A Mormon in the White House?: 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney

by Hugh Hewitt

According to author and radio personality Hewitt, Mitt Romney-billionaire venture capitalist, consummate family man, gifted and media-savvy politician-would be unstoppable in the coming presidential race were it not for one niggling line on his resumé: he's a Mormon. In this unashamedly partisan volume, Hewitt attempts to refute the claim that no Mormon could get elected President (along with any other claim that might be made against Romney) while analyzing the former Massachusetts governor's biography and burnishing his conservative and leadership credentials. Hewitt is an agreeable, if inelegant, writer, wise enough to take detours (such as an edifying primer on Mormon history and thought) that stave off tedium. He spends far more time extolling Romney than excoriating his Republican and Democratic opponents. This is an efficient and effective exercise in political hagiography.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Biography, Biography Memoir, Lds

311 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Myk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. Very informative. I felt that I got to know the Romneys. It actually made me sad that he is no longer running for president. Mitt is a financial genius. One of the most valuable things I took from this book is the bain method. If any one is interested in this look up bain & company and bain capital. I guess some people in Washington would not want Mitt as president because that would mean people that are worthless get fired and those that will actually do the job get hired. Efficient government????? Its a great idea but we would not want our tax money used that way. Personally I like inefficient political leaders that take years to decide on anything. Not to mention there is nothing like watching the bi-partisan fights, its more entertaining than when Mike Tyson bit of Hollywoods ear. HA J/K. I also have to mention that this book has led me to another great book called Team of rivals by Doris Goodwin. It is about how Lincoln got people to work together.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

So Hewitt may present a one-sided view, but who can't be amazed my Mitt's career and his one-of-a-kind competency and fixing organizations?

[Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre-read:
Ughhh....What did I just step in? I mean what did I just stumble into? And why do I always feel the need to soldier on through these books I enjoy so little....?

I picked up this book because of it's title. The politicization of religion and the religionization of politics is something that bothers me no end. America wasn't established as a Christian nation, it was established as a FREE nation, and the separation of church and state is essential for good church and good state. I was hoping this book would deal with this issue. Mostly I guess I was hoping that because, in my mind, John F. Kennedy so clearly and effectively squashed the perceived basis for political exclusion based on religious preference that I thought the issue was, or should be, behind us.

Unfortunately, I saw that the author of this book also wrote a bunch of books that promote just the kind of religious/political philosophy that drives me so crazy. That is funny to me since Mormons are taught by their Ecclesiastical leaders to be civically active, but they are never told who to vote for, etc.

I think I'm in for a long and bumpy ride with this one......

[Erin L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book if you're interested in Mitt Romney. It goes into detail about his qualifications as President. The author is uber-republican and that really threw me at first, I almost didn't finish the book. I really do not like either the Republican or Democratic party particularly because it seems to be more about the party-line than the actual qualifications. Anyway, the author still brings up some valid points about Romney's success in the business world and how that could translate to a real turn around in the government. All I knew before reading this book was that Romney was Mormon, now I have a lot more respect and understanding for what he's been able to accomplish so far. And, as a Mormon myself, it was nice to read an objective non-Mormon talk about a Mormon with respect and honesty. Definite recommendation if you don't mind looking past the occasional Republican hoop-la.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I'm a political idiot, and I still liked it. It left me thinking that Romney could do much better than the two candidates we currently have to choose from. He has so much experience in so many things. He just seems like a solid, well-rounded guy.

It also left me feeling like although it's stupid, a Mormon couldn't be elected president. Too many people are scared of Mormon's. Hewitt outlines all the things that work against Romney because of the Mormon thing. My favorite was, "It's just too weird." I can understand that, we are weird.

I now hope that Romney runs next time. I think he'd be a great president. BUT...since I don't know anything about politics, maybe I'd feel the same way if I read a book about Obama or McCain. I guess I'll just have to do that and find out.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an anti-mormon book when it came out and therefore, did not read it. After reading a very short review of it in an article about this past election I realized it's a positive view on Mitt Romney. It is about why Americans should not let a prejudice against The Church make them not take a good look at why Romney would make a great President. It is written by Hugh Hewitt, a man who has years of political and journalistic experience and has never been a member of The Church. He is fair, unbiased, and positive in his writings about Romney. I'm loving it so far. It is great and I am once again, energized about the intelligence and goodness of Romney.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I'm about 3 years late reading this. But still - it was really interesting to learn more about Mitt's background and understand more about why/if/how Mormonism might factor into his potential performance as President. But really - it's less about Mormonism than it is about his past history and qualifications (which frankly - Hugh does a fine/unvieled job of touting).

[Lin-lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hosted a book club on this book and it generated some good conversations about religion in politics. It's amazing how many people don't think Mormons are Christians (hence the name of our church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). His resume is impressive and hope he will consider running again for president.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A positive, uplifting book about a brilliant, ingenious businessman. It was fascinating to read of all the ways he improved Massachusetts and the Winter Olympics Committee without spending or wasting more money or resources. An inspiring story told with the flare of Hewitt.

[Marlyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yuk! The glowing praises of the author would make you think he's Mitt's father or brother because in Hugh Hewitt's estimation, Mitt does everything right-not.

[Gable Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very interesting book. I thought the argument was sound when he pointed out that if the nation allowed some of the religious themed question to be asked of Mitt Romney then the law that states that there would be no religious test for the presidency would be challenged.

I again think that we missed out on a great opportunity for having Mitt as our president. The more I read about him the more I regret that that didn't happen. Maybe he will run again. But I doubt people will wise up enough to elect him.

[Theri Rowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this I decided to support him for President

[Peter Felton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Factual and well-researched, but very uninspiring. My opinions of Romney and Mormonism have not changed.

[Mark A.]

""

[Jeff Chesen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anyone picking up the book looking to be enlightened prior to the 2012 election should first be aware that Hugh Hewitt is an extreme conservative whose vision is frequently black or white without any shades of grey. This book was written prior to the 2008 election and Hewitt concludes that a) Mitt Romney will be the presumptive Republican candidate, and b) he will face Hillary Clinton in the general election. Hindsight shows just how flawed Hewitt's thinking was.

The book's deficiencies are glaring, especially in light of the 2012 election cycle. Hewitt's conclusion is that Romney's most pressing problem will be his Mormon faith. The author dedicates little attention to Romney's work for the Salt Lake City Olympics. His focus on Romney's time with Bain Capital was more about the philosophy at the business rather than the real-world impact it had.

The book provided little insight into what motivates Romney. A good deal of effort was spent describing George Romney's campaign but there was little relationship made to Mitt Romney's political accomplishments in Massachusetts or as a presidential candidate. Much has been made of Ann Romney's influence in Mitt Romney's life yet the book hardly mentioned this.

Hewitt dismissed John McCain's candidacy by claiming he was too moderate to be considered a viable Republican candidate. Yet Hewitt did not focus much attention on the Massachusetts healthcare system that Romney initiated. It was yet another glaring omission.

The omissions were compounded by repeated editorial problems (especially typos). The errors made it seem like this was a hastily produced book though it was clearly researched (evident from several interviews with Mitt Romney himself). I'm sure there are less partisan publications out there that deal with Romney's electability.

[Christopher Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is extremely interested in politics, I was already quite informed on Mitt Romney before reading this book. There are many reasons why I believe he would be a great president. Since I am a Mormon, I should clarify that our shared religious beliefs are not enough for me to make this statement. If anything, it has caused me to put him under the microscope a little more than the usual candidate. His fiscal experience is tremendous. He has been very successful in this area. He has the know-how and the ability to repair the U.S. economy.

While I don't believe there is any candidate with a record that is squeaky clean, I am pleased at where Mitt Romney stands and how he has grown as a candidate for president. Some have accused him of flip-flopping on a few issues but a flip-flopper is someone who says one thing to one crowd and the opposite to another crowd and will continually go back and forth. Mitt Romney has changed his mind on some issues but he has been consistent since changing his mind. Reagan did this as well. I admire someone who can say they made a mistake and move on with the right decision. This book is a great source for anyone wondering what type of person Mitt Romney is. It gave me additional information on him and confirmed the things I already knew. He is a man who loves America and wants to fix it. I wish him well in 2012.

[Jeff Stockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written prior to the 2008 campaign. As such, some of the information here is horribly dated. The author spends time talking about how Romney will need to beat McCain, and he focuses on some of the shortcomings of John McCain. While I agreed with a lot of it, since I'm not a John McCain fan, that information is no longer relevant. He also assumed that Hilary Clinton would be the democratic nominee, and so he talks about the matchup between her and Romney, which is also not relevant.

That being said, there was some interesting stuff here. There was a lot of biographical information about Romney, which I found the most interesting. Also, there was an appendix with a discussion between two evangelicals about whether a mormon is electable. This discussion was interesting to me, as a member of the LDS Church, to see how outsiders view us.

All in all, the biographical information about Romney is interesting, and it was interesting to see how the author, a non-mormon, views our church as a whole, but I don't know that I would recommend this book. You have to wade through a lot of dated material to get to the interesting pieces.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very conservative book. In the first couple pages it made it obvious that this would be a pro-conservative and pro-Romney book. Nothing that bothers me there though. However, the only problem with this book is it was written for the 2008 Presidential election. But I decided since I had purchased the book I would read it even if it was a little outdated. Hewitt rips apart ever other candidate and makes it seem as though Romney is the only candidate worth even considering in the Republican primaries. I didn't like how Hewitt made it seem as though Romney would automatically receive the Republican nomination if he wasn't mormon and even goes onto say that Romney has a mormon problem. While Romney may have a mormon problem it is not the only thing keeping Republicans from voting for Mitt. The author does not even write about Romneycare. He briefly discusses Romney's change of stance on the abortion issue but just briefly. While I support Hewitt's message I feel as though he has made a great mistake in only focusing on the mormon issue.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book several years ago when Mitt Romney was running for the White House. At the time I had many of the concerns documented in the book of why I did not want to vote for a Mormon for the White House.

