There seems to be some “conventional wisdom” in the media that says Mitt Romney will HAVE to give a speech addressing the issue of his faith to win over the Christian Right.  A panel of media experts was even convened to discuss the idea in depth.  (See Mormonism threatens Romney’s presidential nomination, panel says)   The consensus is that to win the presidency he must make a speech to allay the fears of evangelicals.

To back up this opinion, is the various polls conducted that suggest that a large portion of Americans would be “less likely” to vote for a candidate who was Mormon.  (See The Mormon Speech No More)  Then there are a vocal few, like Senator McCain’s mother, who publicly express their doubts about the Mormon faith and its members.

Romney has been open about his intentions concerning “the speech.”  He is happy to answer any questions about his faith as they come up.  At this time his political advisors do not think a speech focusing on his faith would be wise.  However, there may be a time when it is necessary to address the issue at length and he is prepared for that eventuality.

There is speculation, again from the learned media types, that Romney is simply angling for the time when the speech will make the biggest splash.  Waiting for excitement about the race to build to get the maximum coverage but in time to influence the outcome of the primary races.

What the elite media analysts haven’t thought about, is the fact that there has been no indication that a “JFK-type” speech about Mormonism would change any minds.  Polls may say that people would be “less likely” to vote for a Mormon candidate but they don’t say “less likely” than what.  To me, all this says is that all else being equal, the persons polled would base their decision on the issue of candidate’s religion.

In this race, however, very little is equal among the candidates.  There are huge political and idealogical differences even among the Republican candidates.  In the general election, the Democrat nominee can be expected to be virtually a polar opposite to Romney.  At this point, the issue of Religion will diminish in significance.

Religion has not stopped Romney from developing prominent leads in early Primary states where he has campaigned heavily.  There is little reason to think that if he is able to win these states that he will have to materially alter his message to attract voters in other states.  Even in South Carolina, where they are known to have heavy religious prejudice, Romney has managed to tie for the lead in recent polls. 

It seems that the only ones who are waiting for a Mormon speech are the liberal political analysts who are waiting for the Republicans to crash and burn.  The speech would bring religion to the forefront and give them material to twist and use against him.  To give the speech at this point would be to provide opponents with ammunition without answering the concerns of potential voters.

Romney has a carefully and intelligently run campaign.  There is no need to explain a religion that most voters are not really anxious about.  But like a good Boy Scout, Romney is prepared, just in case.