewer have favorable views of the Mormon religion than of many other faiths.

The poll asked Americans whether they would support a Mormon candidate for president, without mentioning Romney's name. Sixty-three percent said they would vote for a qualified Republican who was Mormon, and 66 percent said they'd back a qualified Democrat who was Mormon. But about one in four people said they would not vote for a Mormon candidate for president.


VOTE FOR A QUALIFIED MORMAN CANDIDATE IF HE/SHE WERE… (Among registered voters)

A REPUBLICAN:
Yes
63%
No
27%

A DEMOCRAT:
Yes
66%
No
24%

The percentage of Americans who said they would vote for a Mormon for president was smaller than the number who said they'd vote for either a woman or a black candidate in a CBS News poll conducted last month.

In that poll, more than eight in 10 voters said they'd support a qualified black candidate of either party. Seventy-seven percent said they'd vote for a woman if she were a Republican, while 82 percent would back her if she were a Democrat.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, remains unknown to the vast majority of Americans, including eight in 10 Republicans, according to the poll, which was conducted before he made his announcement.

Romney is not the first presidential candidate whose religion is an issue to some voters. When John F. Kennedy ran for president in 1960 there were concerns about his being a Catholic. But in a May 1960 Gallup Poll, 71 percent of Americans said they would support a well-qualified Catholic candidate for president.

Americans have a less favorable view of the Mormon religion than most other faiths. Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Christian fundamentalism were all seen more positively than Mormonism in the poll. Only Islam, of all the religions asked about, ranked lower.

Twenty-five percent of Americans said they have a favorable impression of the Mormon religion, while three in 10 have an unfavorable impression. Another 39 percent haven't heard enough about the religion to say.

Other religions are viewed more favorably: Protestantism (61%), Catholicism (51%), Judaism (48%), and Christian fundamentalist religions (35%).


WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF…?

Protestantism/other Christians:
Favorable
61%
Unfavorable
13%
Haven't heard enough
23%

The Catholic religion:
Favorable
51%
Unfavorable
30%
Haven't heard enough
17%

The Jewish religion:
Favorable
48%
Unfavorable
13%
Haven't heard enough
33%

Christian fundamentalist religions:
Favorable
35%
Unfavorable
26%
Haven't heard enough
33%

The Mormon religion:
Favorable
25%
Unfavorable
30%
Haven't heard enough
39%

Islam:
Favorable
15%
Unfavorable
46%
Haven't heard enough
34%

While more than half of Americans view Catholicism favorably, 30 percent have an unfavorable impression of the religion — the same number who view Mormonism negatively.

It should be noted that Americans are not very familiar with the Mormon religion and its practices. When asked directly, 57 percent said they knew little or nothing about the Mormon faith. That number was higher than for all the other religions asked about in this poll except for Islam, which 60 percent said they knew little or nothing about.

Americans are also not very familiar with Mitt Romney. Even eight in 10 Republicans said they were undecided or haven't heard enough to have an opinion about him, according to the poll, which was conducted before he made his announcement.

[scott4261]

Mitt Romney really is the only true social conservative in the race. True, those fundamentalist Christians who buy this message will probably not vote for this man, should he be the nominee. They would prefer to stay at home than to vote for a member of a "cult."

Many fundies DO view Mormanism as a cult. They also believe his shift to social conservatism is in the interest of political expediency (they may be right about that one). At any rate, they'll stay home and the Democratic nominee will be our next president. Simple as that.

[johnshaft4]

In my worst drunk, I have NEVER had a lizard/salamander talk to me; let alone tell me to start a 'church'. Are those "gold tablets" being used as paper weights or a door stop somewhere?

[klinglet]

I would like to see this same poll replacing "Mormon" with "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." More people may recognize Romney's faith by it's actual name rather than Mormon. Also, I would invite you to go www.lds.org. Here you can find what this religion believes.

[kaliveotin]

Romney will have to be a great candidate to win over a lot of the Republican Base, although his Mormonism problem may be less restricting than Gulliani's pro-abortion, pro-gay rights beliefs.
Aot of the Republican party's support comes from fundamentalist christians and rural yolkals who are very simple minded. Neither of these men will find Republican voters nationwide to be as progressive as in New York or Massachusetts. Some fundamentalist christians still view Mormons as a cult. I think of them that way sometimes and my parents were originally from Salt Lake City. John McCain will be the Republican choice. He's the only one who has a chance against Hillary. Any of the Republicans could beat Barak Hussien Obama.

[jsilver2th]

I wouldn't vote for a Scientologist for sure- does that make me a bigot?

[cfrechem]

Although I was happy to hear your newscast on Mitt Romney%u2019s extensive and honest political career, I was saddened to hear The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints once again publicized as being known for it secrecy and polygamist practices. Anyone wanting to educate themselves on our beliefs and practices can do so on Mormon.org. This website offers answers to questions regarding our faith, and is far from secretive. Currently over 60,000 volunteer missionaries throughout the world share their testimonies of the gospel. I also wish that our church would be publicized for it%u2019s extensive humanitarian efforts and strong beliefs on family, rather than a practice that was not widely used, and has been banned over 100 years ago.

