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I don't know what I expected from Mitt Romney's "Faith in America" speech this morning. I think a part of me feared that it would fall flat, that he'd smile too much and try to be likeable, that he'd not say anything memorable, or at least not as memorable as JFK. My fears were unnecessary. I thought he was brilliant.
I actually found myself taking notes and saying "Oh - that's a great line!" outloud in the booth as Grant and Doug and I listened. Mitt said that some people believe a confession of his faith will sink his candidacy. "If so," he said, "so be it, but I think they underestimate the American people." I wanted to applaud.
He said, "religious intolerance would be a shallow precept if it was reserved for people we agree with." Yes.
"A president needs the prayers of people of all faiths." Yes.
"Liberty is a gift of God, not an indulgence of government."
He concluded by describing America as a "symphony of faith," where we are not just one melody of faith, but a full symphony. I love the metaphor.
I do not know if Mitt Romney will be the next president. I do not know if he is the best candidate, but I can say he is a fine candidate. There would be something remarkable about having a president be someone so many of us in Utah have met and worked with. But that selfish thought aside, after hearing him speak with such inspiring inclusiveness today, I can picture him in that role.
