To the Point
Mitt Romney and the Mormon Church
Share |

Mitt Romney and the Mormon Church

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

Despite big money, years of organizing and a chattering-class consensus that he’s the "inevitable" nominee, Mitt Romney has failed to connect with two-thirds of Republican voters. Should he be more open about his Mormon faith? How it would shape his conduct in office?  We talk with fellow Mormons and others. Also, the US reaches a $25 billion mortgage settlement with top banks, and Apple stores face protests worldwide.

Banner image: Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney waves to supporters during an election party at the Red Rock Casino February 4, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Making News

US Reaches $25 Billion Mortgage Settlement with Top Banks ()

President Obama announced today what he called "the largest joint federal-state settlement in American history." It's a $26 billion deal involving 49 states to provide relief from foreclosure abuse by five leading lenders: Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo and Ally Financial/GMAC Mortgage. Lorraine Woellert is finance regulation reporter for Bloomberg News.


Guests:
Links:

Main Topic

Is Mitt Romney Too Reticent about His Mormon Faith? ()

Mitt Romney's been called the "presumed front-runner," since the Republican campaign began, but most party members are looking for somebody else. Has Romney failed to tell them who he really is?  He calls Mormonism key to his character and often mentions his faith in God and loyalty to "the same church," but he's refused to explain how his religion affects his public life. In his one speech on the subject, he used the word "Mormon" exactly once. He seems, "unable to talk about the very subject he seems to care about most, a lifelong source of spiritual, familial and intellectual sustenance." If he were more open, could he shake the impression that he's hiding something? Even some fellow Mormons say raising the question is not religious bigotry. We look for answers.

Guests:
Links:

Reporter's Notebook

Petitioning for Change at Apple ()

The New York Times recently reported harsh working conditions at overseas plants that make products for Apple. Dell, HP and Microsoft use some of the same suppliers, but the world's most valuable company was the target of protests today in London, Bangalore, Sydney, San Francisco and Washington, and petitions with 250,000 signatures were scheduled to be delivered to Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California. Some conceded they were iPhone and Mac users who wanted to "hold their heads high" again. Mike Daisey is an author and performer. His latest show now at the Public Theater in New York is The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs.

NOTE: After this discussion aired, This American Life discovered that its program, Mr. Daisey Goes to the Apple Factory, was partially fabricated, and has since dedicated an entire program to detailing the errors Daisey's story about visiting Foxconn. You can listen to TAL's episode, Retraction, to learn more.

Guests:
Links:

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.