Authors discuss past Mormon presidential candidates
Historians Newell Bringhurst and Craig Foster spoke to students Thursday, Dec. 1 about the newly printed second edition of their book, “The Mormon Quest for the Presidency,” as well as some of their thoughts on the current campaign.
“(They’re) well-known historians, and it’s an interesting topic given the current political climate — having a Mormon in office,” said Pete Wosnik, a senior majoring in history and religious studies.
Each historian focused on two main candidates, Bringhurst speaking about Joseph Smith and Morris Udall, and Foster on George W. Romney and Ezra Taft Benson.
“There’s been a long trend of Mormons in politics starting with Joseph Smith. In some cases it’s used in anti-Mormon literature, saying he was trying to take over the world or start a theocracy or something,” Wosnik said.
Smith was the founder and first prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was the first Mormon to run for president, which he did in 1844.
“Many people thought it was little more than a publicity stunt or an ego trip,” Bringhurst said, “but, in reality, was serious and carefully planned.”
Bringhurst said some of the reasons for Smith’s decision to run for president were a desire to bring forward the grievances and poor treatment of members of the LDS faith, his deep dissatisfaction of the Whig and Democrat candidates, and the desire to publicize and promote the LDS faith.
Smith’s campaign platform included a “wide range of reforms,” including giving full power as Commander in Chief to the president, to send armies into any state to suppress mobs. Smith also aimed to reduce Congress and its income and abolish slavery.
Smith had to turn to his third choice for vice presidential running mate after the first two declined, choosing Mormon apostle Sydney Rigdon.
“Smith’s campaign came to a tragic end with his assassination,” Bringhurst said, “Smith’s death earned him the dubious distinction as the first American presidential candidate to be assassinated.”
Foster said Romney exemplified the self-made man.
“He overcame numerous early obstacles to succeed in a variety of fields,” Foster said.
Romney eventually served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Richard Nixon, who ran against Romney for the presidency.
“Enthusiasm for Romney was widely spread,” Foster said.
David O. McKay, LDS church president at the time, said he hoped Romney would win, though Foster said church leaders today are careful to remain politically neutral.
“Unfortunately for Romney,” Foster said, “it was his changing positions and statements regarding Vietnam that was his downfall. He seemed to be groping for a viable position on US involvement in that country.”
Foster said although Benson had significant interest and involvement in politics — he was Secretary of Agriculture during Nixon’s presidency — he was never considered a viable presidential candidate.
The two historians also gave their view on the current campaign, agreeing that it changes every day and media can be problematic due to bias.
“(The media) like a horse race,” Bringhurst said.
Chase Kirkham, a history graduate student, said it’s important to have this kind of information available to the public.
“It gives context to these (current) campaigns,” Kirkham said. “It shows that Huntsman and (Mitt) Romney’s campaigns are not unique. Others have done it before and this isn’t something new. It helps with general interest in the subject.”
– amber.murdoch@aggiemail.usu.edu