Is the Mormon church running away from Romney?

[grasswire]

Tonight on MSNBC Lawrence O'Donnell interviewed a Mormon bigwig who criticized Romney's 47% comments harshly, and who was very clear about those comments not representing the tenets of the Mormon faith.

He spoke authoritatively, as he and Romney have both been bishops and state presidents of the church.

Was this a signal that the church is feeling some pressure as Mitt makes Mormons look terrible?

[sadbear]

1. Maybe publicly...

but I doubt they are privately.

[jpbollma]

2. They looked terrible

without Mitt. lol

[Booster]

3. I thought the same thing. For some of the reasons that guy gave, I think the church really doesn't

want to be associated with Rmoney and they REALLY don't want the scrutiny of the church because of all the wealth it has.

[ibegurpard]

4. no

Mormons are some of the biggest supporters of the tea party you can imagine.
They encourage an authoritarian mindset.
The Church may try to distance itself from bad PR but make no mistake...they're down with his message.

[fishwax]

5. there are an awful lot of current/former stake presidents, and even more bishops -- was it someone

speaking in an official capacity? Do you remember who it was? (A current official?)

[aletier_v]

6. I doubt if anyone WANTS to be associated with Romney at this point,

including his financiers and campaign staff.

but they're trapped.

[braddy]

7. Mitt has an 84 to 13% lead over Obama with Mormons, Obama won 19% Mormons in 2008.

Romney isn't in any trouble with his religion, this is just posturing.

They (the leadership) want him in the White House badly.

[Raster]

9. The mormon church is CRAVING the perceived legitimacy a Rmoney presidency will bring.

Having a mormon in the White House would: (1) help blunt the "19th century scientology" perception; and (2) validate the "White Horse" prophecy.

[braddy]

13. I agree, Mitt being president means Mormonism becoming mainstream.

[greyseal]

8. I was wondering if the Church was pissed because Mitt has been stiffing them on the tithes?

So they're basically spanking him publicly.

[braddy]

10. Mitt is a Temple Mormon, that means that it is verified that he is giving at least 10% to

Mormonism, he is examined every two years, and carries an ID card proving it, the ID card must be renewed once a year, Reid does this also.

[Wellstone ruled]

11. Keep up the pressure,

Mormons are all in for the Willard. Watched O'Donnell and this guy was doing the Mormon do as I say not as I do spittle at it's best. Sorry Lawrence,you got Willarded by this panty waste liar. I thought you finally figured out this cult,you did much of the writing for Tough Love,should have really first hand knowledge of how the Mormon Cult functions.

Hey,the story is about covering anything negative about the Mormon Church. Temple Square has tons of people monitoring all types of media for anything that in anyway disparage their church. It's the big game in town worth 6 million tax free everyday.

[FreeState]

12. Both Bishop and Stake President are small positions

they come with zero authority beyond the local level of 300-4000 members. Whom ever was on TV if he was either was not speaking for the church - the Church does not allow them to speak for the church on issues beyond their local community and even then its tightly controlled.