Well, I think that is exactly it. Could it be that Mormonism is just less recognizable and less understood? I have a hard time saying that it is any more strange. I mean really, do we really want to get into a lengthy presentation of all the strange things that various forms of Christianity (including mormons) believe. The list is long and equally strange for all of them. I don't know, sounds like your interactions with Mormons has been very different than mine. They are pretty well known as being very friendly and charitable neighbors, with a dramatic emphasis on strong families.
No other presidents had kenyan fathers, hippie moms, communist grandparents and an indonesian stepdad, went to school in a muslim country for several years, and were accepted into prestigious universities with no obvious qualifications. The left harped on Bush's National guard service endlessly. It cost that asshole Dan Rather his career when he used obvious forgeries to try to "prove it." In fact, the NG records were examined in some detail by the media. They were obsessed with it, just like they were with every salacious detail they could dig up on Sarah palin. With Obama, not so much. After all, he is a historic figure to the left and it is their duty to protect him at all costs.
We can quibble about the tenets of Mormonism, but no one can deny that Romney has led an exemplary life that would be the envy of most Christians. Is his Mormonism somehow a threat? I don't see it. I certainly wouldn't vote for a muslim. Some of their values are alien to our country and our constitutional traditions. But a Mormon? Is there a problem with Mormon terrorism? All the Mormons I have known were fanatical about family and work. You couldn't ask for better neighbors or employees. I see two possible problems. One, the liberal media are still incensed that Mormons were heavily involved in the ballot initiative in California to ban gay marriage. I see that as a positive, not a negative. Two, there may be fears among Evangelicals that a President Romney might be such a prominent role model that he would induce people to join the Mormon church. I say get over that. We have bigger fish to fry.
+1, again. I live right next to a Mormon church, temple. I have Mormons as neighbors. We enjoy playing music together, discussing politics, raising children, and all the rest. Never, never have I felt at all uncomfortable with any of them. I trust their family with my grandkids. They trust us with theirs. I love one of their classic 1958 Chevy truck, all original, very cool. I wish we could look for similarities, common ground if you will, rather than look for differences. c