How Mormons Fed Up With Trump Could Help Lift Biden in Arizona

[Zorro]

Loyalty to the Republican Party is ingrained in the Latter-day Saints religion. But in Arizona, some find the president’s behavior at odds with their values and are shifting to Joe Biden.

For the better part of a century, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have made their political home under the Republican Party’s tent, motivated by conservative beliefs rooted in the family values, personal liberty and economic frugality of their faith.

But some church members now find themselves in a political quandary: They’re still Republicans, but they no longer fit in with the party as exemplified by President Trump, who for them represents a hard departure from the church’s teachings on sex, crude language, empathy and humility.

In Arizona — the only state up for grabs that has a significant Latter-day Saint population — a growing number are finding refuge in Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Democratic presidential nominee.

“I think the White House should be worried about L.D.S. voters, especially in Arizona,” said Quin Monson, a Utah-based pollster, political scientist and author of a book about the politics of the religion.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/us/politics/arizona-mormons-trump-biden.html

[kimbutgar]

1. I think Joe needs to hold a rally somewhere in Utah in the next week.

[AZ8theist]

2. I'm seeing this as well.

My next door neighbors are Mormon. They have a Biden Harris and a Kelly sign in their yard. So there is hope.
Now if only we can get rid of the odious Nazi Andy Biggs.

[Brother Buzz]

3. Mitt Romney could put the buzz in a few ears and the orange anus would be toast

Mitt Romney ain't exactly enamored with the asshole

[mopinko]

9. willing to bet he already has.

and for a long time,

[RicROC]

4. we may underestimate how Mormons can help the Dems

Joe Biden is a decent and humble man who should resonate with Mormons.

At one time I thought the US Presidential campaign season was way too long, especially compared to our friends like the Canadians and British. But maybe we need this long season 1-2 years of campaigning to break through deep entrenched biases and prejudices.

Mitt Romney could lead a turnaround in the whole state of Utah if he was more forceful.

[KentuckyWoman]

5. I have never understood the Republican thing with the LDS church or evangelicals.

Sure there was a time when Republicans generally were decent people but that ship sailed 40 - 50 years ago. And to be honest, I think you can go farther back than that.

The only way they can justify voting against candidates to want to heal the sick, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry is abortion and gay rights - both of which involves forcing their religion on other people ...

[FreeState]

7. Mormons don't attempt to do those things though

There is a strong under current in members that being right is more important than helping the poor.

The LDS Church has over 100 billion dollars in the bank and on average gives 65 million a year to charity (including donated time).

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-mormon-church-amassed-100-billion-it-was-the-best-kept-secret-in-the-investment-world-11581138011


https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/lds-charities-releases-2018-annual-report

Since 1985, LDS Charities has provided over $2.2 billion in assistance, including cash, commodities and in-kind donations in 197 countries and territories.

2.2 Billion over 33 years with 15 million members - that’s 66.5 million a year, or $4.40 a member a year.

[Awsi Dooger]

6. Here are the 10 states with the highest Mormon populations

Arizona definitely the highest percentage of potential influence in a key state:

Utah (2,126,216)
California (756,507)
Idaho (462,069)
Arizona (436,521)
Texas (362,037)
Washington (289,479)
Nevada (184,703)
Florida (160,266)
Oregon (153,540)
Colorado (150,059)

[mopinko]

10. all of those spell trouble for tax cheato.

[2naSalit]

11. How far down the list is Wyoming?

[Awsi Dooger]

13. 67,729

That's more than 10% of the population

[2naSalit]

14. That would be an interesting shift if they went for Biden.

[Indykatie]

8. AZ Mormons May Be Different But Polls Still Show Trump With an Overwhelming Lead in Utah

If Biden can work in an extra visit before election day I think there are better choices than Utah. I think Texas would be a better choice. Beto and the Dem Party have worked so hard in TX and I expect some Dems wins even if Biden doesn't win TX.

[Wellstone ruled]

12. And to think,FDR swept the Elections in Utah.

The person that was the Conservative Right wing change agent was,Ezra Taft Benson. He moved their Church from the beliefs of FDR to that of Nixon and Reagan. Orin Hatch defeated Jake Garn for Senate with the help of his Missinonary Class Mates who covered each and every city in the state preaching the John Birch Story and ultra Conservative ideas.

Utah moves as the Temple Square Quorum directs. The Loyal Followers get their recommendations at their meeting Houses the Sunday before Elections. Until the Bishopric changes,nothing does.