If you have 20 minutes or so and want to see how Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney handles the pressure of a radio interview and being asked to reconcile his politics with his faith, then watch the video below. It includes video of both the on-air interview and discussions which took place during commercial breaks Thursday morning. Romney was apparently unaware that the interview — and the breaks — was being videotaped.
Jan Mickelson of Des Moines’ WHO Radio played the part of a very smart and well-prepared bulldog, simply refusing to give in to Romney’s refusal to address the issue of what many perceive as his attempt to distance himself from the edicts of his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints (a.k.a., the “Mormon Church”).
As for Romney, the saying that comes to my mind about him is simple: “Temper. Temper. Temper.”
39 responses so far ↓
1 Reasonable American // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:29 am
You know, most Americans would say that it would be wrong for America to become a theocracy, but when a candidate says he’s unwilling to conflate his prospective secular political office and his personal religious beliefs, thereby imposing theocracy upon Americans, he’s attacked as disingenuous in his religious beliefs. Worse yet, Americans slam politicians for being hypocrites (if of the party opposing their personal favorite), yet Americans are, by and large, glaringly hypocritical. And we dare wonder why Europeans, people who have more than 1000 years of political history, think us a bunch of troglodytic mongoloids?
2 hotoffthepress // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:36 am
RA — Who cares what the Europeans think of Americans? I don’t. — Bob
3 funakil // Aug 6, 2007 at 9:11 am
Though the interviewer was well-prepared, like you say, he was also very rude and inconsiderate. He repeatedly talked over and interrupted Mr. Romney, not allowing him to fully explain his thoughts. Yes, Mr. Romney was clearly agitated, but that’s only because Mr. Interviewer wouldn’t drop his one point, even though Romney had answered it several times in several different ways. To add to it, Interviewer veered into topics that really have nothing to do with a presidency. I actually enjoyed Mitt “unplugged” and knowing how he really feels about his beliefs. I thought the interviewer showed he didn’t know how to listen. . . kind of an important skill for an interviewer, don’t you think?
4 hotoffthepress // Aug 6, 2007 at 9:22 am
Funakil — The interviewer, Jan Mickelson, did a great job, unlike most of the national media interviewers who throw politically-correct “softball” questions at the candidates. The fact of the matter is this: Mitt wouldn’t answer the questions Mickelson posed. Apparently, Mitt felt compelled to continue his campaign-trail practice of distancing himself from the decidedly unconventional beliefs of his Mormon faith. Why? Because he knows that knowledge of those beliefs, if understood by a majority of GOP-American voters prior to the primaries, will cost him the election. Thanks for posting. — Bob
5 Ben // Aug 6, 2007 at 11:10 am
Wow, what an interview!
This host was obviously trying to trip up Romney and get him to make a gaffe thinking he wasn’t on camera which is shady at best, and more realistically downright dishonest. After watching the video though I was amazed to see how well Romney handled his badgering, interrupting, and repeated asking of the same question even though Romney answered it several different ways. Romney handled himself politely, with integrity, and as a true leader in this situation when confronted by a suprise ambush type situation. That is the kind of man we need dealing with world world leaders and career politicians! I was a Thompson guy but after seeing this video I am seriously taking another look at Mitt.
6 hotoffthepress // Aug 6, 2007 at 11:14 am
Ben — I’m not believing it! The skeptic inside me thinks you’ve been a “Romneyphile” all along…but thanks for posting. — Bob
7 dpamm // Aug 6, 2007 at 3:38 pm
For starters, I’m an active Mormon and a moderate Democrat. but I don’t think the video above is any big deal, I’ve seen a lot of politicians get a lot more animated than Gov. Romney, including both of the Clintons. I think he just doesn’t want to get into it. However, he is cleverly trying to show Mormon diversity by attacking Harry Reid’s positions, as Reid is also an active Mormon plus a liberal democrat & the leader of the senate. Right now Romney has my vote as a “Reagan” Democrat, but the only driver for me right now is the Iraq nightmare created by Bush & his buddies. Right now no one else truly looks capable of solving that huge mess. Romney has the proven track record of being a problem solver (he truly straightened out the 2002 Olympics mess, no easy task taking over as late as he did) and an extremely accomplished leader (he was managing director of Bain Capital & Bain Consulting, which are staffed by very accomplished people). I think he can fix big problems, which in the end is what I care about most — hence my position.
