The Romney Speech: Why Now?

Robert Novak attempts to answer the question why Mitt Romney is giving his Mormon speech today:

WASHINGTON -- Two weeks ago it was settled policy within Mitt Romney's campaign that his speech dealing with his Mormon faith would be delivered much later -- if at all -- and only after primary election victories. Romney suddenly overruled his advisers to undertake that risky venture today in College Station, Texas, for one reason: Mike Huckabee's ascent in Iowa.

Romney had been told by campaign strategists that flooding television screens with ads financed by his ample funds could win the critically important Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses for the former governor of Massachusetts in a state where Mormons comprise 0.5 percent of the population. That was working as Romney led the state's polls until former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, an ordained Baptist minister, came from nowhere to challenge Romney for first place. Surveys detect substantial anti-Mormon bias. ...

Romney's Mormon problem has been obvious for two years, though just two months ago he was still in denial, claiming only journalists asked him about his religion. One month ago, he changed his tune, telling campaign contributors he liked "the idea" of a speech but "at some point" in the future because "the political advisers" tell him "it's not a good idea."

These advisers still think it's a bad idea, recommending that any speech should have been preceded by Romney winning in Iowa, New Hampshire or both. They think Romney is overreacting to the surge of Huckabee, who probably tops out at 25 percent in Iowa. They believe Huckabee's support is pro-Evangelical rather than anti-Mormon, boosted by his support of "fair tax" reform to eliminate the federal income tax (countermanding his high tax record in Arkansas).

As I said previously, I expect the speech to be a non-event despite all the hype not because of what Romney will say, but because of what he won't say. The questions that many people have about Mormanism won't be answered by a candidate who gives the stock "I think faith plays an important role in America" speech, and by giving a speech that doesn't address some of the questions about the faith itself, it opens up the media for a free shot in asking why Romney didn't address this issue or that issue relative to Mormon beliefs. I think Romney will end up being asked a lot more tough questions about the Mormon faith after the speech than he had before it. The speech will also free up the media to do investigative reports into the Mormon beliefs, something they may not have wanted to do until Romney gave them the opening.

I think the speech is a big mistake and a sign of weakness on the part of the campaign.

UPDATE: An excerpt from the speech which pretty much confirms that Romney won't address the real issues that concern many who view Mormanism as a cult:

"There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths."

In other words, nothing to see here...move along...