Jenn Martinelli Blogging in Boston

I just was reading an interview online with one of JFK's speech writers - the subject was Mitt Romney's speech about religion (specifically his) today and how it compared with Kennedy's in 1960.

Here's an interesting quote:

I don't think Mr. Romney should be denied the presidency because of his religion. Just as I don't think Senator [Barack] Obama should be denied because of his race. Or that Mrs. [Hillary] Clinton should be denied the presidency because of her gender. This country is in deep, serious trouble, and thoughtful citizens surely are going to make up their minds based on the major issues confronting the country and the major qualities of the candidates and not on such superficial tests as religion, race, or gender.

First of all, of course I agree with him overall here, but a few points:

1. How many evangelical folks out there are going to appreciate religion being called a "superficial test"? The point is, some people unfortunately think that religion is one of if not the most important issue determining things like who should be president.
2. I don't think Mr. Romney should be denied the presidency because of his religion, I think he should be denied the presidency because he's a conservative nut.
3. I really wish thoughtful citizens were making up their minds based on the major issues confronting the country. Wait, let me rephrase that - I'm sure that thoughful citizens are doing this. Unfortunately, as I witness on a daily basis, the majority of the public is not made up of folks I would label as thoughtful citizens by any stretch. How else do we end up with GW in the White House for 8 years?

I'll leave you with this Q&A which about sums up the difference between the Camelot Years and now:

Q. Romney discussed his views of Jesus Christ, something that Kennedy avoided. Why did Kennedy avoid discussing his religious views?

Sorensen: Because [Kennedy] began the speech by saying his private religious beliefs -- his relationship with God or Jesus Christ or anything else -- was not a matter of public discussion. He did not think the election should be based on -- as he said, it's not what kind of church I believe in, the question is what kind of country do I believe in.