OPINION – It’s not even September yet, and I am starting to detest the words “election year.”
The media spin machine is in high gear and it seems we are told daily that Mitt Romney is not likeable and not exciting enough. They mock his perfect hair, his seemingly stiff demeanor, his wealth and his so-called lackluster policies.
I remember a similar situation in the 1980 presidential election.
Former President Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, was running for re-election after a four-year term of major inflation, gas rationing and very high unemployment. Former President Ronald Reagan, his opponent, was cast as an idiot who would not know the first thing about running our country or foreign policy. The media ridiculed Reagan. Reagan was a divorced, liberal, Democrat, Hollywood actor, before he switched his party affiliation over to the Republican Party to serve as the governor of California. This provided ample ammunition for lively and numerous attacks on his character.
Carter remained ahead in the polls by a huge margin through most of the campaign and the Democrats seemed convinced they would win despite the failed economy at the time. Reagan simply asked us, “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?” We elected Reagan and he became one of our most beloved presidents of all time.
Moreover, Romney is a Mormon and Mormons, we are told, are weird and mysterious.
If Mormonism shaped Romney’s life and was a key element in him becoming a devoted and loyal husband, father, philanthropist, citizen and leader, then, it seems to me a practicing Mormon would make an incredible President of the United States.
Like most “average Joes,” I have no “disconnect” with Romney, but rather find his wealth and success very admirable. I desire nothing less than a President who has demonstrated that he is smart enough and capable enough to handle the very incredible task of getting our economy back on track. Romney made his fortune despite decades of cumbersome federal regulations, inflation and periodic recessions. In one term as governor, Romney took the Massachusetts budget from deficit to surplus – an insurmountable feat.
The only “disconnect” I feel, as a member of middle class America, is towards Obama’s seemingly smug, self-gratifying statements of his so-called “successful” term as our president. He has given us nothing but bailouts, more debt and forced programs that will result in more taxes. Obama’s campaign motto must say “forward” because it cannot allude to his disastrous past.
Obama may be articulate, but we need to demand more of our leaders than just a refined speaking ability. Apparently, that is all that Obama has to offer us.
Romney may be considered a moderate at times, but he is certainly not a communist or a socialist. He wants America to succeed and believes in limited government. The media seems to hope that we have apathy towards this election by telling us that Obama and Romney are the same. I disagree; they are not the same.
While the media focuses on Romney’s “failings” like his perfect hair, his animal transportation techniques, his perfect family, his wholesome lifestyle, or the fact that he doesn’t swoon like a cars salesman, I will remain focused on the real issue: Can Romney help America?
I may not agree with Romney on every decision or policy, but there are many politicians that I have not agreed with 100 percent of the time. However, I support Romney and do it without apology or hesitation.
Given the state that our country is in today, the changes may be slight over the next four years with Romney. We may not tackle our problems quickly. After all, it took decades to create the problems that we face as a nation.
We will have to fight long and hard to restore America and reclaim more of our liberties and freedoms but big change will only come about if we the people change ourselves first. Instead of wanting government to solve our problems and voting in those that give us handouts while creating dependency on the government, we must make hard decisions to sacrifice our short-term desires and change our mindset. Self-sufficiency will create more liberty for its citizens.
If we are going to put our lives and America’s destiny in the hands of a leader for the next four years, I want that leader to possess integrity, character, intelligence and experience. Greatness in leadership starts from within the very person that leads us.
I want that leader to be Mitt Romney.
Kate Dalley is a news commentator and co-host of the Perspectives morning show on Fox News 1450 AM 93.1 FM. The opinions stated in this article are hers and not representative of St. George News.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.
Anyone in this political climate, who has surmised that the country is in need of a /Mormon/ (or any other denomination) President… well.. this person/journalist would be a bit loony and extreme and out of touch with the rest of Americas needs me thinks.
Akin to having all the substance of ‘what the country needs, is a President with blue eyes’.
It’s kid crap.
Great read Kate. I am not a big fan of Mitt Romney. But as I go back and see where this still great Country has headed towards to in the last 4 years, it is not a pretty sight. Since Obama has taken office the gas prices have doubled, food prices have increased by about 8% and expected to increase more by years end, my home has lost its value and I no longer have equity in it with no chance of it recuperating any time soon, taxes have risen, food stamp reciepients have more than doubled, unemployment rates have remained stagnant, the banks are understandibly reluctant to loan funds, businesses have been hampered by increased regulation….get my picture?? There is no way that I could support Obama for a second term. Obama was never properly vetted during his initial run for the presidency and based on his first four years performance, is seriously lacking in expertise in running this country, mush less a Maverik convenience store. Because of this, I will support and vote for Mitt Romney come November.
