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by Steve Chapman
Mormons abstain from caffeine, but when the mayor of DeWitt, Iowa, steered Mitt Romney into Crossroads Coffee on a walking tour yesterday, the former Massachusetts governor had no trouble figuring out what to order -- a "vanilla steamer," steamed milk and vanilla flavoring.
He also visited a jewelry store, where a saleswoman invited him to make a purchase. Romney, who had said earlier that his wife likes presents of jewelry, lamented that his aides "locked up my wallet, so I can't buy a thing."
He wasn't kidding. When someone pointed out a wishing fountain in the store, the millionaire businessman searched his pockets in vain before finally tossing in a borrowed nickel.
He didn't say what he wished for, but he did confide some holiday plans.
Noting that Iowa Republicans have moved their caucuses up to Jan. 3, he said, "My guess is I'll be spending New Year's Eve in Iowa."
Comments
The daily reminder that Romney is a Mormon. Whoever said that the Constitution bars any religious test for
President? Not in the eyes of the media.
Posted by: Fillmore B. | October 18, 2007 8:04 AM
Do mormons abstain from air travel???
What a weirdo!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | October 18, 2007 8:18 AM
The daily reminder that Romney is a Mormon....religious test ...in the eyes of the media.
Posted by: Fillmore B.
Not all of the reporting is necessarily negative, just informational. I thought the Mormon note was a way to explain his ordering of the "vanilla steamer" instead of coffee. Without that detail I would have thought him more odd for not ordering coffee. Now he gets a pass in my mind. At least for his beverage choice.
Posted by: PJ Hansen | October 18, 2007 9:03 AM
if Mitt was in Ohio, would he have ordered a Cleveland Steamer?
Posted by: LJM | October 18, 2007 10:42 AM
Instead of weirdo, Mormons like to be considered a "peculiar people". They live ten years longer than the average American and have fewer health problems. The Prophet, Gordon B. Hinkley is 97 years old and stands while giving his World conference addresses. Compare Mitt to Fred and it is obvious who takes care of their "Temple".
Posted by: Boise Leon | October 18, 2007 10:55 AM
Mormons are directed to abstain from coffee and tea, not from caffeine. The church has no official position on caffeine-containing sodas, etc.
Posted by: MDT | October 18, 2007 11:14 AM
Not only a reminder that Mitt is a Mormon but a reminder that media have no clue concerning what everyday Latter Day Saints believe and do. As an orthodox Latter Day Saint who has held a number of positions in the faith, I can speak with a fair share of experience on this question.
Caffeine has nothing--I repeat--nothing to do with our health code. I have MANY very orthodox friends who drink caffeinated soft drink--and mind you, this is in the heartland of Mormondom: Brigham Young University.
And more still, such practices are so peripheral to the reasons we do what we do. Such things are only an extension of an overarching doctrinal infrastructure. If you really want to know what Mormons ACTUALLY believe, go to mormon.org. That's mainstream Mormonism at its finest.
Posted by: Russell | October 18, 2007 11:26 AM
"Don't trust a man who never needs a drink.'
Ed Abbey
Posted by: C.Morris | October 18, 2007 11:37 AM
C. Morris - Nobody said Mitt doesn't need a drink, the key is he just doesn't take one! The guy's commitment to his values is fierce.
Posted by: HMH | October 18, 2007 2:56 PM
You don't have to be a Christian or a Mormon to listen to your body. And if you listen to your what your body really wants, you're not going to want much coffee, if any. It's an acquired taste and an acquired addiction. Nonetheless, coffee drinkers might want to consider Ron Paul.
Posted by: Christian Prophet | October 18, 2007 4:06 PM
HMH,
Ah yes! You delved the subtlety and genius of Abbey's quote.
My dad in law is a T-totaler but really needs a drink. I trust him in all matters.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 18, 2007 6:03 PM
HMH,
On the other hand, my father, mother, wife, friends, including all my 'jack' Mormon buddies, all require a stiff belt now and then to swallow the incredible bull$#i✞ that comprises modern American life, and I trust them also.
Posted by: C.Morris | October 18, 2007 6:36 PM
Staying away from addictions is a way to ensure good temperament and leads to more integrity, patience, etc...
Posted by: Jason Roiz | October 18, 2007 9:24 PM
Romney continues to impress me. When I saw the blurb for this article, it stopped right before saying what he ordered. I was praying he didn't buy coffee....
Posted by: Joseph Antley | October 18, 2007 10:34 PM
To continue to back up other LDS posters refuting the caffeine thing, the headline is particularly inaccurate with Romney. He long ago confessed an addiction to Vanilla Coke. Coffee is a definite no-no though, even decaf.
Posted by: PnGrata | October 19, 2007 3:29 AM
man oh man, you LDSers now how to party!
Posted by: C.Morris | October 19, 2007 1:32 PM
Mormons are not directed to avoid caffeine, much less air travel. Come on Steve Chapman... do some research before you report!
Posted by: Ben | October 19, 2007 8:21 PM
Mitt Romney supported abortion and Gay rights, now he doesn't. The mormon church has always strongly fought on this issue against abortion and gay rights. Now Mitt is going that way. I dont get him.
Posted by: the buck stops where? | October 22, 2007 1:28 AM