To the Point
To the Point
Share |

Mitt Romney and His Mormon Faith

Host:
Produced by:
Subscribe to this Podcast:
Podcast iTunes Podcast
Listen to/Watch entire show:
Listen Download Add to My Shows
Legacy Player: Listen

Mitt Romney is a front-running Republican candidate for president - and a practicing Mormon. Critics are taking a close look at the Mormon religion and questioning its doctrines. Should a candidate's private beliefs be used as a measure to determine performance in public office? Will Romney's religion be an obstacle as he tries to woo the Christian right?  Also, President Bush nominates Robert Zoellick to replace Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank and, on Reporter's Notebook, the ethics of interrogation.  The government's own advisers argue that harsh techniques are immoral and unreliable.  Sara Terry guest hosts.

Making News

Robert Zoellick Nominated to Head the World Bank ()

President Bush today announced his choice to replace World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz.  He tapped his former trade chief, Robert Zoellick. Wolfowitz steps down June 30 after a scandal involving a compensation package for his girlfriend, a controversy that has left the bank in turmoil.  Krishna Guha of Financial Times has the latest.

Guests:
  • Krishna Guha: Chief US Correspondent for the Financial Times
Links:

Main Topic

The Public Debate and Private Beliefs of Presidential Candidates ()

John F. Kennedy supposedly answered "the religion question" 47 years ago with his successful run for the presidency. Today, the religion question has come up again, only this time the candidate isn't a Catholic. Mitt Romney is a front-runner in the Republican field and a practicing Mormon whose religious beliefs are facing increasing examination. What role will religion play in the race? Can Romney overcome apprehensions about his religion? Will conservative Christian leaders endorse him? Is it fair to judge a politician's public performance on his personal beliefs, beliefs that are outside the cultural mainstream?

Guests:
Links:

Reporter's Notebook

Bush Commission Criticizes Its Interrogation Techniques ()

A group of psychologists and experts, commissioned by the government's Intelligence Service Board, have advised US intelligence agencies that the harsh interrogation techniques used since 9/11 are outmoded, amateurish and unreliable, and need to be revised, using lessons from many fields. Their comments come at a time of increasing debate over the morality of such tactics. Stephen Soldz of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis has been involved in the role of psychologists in abusive interrogations.

Guests:
  • Stephen Soldz: Psychoanalyst at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis

CD copies of To the Point are available by calling 1.888.600.5279.

Engage & Discuss

Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.

For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.