Folks with values get them somwhere,parents,church, school ,or any combination of these. For Mitt some of his values came from his Church I am sure. I WILL vote for him for President because I really do think he is the best choice.but how does one explain Harry Reid?LOL!
Seriously? His “perfect hair” and his “perfect family” is what you think liberals are railing against?
Please, please do some research into this man before you give him your vote.
I love that you want us to put him into office and then just realize that “Given the state that our country is in today, the changes may be slight over the next four years with Romney. We may not tackle our problems quickly. After all, it took decades to create the problems that we face as a nation.” So apparently he is worthy of our patience but Barack Obama is not.
Have you even looked at this man and his choice for VP’s policies? As a woman it doesn’t bother you that they want to tell you what you can and cannot do to your own bodies? I hope you never have to discover whether or not your body will use it’s own defenses if necessary. ridiculous.
He won’t release his taxes but he thinks that’s just fine, even though in 1994 during his senate race he demanded that Ted Kennedy release his because he wanted to make sure Kennedy has nothing to hide.
He has no foreign policy and the only time he’s even tried to develop relationships with other countries was during the Olympics and we saw how that fared.
I am just gobsmacked that any intelligent person in this country could seriously contemplate voting for this man. But then again, I’m sure the Church’s backing of him holds a lot of sway.
Personally I wonder more if he refuses to release his tax returns because the Church might learn he actually didn’t pay the full 10% in tithing. Are there tithing write offs so a wealthy person doesn’t have to pay as much? His defense that it’s between him and his God is a riot. Hello dude, your God isn’t your accountant, or the IRS, or your Bishop, so obviously it isn’t just between Him and you.
Give me Huntsman. I think I’ll just write him in, it’s a pity the American population never really introduced to him.
Kate Dalley reveals herself to be just another mindless peasant spreading regurgitated ignorance with this embarrassing piece. She is swayed by Mitt’s slick business image, his deep, masculine voice (does she enjoy it more than Channing Tatum’s?), some hollow political talking points and the fact that he shares her kooky religious beliefs. The idea that Mitt Romney could ‘get the economy on track’ or create a meaningful increase in the number of jobs out there is laughable. At best the effect he could have is akin to a loose coalition of ants attemting to halt a freight train.
Double Tap, please do some more research, this country is where it is because of the previous 8 years, not because of Obama. You can’t expect it to turn around in 4 years. Remember that Kate seems to think it’s reasonable to give Mittens time. Apparently she’s already ready to vote for him in 2016 too. smh
Also remember people, it’s not just the president there are oh 545 people who are responsible for the state of our country not just the President. Google the article by Charlie Reese, 545 vs. 300,000,000 people.
CTR: Corrupt The Righteous…yea, sounds about right!
That is very original. What is your point?
Keep thinking. It will broaden your mind.
They (the secretive higher powers running this country) have who’s gonna be president already picked. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to know it sure as hell isn’t pretty, garment-wearing, good ol’ boy, Romney.
It’s pathetic how it’s safe to say almost EVERY Utah Mormon is voting for him simply because of his faith. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mormons would be looked down at or even criticized if they dare voted for Obama, or anybody but Romney for that matter.
I’ve heard on more than one occasion that voting Republican in that religion (cult) is “just the right thing to do”…Kate, you’re getting BIG brownie points locally for this piece.
Throughout history the priest has always been hostile to liberty-Thomas Jeffersen.
It’s not that I will vote for Romney, but I am voting AGAINST Obama. Barry has nothing else to offer us. He bragged about all that he would do for America during his campaign and the results in 3.5 years was a big fat ZERO. Our country can’t take anymore of him. So, what do we do now? It’s either Barry or Mitt.. That’s our only two choices under the current Electoral College system. Barry is anti American, has no religious beliefs and wants to fundamentally change america. We don’t need that anymore. Stick to what our founding fathers developed and put into place. It’s the best system on the planet and will work if you let it. I say give Mitt 4 years and see what happens. Our country would never recover from 4 more years of Obama.
Pardon me while I barf!
While it’s fun to paint your side as being persecuted I can’t think of any media outlet that hasn’t gone out of their way to make sure they didn’t call Mormons weird. Hell, NBC gave a whole prime time hour to being mormon in america.
The only people I hear or read saying “mormons are weird” are people who set up arguments like you did at the beginning. Please reference any real news source that has mocked mormons that didn’t raise everyones ire. I mean that blogger from (was it the huffington post?) made a tweet about magic underwear and was called out by all media outlets as being unacceptable.
