Mitt Romney Loses His Cool In 2007 Interview (VIDEO)

Mitt Romney may appear cool, calm and collected, but even the suave GOP hopeful has his messy moments. Case in point: a 2007 interview at an Iowa radio station.

Romney got into a heated exchange with conservative host Jan Mickelson at WHO 1040 during the 2008 presidential race. The two were discussing Romney's views when the host accused Romney of letting his religion dictate his political beliefs.

"I'm not going to have a conversation about what my church views are...because thats not the nature of the office I'm running for, and there are people in my church who are pro-choice, that is not against my church's view to allow people to have their own position on political issues," he said.

"That's not what it says, you can be subject to the church's discipline if you take any position," argued Mickelson.

The two men began to talk over each other until Romney began to appear agitated.

"You know what," he exclaimed, raising his voice, "I get just as much of a right to speak as you do."

The conversation mellowed, but as they began to debate the specifics of Mormonism, it grew heated again.

"I understand my faith better than you do, you don't believe that do you?" Romney charged.

"Well, I'm not sure," Mickelson replied.

"Well that's hardly worth having a discussion then," said Romney.

Watch the full exchange below.

Comments

[Paul Burke]

02:46 PM on 11/05/2012

Hot head - please people don't let this crackpot anywhere near the launch codes - please!

[supdotco1]

04:29 PM on 12/23/2011

As a Mormon democrat I find this interview annoying. Specifically the part where Jan Mickleson says Romney can't have different views than his church without being subject to "disciplinary action." He didn't do his research -

The Church's official policy is:

Elected officials who are Latter-day Saints make their own decisions and may not necessarily be in agreement with one another or even with a publicly stated Church position. While the Church may communicate its views to them, as it may to any other elected official, it recognizes that these officials still must make their own choices based on their best judgment and with consideration of the constituencies whom they were elected to represent.
(Source: http://newsroom.lds.org/official-statement/political-neutrality)

A Mormon can be pro-choice and pro-gay marriage while still being completely in line with the churches teachings.

So I know Romney loses his temper a bit in this - but the reality is the Radio host was wrong, and shows the problem with media nowadays - conservative and liberal media alike - no one does the research.

[thomas cudmore]

01:47 PM on 12/22/2011

In the H.P. this am Mitt Romney Flies Off Handle, Ron Paul Blows Up! Neither one takes place. H.Ps must also live in same fairy tale land as one being discussed by Mr. Romney.

[kimballh53]

01:41 PM on 12/22/2011

Pick at others when you have nothing better to offer. I reject that approach.

[Patrick Shaw]

01:12 PM on 12/22/2011

"I understand my faith better than you do, you don't believe that do you?" Romney charged."

For the religion and rites of Mormonism that ain't saying much.

[savman]

12:57 PM on 12/22/2011

Arguing about fictional characters and make believe fairy tales. Wow.

[HitnMyths]

12:28 PM on 12/22/2011

Just watch Mr Romney about to begin screaming at Rick Perry in the recent debate. He grabs him by the arm - big social no-no in such a setting - and is about a second away from screaming, "My Turn! My Turn!" The man cannot handle ANY disagreement or opposition. Very bad trait in a president.

[Patrick Shaw]

01:13 PM on 12/22/2011

Screaming at Rick Perry is the only thing I can support Mitt Romney on.

[poeticjustice4all]

12:03 PM on 12/22/2011

Missouri?

[truenews]

11:29 AM on 12/22/2011

Romney is a flake..

[Ricardo01]

11:06 AM on 12/22/2011

Deport the uncle, keep the Romney landscapers and nannies.

[lmab]

10:50 AM on 12/22/2011

Mitt is totally lacking in self discipline. He is like a child who need to get his way. He will be exposed so badly that it may be painful to watch.

[Cat-Lover]

10:40 AM on 12/22/2011

He must've been on drugs. Romney has no emotions.

[notsotupelohoney]

10:40 AM on 12/22/2011

I am a Democrat from the left wing of the party. I don't like Mitt Romney and definitely don't want him as president, but he doesn't lose his cool in this video. In fact, it's the first time that I've seen him act like a real human being.

I suspect that he has a forceful personality that he has been criticized for and his robotic mannerisms during interviews and debates is his effort to keep this personality trait under control. Poor guy. Kinda feel sorry for him.

[jimspy]

12:36 PM on 12/22/2011

I second your thoughts. I'm voting for Obama, but Romney made good points here. IF he's telling the truth...

[eden4barack08]

12:41 PM on 12/22/2011

I agree. He doesn't look his cool, and I even agree with his point about his religion not influencing politics. Too bad he flipped on just about all of that since then.

[eden4barack08]

12:58 PM on 12/22/2011

he doesn't "lose", not "look" :(

[lriSdismayed]

10:19 AM on 12/22/2011

From what I am seeing and hearing in Congress and the House none of the Republicans understand their religion or practice it! Their religion is based on: little green, rectangle, pieces of paper, and they will denounce every American for their little green idol. Oh and yes I see that with some of those Democrats as well.

[funserious]

10:06 AM on 12/22/2011

How does one lose what one does not possess........although consistent in one area......remaining cool free to this day as well.