Respectfully,
cfrechem

[dkoopman1]

The key numbers in the polls are actually the unfavorables. Mormons at 30 percent compares with Catholics and "Christian fundamentalists," (whoever they are -- I wouldn't trust this term in any poll, as the difference between evangelical and fundamentalist is very real but hardly ever reported well). We've already elected a Catholic and, with the current President, someone who is at least often portrayed as a fundamentalist. Romney's LDS faith is certainly an issue, but as denominations "crack up" and "spirituality" makes progress over organized religions and denominations, I doubt it will be much of an issue with many real voters after they have further data on him. He will rise and fall with his political record and political positions, and the strategy of his campaign, not what the theologians of his church have devised as their peculiar beliefs.

[perception5]

CBS your showing your corrupt liberal feathers.......why is CBS bringing up someone's religion.........what next his color??
Why don't you talk about his experience and vision for the future???? FYI there are 15 members of Congress that are Mormon.......including Senator Harry Reid.....

CBS STOP YOUR LIBERAL HATE AND LABELING.... AND TRY TO BE MORE TOLERANT

[mgpm-2009]

I know there are kind and decent Mormon people, and they genuinely believe in their faith. But in my opinion the LDS organization is a cult. They are secretive about their practices. How many of you non-LDS have ever been to an LDS wedding? I knew some LDS people who were my friends and I was curious about their faith and they only told me certain things. I really admired their devotion to family and faith. I had my own faith and was not interested in converting. But I came to find out that their entire friendship with me (over a period of about 5 years) was all designed to get myself and my family to convert to LDS. When we didn't, that was the end.

[dallison7]

This ill-advised attempt by a mormon to become the president will go nowhere and will seriously damage that organization. (Which is probably a good thing) When the American people learn more about the Mormon beliefs, they will stand in awe that anyone could truly believe such things. Surely a person who believes that scripture was revealed to their self-proclaimed 'prophet' by a talking salamander, and further believes that, after death, he can become a God with the power to create and rule worlds, is not stable enough to run the country.

[dallison7]

I would like to see this same poll replacing "Mormon" with "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." More people may recognize Romney's faith by it's actual name rather than Mormon. Also, I would invite you to go www.lds.org. Here you can find what this religion believes.
Posted by klinglet


Then go to http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm
for the 'rest of the story'.

[wspace]

Dallison7 said "scripture was revealed to their self-proclaimed 'prophet' by a talking salamander". As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have heard a lot of negative anti-mormon statements like mormon's have horns but this is a new one to me and is way off base. For those of you who have not heard what the LDS faith teaches (and for those who think you do) go to www.lds.org to learn from the source.

[dallison7]

For those of you who have not heard what the LDS faith teaches (and for those who think you do) go to www.lds.org to learn from the source

Then go to
http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm
for the well researched, objective 'rest of the story'.

[Razzl]

To their credit the people of Massachusetts never made an issue of Romney's religion, even though that state is one of the most Catholic in the nation, allowing him to participate in the political process without prejudice and proving once again that the liberal view on the separation of church and state is a wise political prinicipal. Romney owes it to his former constituents to now uphold the official separation of church and state from the assault of the religious extremists on his party's right wing...

[grumpas]

janem4: If I remember correctly JFK was made to promise that the Catholic Church would not be running the country! That his policies would be his own not a reflection of the Catholic Church dogma! To bad George W Bush wasn't forced to take the same oath! For we have had Christian fundamentalist's running amok in this country for 7 long years now! He has shoved his religion down our throat's to the point a lot of us are sick to death of Christianity! It's time to put the religious gene back in the bottle and cork it up again! We do have a Separation of Church and State in this country! The next President who uses his religion to further his political ambitions needs to be instantly impeached!

[random_radar]

I wouldn't ask dallison7 for information about Mormons any more than I would ask Hitler for information about Jews. Antimormons remind me a lot of Nazis.

I am waiting for Mitt Romney to talk about his religion. I can judge a man from his own mouth, not the slander of his enemies.

[Syndicate]

dallison7: Mormons are no more bizarre than Christian or Musslims. I have tried but was never able to understand how some one can buy so completely into this stuff. Scientologist really confuse me.

[dallison7]

I wouldn't ask dallison7 for information about Mormons any more than I would ask Hitler for information about Jews. Antimormons remind me a lot of Nazis.
Posted by random_radar

I'm not offering information, simply an objective source for information. I realize, though, most republicans and all of the religious right get ALL their information by word of mouth from the neocons. Reading is too much trouble.

[dallison7]

dallison7: Mormons are no more bizarre than Christian or Musslims. I have tried but was never able to understand how some one can buy so completely into this stuff. Scientologist really confuse me.
Posted by cbscrash07

I agree with the foundation of your argument, however, some salted peanuts are saltier than others. Mormonism is WAY OUT THERE. I am simply sending a voice into the darkness asking people to check into it. Don't just wait, as one person said, for Romney to explain it to you.