After reading this book I have a better grasp of exactly what Mormons believe and don't believe. They definitely are not a member of main stream Christianity, but they are moral, responsible, good people as a whole. The few Mormons that I count as friends have showed the same good qualities. In particular, I learned a lot about Mitt Romney himself and he definitely is a good person and would have made a great President.

Given the circus of the GOP primary in 2016 I could only have hoped that somebody like Mitt would have been the GOP's nominee. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is the nominee and I did not like the rest of the field.

I rated the book a 3 star because of the bias of author not because of Mitt Romney. The author should have left some of his personal thoughts out of the book.

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a big fan of Mitt Romney but that was mainly because he reminded me of my dad. After reading this book I can honestly say he is the man for the job. He is a service-minded man of ability, intelligence, integrity, and charisma. He has the Midas touch, everything he gets his hands on turns to gold. Out of the current contenders for the White House this year, he is the only one who has what it will take to pull the country out of its current nose dive.

He's a real leader. The parts of this book which profile his problem solving skills should be enough to convince any American that he is perfectly qualified to be President. Romney also employs the Lincoln "Team of Rivals" strategy to making informed decisions on important issues.

He is not out for the power or the prestige of the position. This is a man who wants to give back and bring America back to its Golden days.

I believe in Mitt Romney.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on Mitt Romney's years of service as governor of Mass., his experience at Bain Capital (the "Bain Way") his family life, his Mormon faith, as well as why it is un-American to discriminate against a candidate for office based upon their religious views. Hugh Hewitt does an excellent job arguing that Evangelical Christians, as well as the secular news media, should consider his faith out of bounds. Why? Well, first, the Constitution states that there should not be a religious qualification. Secondly, as a matter of religious liberty, a presidential candidate should be free to worship any God under their choosing, so long as it does not have a detrimental effect upon the nation. Hewitt does an excellent job in presenting both arguments, and I found them very convincing.

[Joe Meservy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of this is a terrific biography with close up accounts of Romney's early business days and successes. The best chapter, however, is the one entitled "Mitt Romney Defends Traditional Marriage". I found that chapter particularly strong, vibrant, and inspiring. I would encourage anyone to read that chapter because of the well balanced and very lucid writings of Romney which have been reprinted within. I liked it.

The latter part of the book including the parts regarding challenges presented by Romeny's religion is a lot of circumspect and goes beyond credible sources and into some "Anti-Mormon" literature and so I didn't find that portion interesting...it rambled and dragged on.

[Brian Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good book about Mitt Romney. And seeing as how he's very likely to be the next president, probably one thats worth checking out. I learned some disturbing bits about Mormonism (example: they're not Christians - they believe we are all "becoming" gods, and that Jesus was just further along the spiritual path than most of us), but aside from that, Romney looks like an extremely capable and ideal candidate. (And personally, his religion doesn't concern me: as president, his morals, ethics and talents do, and they all seem to be impeccable.)

[Alycia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only give it a four, because I didn't think it flowed very well. But however I think it was a great topic to write about because of religous bigotry. I am so glad that Hugh Hewitt is getting the message out to people why Mitt would make a WONDERFUL president and that his religion has nothing to do with it. Everyone vote for Mitt---and if you don't believe me read the book and you'll know why you should vote for him!!!

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Hewitt is a conservative talk show host and unabashedly pro-Romney, but the book would still be a good read for anyone interested in politics. The points made about him are valid. It probably won't convince any Hillary supporters to hop the fence, but it does make a strong case for him as both the best conservative among the top-tier GOP candidates and the strongest leader among the candidates in either party.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to the strength of experience Romney has as a potential President. It also shows some of the similarities and major differences in stands to the other candidates. This is a must read.

The reason I rated this only a 4 is the sentence structure is sometimes poor requiring a re-read of some sentences. A few sentences or paragraphs left me wondering what he was trying to say.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was written in anticipation of Romney's run for the Republican nomination for President in the 2008 election, but most of what was written then is still applicable for the upcoming 2012 election. The book makes a nice case describing Romney's better points, and tries to put to rest any concerns the public may have about his religion. Worth a read to anyone pondering candidates for the 2012 nomination run.

[Kelly Philpott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be an interesting perspective of a non-LDS author on Mitt Romney's campaign for the presidency in 2008, and whether or not he would win based on his religion. I got a little lost in all of the political data and found the author to twist words a little bit when referring to the LDS church and it's members. The book actually makes me want to read Mitt Romney's "Turnaround" book because of all of the quotes and references.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, completely fair look at why Mitt Romney would (have been) the perfect candidate for the 2008 Republican nomination. It is well-researched, well-written, and emphasizes the American ideal that any man should be able to worship how he chooses, and that not voting for the right man soley because of his religious affiliation would be a grave disservice to our forbears.

[Prairie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great presentation of a smart and hardworking man. I appreciated also how well it represented my church. Cleared up any questions about his stem cell-research or pro-life positions. Amazing section on why the marriage amendment is crucial for our countries strength, an issue I didn't understand prior to reading.
Get the audio book.