Why is being a Mormon such a big deal?

I think it has to do with just how Mormons are viewed in the mainstream. Those on the farther reaches of the left are, like on the far right, the absolute best at playing guilt by association. I'm not privy to all things Mormon. But the way I understand the criticisms, Joseph Smith was supposedly a racist. So now a lot of people view Mormonism as a racist religion. Add to the fact that some radical sects not only marry multiple brides, but also child brides, and you have the makings of a pure outcast. I remember when Romney got into an argument on a plane with some what's-his-face rapper. On the Bill Maher show, Bill painted Romney as a racist for simply being a Mormon. And when Amy Holmes, his token black guest, wasn't offended that a white Mormon argued with black man, Bill hit her with the you-should-be-offended-because-you're-black card. So, that's probably why folks on the far left give him a hard time. I don't think they tolerate Mormons well. Ironic, but it is what it is. Anyone on the right tearing into the guy is probably either just jealous or they find a religious conflict. Just like the Muslim blanket criticisms on myLot - I don't see them coming from atheist/agnostic people. I only see them coming from people of another religious faith. And when it comes to faiths dueling it out over who's best, just leave me the hell out of it. I think they're all out of the clock.

Well, sadly, religion does matter to a lot of people. In this country, if you aren't a WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant), then no one likes you. I have encountered this so many times. When I was a Catholic, people didn't like me much because they considered being a Catholic as evil (Maybe it was because of all of the child molestation cases?), anyway, I am not a Catholic anymore, I am Agnostic, and people still don't like me because I am not a designated religion, therefore, I must have ulterior motives. Go figure. My point is, people always hate that which they don't know much about, or that which scares them. Jewish people, Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and anything that isn't Protestant or Evangelical must be a threat. That is what goes through the minds of many Americans.

I didnt just take a double take but a triple! You defending a Republican, just a minute, let me sit down! lol I am just kidding. I agree MOSTLY. I dont care for Romney myself but it has no bearing on his religion. Some extremists may cause alarm, but as a rule, religion, in my opinion counts but their platform on other issues counts more.

It sure isn't a big deal to me or ANY deal, as far as I'm concerned. I've said for years that I'd prefer it if no politician spoke of his or her personal religious views or practices at all because they're not relevant to holding office IF they follow our Constitution. I was very young but I still remember all the furor when JFK ran for President. Some people claimed the Pope would actually be running the country. You'd certainly think we'd have come far enough to be past such nonsense by now but I guess not! Annie

I really hope someone can answer this, because I don't get it either. I've honestly never met a Mormon that wasn't a pleasant person. I've had several Mormon friends in the past and when I worked at the library in Orlando we used to get small groups of them from Utah (I think they were missionaries) that would come to use the computers. They were always very polite, dressed in shirts and ties, didn't complain about buying a computer pass (computer use is only free for residents) and were quite appreciative when I would help them with the computers. My best guess is that some people still associate them with polygamy, but even then, who cares? I heard someone tell me they were a cult once when I was a teenager, but I don't think that's a popular belief. As for the last election, I did hear people say his religion would be a problem for him, and I still hear people say it. I just haven't heard anyone say it would be a problem for THEM when it came to voting.

they made a big deal out of it when he ran in the primary for president last time too. I never understood why. But then I don't understand why a persons religion should matter when it comes to doing the job. ANY JOB. Employers can not ask you what religion you are when you are interviewing for a job...that would be illegal. So why should it legal to take it into account with our elected officials? the campaigning is the interview process so religion should be left out of it. It is discrimination.

I thought this whole issue had been resolved with the Kennedy election but the religious right has now taken over the Republican party and they probably wouldn't endorse anybody who was not a fundmentalist Christian. Frankly, I think Mitt Romneny would have a better shot as a Democrat.

I would rather have someone running my country who has the same values I do. That is my choice. Thus, I would prefer a Christian. It is not for me to say that Obama is not a Christian. That is up to God. However, the Bible says to test their fruits, and I have. Obama is not the kind of President I want. I am not a Mormon, but I would rather have Mitt Romney running this country than Obama.

I wouldn't vote for him because he is mormon. Mormons look out for other mormons and nobody else. We also would have so many brothers and sisters in the WH we'd all be confused!