8 Kirk // Aug 6, 2007 at 3:46 pm
A friend sent me to this site to see the “Temper Temper” piece… I watched it and thought “what temper”?
The Radio guy was Rude and ill mannered and game himself away as someone with a bias not against Romney’s politics but against his faith. He was certainly not interested in understanding what Romney had to offer as an answer to his “supposed” question. What was the interviewer really trying to accomplish? Perhaps he was out to win points with his pastor or like so many other Christians to just make sure that they assert that they are “more Christian than a Mormon could be.
Temper-Temper-Temper – would better read Kudos to Romney for even Temperment in the face of Repeated Irrelevant & Ignorant Questioning
9 Is Mitt Romney Feeling Pressure from Blogger? « Bob McCarty Writes // Aug 6, 2007 at 4:45 pm
[...] graphic above) and offered readers of Salt Lake City’s major daily newspaper a direct link to Iowa Radio Host Gets Under Mitt Romney’s Skin, a Bob McCarty Writes™ post published [...]
10 hotoffthepress // Aug 6, 2007 at 4:57 pm
dpamm — Thanks for sharing you opinion. As stated in previous comments above, I think Mitt Romney’s doing exactly what Jan Mickelson asked him about (i.e., distancing himself from Mormonism). Obviously, however, we’ll have to agree to disagree. — Bob
11 hotoffthepress // Aug 6, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Kirk — Sorry I had to whittle your War and Peace-length comment down to a nuts and bolts-length one. Obviously, like most of those commenting on this post, we are — and will likely remain — worlds apart on the subject of a Mitt Romney presidency. Thanks for posting. — Bob
12 Kermit // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Wow! The host had some ready-laid plans for this interview! -or should I call them traps? Mr. Romney did a good job at not letting the host tell him what he (Romney) should be saying or doing as a presidential candidate or as a Mormon. Is life all about telling others what they should be doing, or just doing it ourselves? Does God force us to do his will or does he let us choose? Last I checked, it was the latter. The love of God and the agency of man are one and the same- and are made manifest and possible through Christ.
13 Kermit // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Oh yeah- by the way, this makes me lean a little more toward voting FOR Mitt Romney. Once McCain supporters see this, it may remind them of why they like John so much (a very passionate man), and they may jump aboard Mitt’s wagon!
14 hotoffthepress // Aug 6, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Kermit — I continue to be amazed at the differences in how two people can view the same event. Thanks for posting. — Bob
15 BeeBee // Aug 7, 2007 at 10:09 am
I watched the interview and I couldn’t help but think that the interviewer was not a Mitt Romney fan. It seems he was opposed to Mitt becoming President.
Was the interviewer seeking to degrade Mitt in some way so his popularity in Iowa was diminished? Who does the interviewer support?
I believe that this incident will actually portray Mitt Romney in a good light.
16 hotoffthepress // Aug 7, 2007 at 10:12 am
BeeBee — You’re not alone. Others have shared the same sentiments. Thanks for posting. — Bob
17 josh // Aug 7, 2007 at 11:16 am
I agree with the comments about the interviewer being very rude. He didn’t let him talk about any plans but just acted like he knew more about mormons than an actual mormon. I am a mormon and have been doing research as to who I want to vote for president. I am not going to vote for Romney JUST on the basis that he is mormon. I think it is naive to do that. But after learning about what he wants to accomplish and reading his credentials, I believe he is a very strong candidate and would make a great president. People need to realize that he is not running to make everyone join the lds church, that just happens to be his choice of religion.