[vancouverboo]

So being a Morman is worse than being a jew or a negro?

[anopinion1]

So being a Morman is worse than being a jew or a negro?
Posted by vancouverboo at 12:30 PM : Feb 14, 2007

YEAP HAHA

[anopinion1]

Actually jahovis witnesses are the most hated people around. Anyone religion that tries nonsotp to convert others to believe what they believe is annoying, and these people are hated more then any other member of society in my opinion.

[lfitts1]

the problem with Romney is not his religion--it is him--he is a lying politician who has refound religion and is playing to the Republican Taliban--he USED to believe a woman had the right to choose, he USED to believe that *** had the right to civil unions and more--through the wonder of polotical conversion he now disavows any knowledge of his previous actions--sounds like a lying sack of dung to me!!!

[bigwhtpony]

"Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States and the first lady......and, the 2nd lady......oh, and the 3rd lady, and....."

:)

[dallison7]

Actually jahovis witnesses are the most hated people around. Anyone religion that tries nonsotp to convert others to believe what they believe is annoying, and these people are hated more then any other member of society in my opinion.

Posted by anopinion1

Jehovah's Witnesses are apolitical. They don't vote and they will never run for office. They are weird as hell, but no threat to our country or political system. Only 6 million of them worldwide, very small by comparison.

[phijef]

I am a left leaning democrat and will mostly likely not vote for Romney based on his republican stance (though you never know). The funny thing is, is this poll trying to define Mitt? I had no clue what his religion is (and really don't care). The real question is, "Can media negatively define a candidate by using meaningless polls?"

[jsilver2th]

Isn't kind of hard to say don't judge a person by their religion when the candidate is at the same time essential making an appeal to voters on what are perceived as religious issues - in essence asking some to judge him based on religion?

None of the fundamentalists seem to complain much when the press talks about Tom Cruise's religion of Scientology.

Ask Mormons if they would vote for a Scientologist for President if they were qualified and see what the level of "tolerance" is there.

[bluestardad]

Stick a fork in him he is a republican and they are done for 08!

[dallison7]

I had no clue what his religion is (and really don't care).
Posted by phijef

Usually a reasonable posture, however, the voters should definitely educate themselves in this case. The last thing we need is another puppet in the white house... this time with the strings being pulled by a 'prophet'.

[taddles-2009]

Romneys Religious beliefs aren't the issue, the issue is the fact that he will say whatever you want him to say to get elected.

Here, watch me make him beg for treats...come here Mit...good boy, ok, sit...roll over...now vote for Roe-v-Wade....now vote against it......good boy, here's a biscuit.

A lying tool is a lying tool no matter his religion.

[dirtydog55]

Here it is, janem, from CNN:

"JFK was the second Roman Catholic candidate for president, and he remembered what happened to the first, Al Smith, in 1928.

Kennedy had to reassure Protestants.

"I do not speak for my church on public matters," Kennedy said in 1960. "And the church does not speak for me."

[dirtydog55]

"How would this liberal media ..." Posted by janem4

The "liberal" media was very kind to Bush during the first five years. Doncha think the Chain-ey gang handled the media very well?

[down-ndirty]

Three things come to mind when I hear the word "Mormon."

1) Familysearch.org, an excellent site for doing genealogy research;

2) A middle-aged and married Joe Smith eying a 'pretty young thing' and immediately declaring that "God said we shall" take multiple wives;

3) John D. Lee and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, in which over 100 men, women, and children were slaughtered, simply because they were from Missouri. Afterwards the Mormons tried to blame it on the 'Indians.'

John D. Lee had 21 wives. In 1890 Utah had to ban polygamy in order to become a state.

[down-ndirty]

"I do not speak for my church on public matters," Kennedy said in 1960. "And the church does not speak for me."

I remember that very well; I had been in the Navy for three years and was still one year short of being old enough to vote.

[dumbwoman]

Surely Mormons are only marginally more crazy than any of the other cults on offer. Just not quite as widespread thats all..

[dumbwoman]

Yeah?

I'm quite sure Islam is the fastest growing religion/cult. They're both fine choices for people lacking in individual moral determination!

[bluestardad]

STICK A FORK IN HIM HE IS DONE AS HE IS A REPUBLICAN! I DON'T CARE IF HE KILLS GOATS FOR A RELIGION REPUBLICANS CANNOT WIN THE WHITE HOUSE IN 08!~

[perception5]

REPUBLICANS CANNOT WIN THE WHITE HOUSE IN 08!~
Posted by bluestardad at 07:23 AM : Feb 15, 2007

Actually you are quite wrong....... either Rudy, McCain, or Mit Romney will defeat "easily" any Democrat for president.......... the current group of Dems running are at the far "left" of center in this predominately religious conservative nation of ours........

But I'm sure our corrupt liberal MSM wolfpack will do this best, like in 2006, to prop up and defend their pals, the Dems, in 2008 with the usual phony stories, doctored photos, and lying book deals.......