To the Point
Mitt Romney and Religion in America's Public Life
Mitt Romney said today no Mormon authority will influence what he does if he's elected President of the United States. With a religious test prohibited by the Constitution, should any candidate have to defend his or her religion? Also, the President's plan to assist sub-prime mortgage holders, and two Gypsy clans go to court over who controls fortune telling in Southern California.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenMitt Romney said today no Mormon authority will influence what he does if he's elected President of the United States. With a religious test prohibited by the Constitution, should any candidate have to defend his or her religion? Does Mormonism raise special questions? Has Romney provided the answers some voters think they have a right to ask? Also, the President's plan to assist sub-prime mortgage holders, and a dispute over fortune telling in Southern California provides a rare glimpse into the lives of Gypsies.
Mitt Romney (2nd L) stands with his wife Anne, former President George Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush at the George Bush Presidential Library, December 6, 2007 in College Station, Texas. The Republican President hopeful talked about the role of religion in government and his Mormon faith.
Photo: Ben Sklar/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesBush Gets Lenders to Freeze Sub-Prime Mortgage Rates
With anxiety rising about the economy, President Bush today announced a plan to help homeowners with sub-prime mortgages. It would freeze the so-called "starter" interest rate for certain borrowers to prevent increases that could otherwise force them into foreclosure.
Read the story6 minMitt Romney and Religion in America's Public Life
Massachusetts Senator John Kennedy became America's first Catholic president after a speech in which he said no Catholic prelate would tell him what to do in the White House.
Read the story35 minGypsy Feud over Fortune-telling Business in Southern California
In affluent Newport Beach in California's Orange County, two Gypsy clans have gone into court in a turf war over fortune-telling. It's a rare public airing of customs and practices that normally are kept secret from the rest of the world.
Read the story8 min
