The problem with multiple wives...

When Mitt Romney first announced his candidacy for the White House, some news outlets wondered (and some still do) how Americans would react to the notion of a Mormon president running the country. Among the concerns and misconceptions about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) is the issue of polygamy. The ironic thing about this concern is the following:

First, Mormons do not practice polygamy. The practice, which was adopted on a very limited basis, has not been part of the Mormon church since 1890. (Just to help with the math, that was 117 years ago!) Any member of the church found to be practicing or even approving of polygamous relationships is excommunicated. There is a zero tolerance policy.

Second, if one is concerned with the moral issues of men having multiple wives, why aren't we as outraged or shocked by the likes of Rudy Giuliani who is currently married to his fourth wife? I know that divorce is sometimes necessary and better for all involved, but you'd think that the odds of a man unknowingly falling into at least 3 non-salvageable relationships would be pretty slim. After all, how many people do you know that are on their fourth marriage? (I wonder what the odds are that this fourth marriage will be "the one"...)
CBS.com: The Women in Giuliani's Life

As an outside observer looking at the campaigns for these two men, this is what I see:

Mitt Romney has five sons who are all actively campaigning for their Dad. He is often shown in the arms of his large family spending time and playing with his grandchildren and children. Mitt's wife, Ann, has her own web site (http://www.annromney.com/) and is a successful mother and grandmother. She appears to be a sincere and genuine person who has battled a debilitating disease (M.S.) and who obviously knows what family values are.

In Mayor Giuliani's camp, we have a man who has more wives than children. None of Mr. Giuliani's children (or ex-wives) is actively campaigning for him. In fact, his only son Andrew went on national TV and appeared to campaign against his father. (ABC.com: Andrew Giuliani Dishes on Problems with Dad ) You won't see any web site from Giuliani's current wife espousing family values or highlighting her successes as a mother or grandmother for obvious reasons...she was his mistress before she was his wife, and she and Rudy Giuliani have no children together.

My intention in writing this piece is not so much to criticize Mayor Giuliani as it is to point out how ridiculous it is to be concerned about a Mormon running for President because of a limited practice that was abolished 117 years ago when we're not more concerned about another candidate who doesn't practice monogamy today, who lacks the support of his own children, and who has the potential to make Bill Clinton look like a devoted husband and father.

I agree with all those who think the issue of multiple wives is important when selecting a presidential candidate. I just think they're all worried about the wrong man.