18 hotoffthepress // Aug 7, 2007 at 11:20 am
josh — Was that a paid political announcement I just read? If so, make sure you add, “I’m Mitt Romney, and I approved this message.” — Bob
19 TL // Aug 7, 2007 at 11:49 am
You know…out of all the Republican candidates, I like Mitt second best. It is good to see him get the “Ron Paul” treatment by a media outlet. Sucks doesn’t it?
I think he handled himself as well as possible while under direct attack. Although, he did not do as good a job as Ron Paul does. Then again, Ron Paul is used to being under constant attack by the media.
It’s too bad Mitt is too much of a politician and he is desparate to make amends with his religion. That’s good for him personally, but bad for his candidacy. The media can too easily distort the truth. Just look at how the media twists Ron Paul’s positions to make him look like a “kook”. If you study his positions you find that there is nothing “kooky” about them, unless you find adhering to the Constitution too kooky for you!
~TL in Sacramento
20 Kirk // Aug 7, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Is what I just watched supposed to be controversial? Give me a break. Mitt defended himself well and the interviewer, while being what some would call rude, did what he wanted though he may have burned his bridge and not get another interview with Mitt – especially since he had it secretly videotaped.
I found it interesting that the interviewer while challenging Mitt on moral issues didn’t apply morality to himself in being more civil. Too bad he threw out civility in a poor attempt to gain recognition.
21 j's wife // Aug 7, 2007 at 1:40 pm
This was not “secretly video taped.” Mitt knew the video would be rolling, and that Jan would be posting it on his website.
22 hotoffthepress // Aug 7, 2007 at 1:47 pm
j’s wife — I don’t doubt you, but have heard otherwise. Do you have “insider” knowledge? Are you “j’s wife” as in Jan Mickelson’s wife? Let me know. Thanks for posting. — Bob
23 NWA // Aug 8, 2007 at 12:49 am
Bob.
You are so biased its disgusting. No one can say anything positive about Mitt without getting the “Was that a paid political announcement I just read?” or “a “Romneyphile” all along” comment. why bother having a discussion at all?
24 j's wife // Aug 8, 2007 at 6:26 am
Bob,
Nope, not Jan’s wife. I just happen to be an Iowan, a fan of Jan Mickelson, and listen to his show daily via the podcasts. If you go direct to Jan’s website, he has a whole response to the interview, and in the comments section there is a posting from the man who was doing the video taping.
The interview is done in Jan’s style. He does not allow politicians or any of his guests to spin their answers. He asks direct questions and expects direct answers. He would have treated any individual the same, and does for example, with individuals like Tom Harkin and Ted Kennedy. He calls them “Cafeteria Catholics” due to their stance on abortion and the conflict that stance creates with their “religious” holdings.
(as a side, the reason that I am such a Mickelson fan is that his show has enlightened me to the Constitution and it’s original intent, something that is not only missing from today’s public school system, but especially from our politicians on Capitol Hill)
25 hotoffthepress // Aug 8, 2007 at 7:13 am
NWA — Okay, so I’m not allowed to have an opinion? Come on, get real! — Bob
26 hotoffthepress // Aug 8, 2007 at 7:18 am
Jan — Thanks for the insight. I’ll check out Jan’s site. — Bob
27 Talker Responds to Controversy Over Romney Interview « Bob McCarty Writes // Aug 8, 2007 at 8:06 am
[...] 8th, 2007 · No Comments On Thursday, I published a post, Iowa Radio Host Gets Under Mitt Romney’s Skin, that seems to have upset some supporters of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney almost [...]
28 mittromney4prezcmon.com » Blog Archive » Iowa Radio Host Gets Under Mitt Romney’s Skin // Aug 8, 2007 at 9:14 am
[...] Read more [...]
29 Guy // Aug 9, 2007 at 12:32 am
What I saw was a clear attempt by Mitt to try and explain his point of view with a little passion and a very controlled temper under the circumstances. Why is his faith being challenged like that? I’ve never seen anything like this. Anyone who’s watched this and thinks he dodged the question is biased. He practically walked Jan through his answer.
