The American Spectator

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More Romney at RJC

By Philip Klein on 10.16.07 @ 6:10PM

On a more serious note, the RJC was generally receptive to Romney's message on Iran,� the global jihadist movement, and his strong support for Israel.

While Giuliani had talked about his ejection of Arafat from Lincoln Center and rejection of the $10 million Saudi check after 9/11, Romney highlighted his denial of security to Mohammed Khatami as governor and his recent letter to the UN opposing the invitation to let Ahmadinejad speak.

"Jihadists want to conquer the world," Romney warned, and discussed the importance of supporting the surge in Iraq to deny a safe haven to Hamas, Hezbollah and Al Qaeda.

"Many in the Democratic Party are in the most serious, delusional, and politically-driven denial since Neville Chamberlain," Romney said.

On Iran, he ditched any of the lawyer talk from the recent debate, restating his support for sanctions, divestment by public pensions, and, if necessary, military action.

"It's time for Democrats to break their silence and answer this question: Will you act to stop a nuclear Iran?" he posited. "Let me assure you of one thing: I will."

He went on to say that Iran needs to know that, "Not only is the military option on the table, it is in our hand."

During the question and answer session, somebody asked why Mormonism scares so many people. Romney responded by pointing to his support among evangelicals, particularly how James Dobson has had ruled out Giuliani, Thompson, and McCain. "Well, that sort of left one guy left standing," Romney observed light-heartedly, raising both of his hands. He also said that although polls show a certain number of Republicans say they wouldn't vote for a Mormon, there were also many who wouldn't vote for somebody over 70 or somebody who has been married multiple times, but one of them has to win. I found it odd that he would focus so much on the evangelical angle before a Jewish audience that is sympathetic to other minority religions and opposed to the idea of religious tests for office.

topics:
Religion, Law, Military, Iraq, Iran, Israel