Put aside your political views, your religious beliefs, and for a moment, see the inner workings of a campaign for the presidency.
Mitt Romney, with his soulful eyes and greying hair that vaguely allude to his age, is a gentleman, witty and articulate, and above all else, a wholesome family man. Before even making the decision to run for president, he consults his family for their opinions. Their concerns? That the position of president will be too stressful and will weigh heavily on him. But they know he is passionate about serving the people, that it is his calling.
It’s hard to say a bad word about Mitt Romney. I have my own beliefs about the Mormon religion, but you can’t argue that a lot of modern Latter Day Saints are some of the kindest people with the best intentions. It’s almost infuriating to hear some of the abuse he takes along the campaign trail.
He admits to putting personal finances into his campaign brand, and sullenly admits that in his first run for the presidency, people will know him as the “Flipping Mormon,” the “one who will say anything to get elected.” On the eve of one of his final debates before the primary elections in 2008, his sons agree they don’t want to do this again. His wife, Anne, leads a tearful, honest prayer for her husband and for his campaign.
Can we really criticize Mitt Romney for changing his mind? For saying things that he think will get him elected? Tactics like that are rampant in elections. Of course people will say anything to get elected. Of course people will lie to us so we hear what we want to hear. Have we forgotten “You can keep your insurance plan. Period.”
You can’t help but feel bad for the guy who seems so genuine in his efforts, and is torn down at every corner. And after losing the primary elections in 2008 to John McCain, it’s heartbreaking to know that he felt like he disappointed not only his supporters, but his family.
Mitt goes inside the heart of a man who is dedicated, passionate, and truly wants to see real change for the good of America. In a time when it’s hard to believe anything politicians say, when saying you are a part of the Republican party nearly discredits everything about you, this man of faith, humility, and good character is the type of man we should be rallying behind.
Fast forward to 2012, and he is accepting the nomination for the Republican Party at the RNC. He gets caught on camera spilling some brutal honesty about some of the people in America, and of course, he is thrown under the bus and criticized. We are willing to turn away from the truth, that there ARE people in this country who abuse the systems set in place by our government, who don’t pay taxes, who expect to be taken care of without taking any of their own personal responsibility. But of course, it’s offensive to say that out loud.
I must admit, the most endearing part of the entire movie was when he put on a brand new black suit for an evening event, and realized he probably should have ironed it before he put it on. But, like most of us would probably try, he attempted to iron the sleeves while they were on his arms. It shows a lighter, totally hilarious and real side of Mitt Romney that was completely unexpected.
We revisit the second presidential debate with Barack Obama, in which the two go head to head over the attacks in Benghazi – an event which, to this day, is still shrouded in mystery. What did the administration know? What have they yet not revealed to us? However, Mitt was the more strongly criticized for that moment, seeming to fumble through his argument, while the incumbent reclines in his chair and almost pokes fun at Romney. Again, it’s hard to watch.
The doc ends as it began, Mitt and his family and closest aides in a hotel room waiting the results of the election, and when to announce his concession. “What do you say in a concession speech?” Mitt doesn’t want to accept defeat lightly, and reassure Americans that everything is going to be okay – because that’s not what he believes. He doesn’t think the current, and newly re-elected president is taking America on a prosperous path. But he says that Obama and his administration will be in his prayers.
Say what you will about the religion, and even about the Mormon faith in general. To some, his beliefs are outlandish, bordering on ridiculous. But through the whole 90 minutes, not once do you hear so much as a “damn,” “hell,” or even “oh my God” emitted from the mouth of Romney or his family. If that isn’t a testament of true character, I’m not sure what is.
I don’t think any current politician would have the balls to have their lives documented so closely, because I don’t think any current politician would have so little to hide. Mitt is ashamed of nothing, from his Mormon beliefs to his appearance as a flip-flopper. He addresses it all, and takes his criticisms in stride. There should be more politicians like him; honest, transparent, and so obviously passionate about the greater good of America. It is so incredibly rare these days.
Mitt was an inspiring documentary, albeit frustrating to relive the 2012 election and wonder what state our nation might have been in today had the outcome been different almost 2 years ago. It was tastefully done, although it’s hard to imagine a way for it to have lacked taste. There is no agenda, like in most documentaries, only that the viewer sees Mitt Romney as a real human being, with real emotions and feelings. I ended up wanting so badly for the outcome to be different, but alas, it remained the same, today as in 2012. It has, however, inspired me to be more aware of what is really going on in the political spectrum, and do my research of the candidates and the issues before upcoming elections.