30 j's wife // Aug 9, 2007 at 7:20 am
Guy,
Did you watch the video? Jan AGREES with the Mormon faith, at least on the abortion issue! Jan was pointing out that Romney DOESN’T! At least not when it’s convenient for him…
31 Robert // Aug 10, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Everyone cries the blues about you can’t legislate morality, it is a personal choice, yet here is a candidate who says just that and he’s raked over the coals for it. He was VERY clear that his faith affects HIS choices, but doesn’t necessarily affect how he would vote regarding the law of the land for the choice of OTHERS! He said in plain words that he was wrong on his POLITICAL opinion before and has changed his views on the POLITICAL issue of abortion, and has supported it by his actions as governor in Massachusetts, a very liberal state, over the past 4 years. Why is it so hard to understand the concept that you have personal codes of behavior that cannot be enforced upon everyone else as the law of the land. I would think that position would ease everyone’s mind that if he is president, the USA won’t become a Mormon theocracy like the historical concern with Kennedy bowing to the Catholic church’s positions. Right for you personally is not necessarily right as the law of the land.
32 hotoffthepress // Aug 10, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Robert — As I told BeeBee above, you’re not alone. Others have shared the same sentiments. Thanks for posting. — Bob
33 natedavidr // Aug 10, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Wow, all I can see is someone who actually sticks to his personal morals and allows others the opportunity to do the same. How refreshing. Is that what was supposed to be an inability to reconcile his politics with his faith? It appears to be exactly the opposite to me. I am continually astounded at how well Mitt Romney responds to antagonism under pressure.
34 Blogger Makes Wikipedia Scanner Discovery (sort of) « Bob McCarty Writes // Aug 15, 2007 at 4:04 pm
[...] It happened while I was reviewing already-moderated comments related to an 11-day-old post about Mitt Romney in the “back office” of my [...]
35 Ron // Aug 15, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Many talk show hosts, like Jan, use a steam-roller tactic and simply talk over their guests.
Their intent is to clearly debunk any answer given them by not allowing the guest to complete a response through constant interruptions and asking differing questions or making a statement based upon what they believe the response should be rather than allowing the guest to finish their comment.
A fatal mistake for anyone is to vote for that person based soley upon religion.
As in Mit’s case, he was continually interrupted and no matter how hard he attempted to get his point acros Jan, I believe, tried to make him look hipocritical.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints specifically states that everyone has a right to practice their own religion when where and as they wish just as we reserve the right practice our religion when, where and how we wisht.
Further, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints empatically believes that we should be subject to the laws of the land and not that the laws of the land should be subject to our beliefs.
For those not familiar, Christ said “render unto Ceasar that which is Ceasar’s and to God that which is God’s.”
That we are a secular society and absolutely should remain a secular society is of benefit to all Americans of every color, creed, race or religion!
If Jan is desirous of quoting Mormon doctrine, he should take the necessary steps to study and learn before he attempts to skewer a member of that religion.
36 hotoffthepress // Aug 15, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Ron — I’ve worked in public/media relations for most of the past 20 years and have fielded incredibly tough questions from reporters. Based on your comments and those of others, it would appear you want your candidate to be exempt from the same kind of questioning George W. Bush handled in a straightforward manner. — Bob
37 Video Shows Basics of Romney Interview Tactics « Bob McCarty Writes // Aug 31, 2007 at 8:48 am
[...] during the aforementioned radio interview which became the subject of a Bob McCarty Writes™ post, Iowa Radio Host Gets Under Mitt Romney’s Skin, published Aug. [...]
38 Blogger to Appear on ‘Mickelson in the Morning’ « Bob McCarty Writes // Sep 19, 2007 at 8:39 am
[...] who gained worldwide fame as the man who interviewed Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (click here for details), wants to learn more about the just-released “Don’t taze me, bro!”™ t-shirts [...]
39 The Year in Review: 2007 // Dec 28, 2007 at 4:24 pm
[...] Posts and videos related to news from the world of politics and presidential election campaigns. Iowa Radio Host Gets Under Mitt Romney’s Skin (YouTube [...]