Today’s Reading List – September 25, 2006 | Article VI Blog

Hotline reviews Romney at FRC meeting. The Washington Times offers its own review. Among the other speakers at this thing are those that might represent Romney's Evangelical opposition. Wish I was backstage, tiny and able to listen closely.

Lowell: Here's John Fund's take today on Romney's emergence as the conservative alternative to McCain. It's refreshing that Fund's piece mentions Romney's religion only briefly.

Is a "divorce" between Evangelicals and the GOP looming? Gimme a break – like Evangelicals can turn to the Democrats?! Looks like Donald Wildmon agrees with me on this one. Anyway, does a little friction create an opening for Romney?

Cheat-Seeking Missles breaks down why McCain lost in the deal over interrogation. Speaking of which, the MSM lefties and their disciples keep reporting that Romney is simply positioning himself as the "anti-McCain" by moving right and playing hardball, compared to McCain's mediative ways. I have always found this kind of political reporting fascinating – it reduces a genuine stance to a mere political opportunity, thus attacking the holder of the view while merely reporting. It's important to remember that political consequences are but one of many factors in a leader's decisions, and often the last one considered.

If Catholics and Protestants can find common ground, surely Mormons and Evangelicals can.

Apparently Karl Rove is given aid and comfort to the gubenatorial campaign of Ernest Istook in Oklahoma. Istook is Mormon. Clearly this Evangelical and this Mormon are finding some common ground. Lowell: I have heard that Rove's a Mormon too, but I can't confirm that, and if he is one, I don't think he's darkened the door of a Mormon chapel for a long, long time.

Apparently, Romney is Bill O'Reilly's guy for the moment.

Christianity and the development of British society and culture. Good stuff, one more indicator of the importance of religion and how it extends beyond just theology – which is why Evangelicals and Mormons should find common ground.

Is the Pope saying anything about Mormons here? Will Mormons riot because he might have?

This may be the worst idea in the history of bad ideas – circumventing the electoral college and the constitution. First courts legislate, now state legislatures amend the constitution. So much for the separation of powers.

We've said Romney's open opposition on the religious question is likely to be from the left, not the right – Evidence?

Gingrich's name keeps popping up. I have to think Newt's smart enough to know he doesn't stand a chance. Would Romney be smart to bring him aboard as a "policy advisor?" Lowell: Like many Republicans I hope Newt doesn't run, but I hope the leading candidates are listening to him. I especially hope Romney is listening.

Some Dems are upset with Hillary's reported choice in campaign managers. Meanwhile Jerry Falwell says a run by her would energize the conservative GOP base more than anything ever (Powerline appears to agree) – and the left counterattacks because he used the devil metaphorically in making the statement. More evidence that the religious question will be most openly fought with the left? (Or so it appeared until we found out about this)