There are always two sides (or more) to every issue, and it is certainly healthy to listen to opposing arguments. But resorting to labels like “anti-American” (utterly absurd in Obama’s case), “communist,” and “socialist” is simply stupid. I think Mitt Romney is wrong to want to deny women the right to decide what to do about an unwanted pregnancy and for wanting to deny gays the right to marry. But I am not going to call him a “Fascist” for holding those views. By the same token, advocating a a single payer health care system doesn’t make one a communist or socialist. (Look up the definitions.) Can we not debate the issues without name-calling and false labeling?
This paper never did cover the flooding in Enoch, even though over 100 homes were damaged. But we got 2 articles in strident support of Chick Fil A even though there aren’t any anywhere near this part of the country. The right wing drum beat is all important, even over and above actual news. Maybe one of these days southern Utah will get a real newspaper not a worthless bloviating rag, but I’m sure not holding my breath.
Where’s Enoch? never heard of it. Apparently must not be anything of much newsworthy substance. Instead of spewing your nonsense of bashing this “newspaper”, maybe you should focus on this so-called Enoch to have its own newspaper for wherever it may be.
“If we are going to put our lives and America’s destiny in the hands of a leader for the next four years, I want that leader to possess integrity, character, intelligence and experience. Greatness in leadership starts from within the very person that leads us.”
That’s why I’m voting for Gary Johnson.
Blah, blah, blah, blah….blah
If the talk show thing does not pan at, you have a bright future as a cheerleader. Only in the sheltered world you live in does this mindless pontificating perpetuate itself. The only thing worse than your bloviated position is the sheep like culture who follows it. Stick to encouraging middle-aged people to wear bathing suits Mrs. Daly. Political commentary is clearly out of your league.
As a life-long Republican (until recently) I am appalled that conservatives keep trying to rewrite history. I was around during the Reagan years and this idea about him becoming “one of the most beloved presidents of all time” is just sheer nonsense. But, I guess we can forgive Ms. Dalley since in 1980 she was all of 12 years old. Her “memories” of that election come from Faux News and its insistence that Reagan was the best president ever. I guess if you repeat something often enough, some people will start to believe it.
I do agree with Ms. Dalley on one point though. She says ” I want that leader to possess integrity, character, intelligence and experience.” That’s why Barack Obama is getting my vote!
I can’t believe how many morons have commented to this post. Obama is a true socialist who wants this country to be completely run by a large government and not by the people. He is so self-absorbed that he doesn’t understand what has made this country great and exceptional. You know a person by the company he keeps and Obama’s past and present are dominated by socialists and Marxists.
Obama is always lying, misleading, and fabricating stories. His promises are strictly words that please those in the liberal media and those who can’t think for themselves. What has he done for this country? He has done all he can to divide it – create hatred between races, classes, religions, and sexes. He doesn’t believe that the free market system has made this country the best in the world.
We don’t need continued high gas prices, high unemployment, more government involvement in our private lives and our businesses. What about his taking $716 billion out of Medicare to place in the disastrous Obamacare.
I didn’t serve in the military to see this country become what it has under Obama. If Obama is re-elected, you will get higher costs for everything and will see the United States become another third world country. God save us!!!!!
When all else fails, start calling names. “Morons?” Ow! You just ruined my whole day.
Dear little Richard, just what ISN’T socialist, dude? Like all you old folks, you’re stuck in the olden days. Your party always looks so foolish sporting Q-tip heads and cowboy hats at the conventions. No wonder you keep voting for the good ol’ boys locally. Sad, sad people.
Richard, you speak so low of Obama, but just what do you say to bush “secretly” starting the war by creating the 9/11 tragedy so many of us thought was terrorism? Sadly, some people still to this day may believe it wasn’t infact a conspiracy, maybe you’re one of them! Flip the news channels once in a while, it’ll benefit you greatly.
Outside of Arizona, and Utah people do not like Mormons. Real Christians on the east coast will not vote for a Mormon. Romney does not stand a chance. He will take Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado and a couple stated in the Midwest. That is it the rest will go to Obama.
Amen to that. Society has never been fond of cults.
Ohh emm Gee, was it just me or was tonight’s republican convention in Tampa total de ja vu? Between Romney’s wife and this Mia Love, another small town mayor like Palin, I felt like I was back in 2008!
GO OBAMA (or anybody but this other Bush group!)
All you Obama boot lickers will be signing a different tune come November 7. If you all agree with his policies and want the type of America that he envisions, why don’t you just move to a socialist country like , say Cuba or Venezuela or better yet, to a country run by the muslim Brotherhood? See how long any of you would last there. Better yet, just leave Utah altogether. We won;t miss you.