How is it that the author of this New York Times article could write a six-page piece and yet not really tell anyone what Mormons actually believe that puts off evangelicals? It’s as if Feldman, the author, knows only what everyone else does about Mormonism from a distance and has no intimate knowledge of the religion himself.

It’s not just the heterodoxical books, the history or the secret ceremonies, although they all play a role. The bias is against Mormon theology itself. Among other things, Mormons believe they can become gods, and that Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers. This is fantastically terrifying to an evangelical, totally offsetting the net worth of their common social interests, of which they have many. The church has a weird and sordid past that dallied with violence, polygamy and racism, but today there’s nothing on the surface to explain why Romney is constantly dancing on his toes around his beliefs when addressing the evangelical front. Except, that is, the wacky theological points that Feldman avoids entirely.

This ignorance — or avoidance — in an NYT spread is particularly bothersome because it only highlights the absurdity of the dilemma. So, Jesus isn’t the spirit brother of Satan? And you can support your fallen angel philosophy with scripture? You can’t, can you? Satan is an intertestamental development. The serpent, Job’s accusor, and the fallen Lucifer were not cohesively woven together in the idea of Satan as we know and love him for three centuries.

So, of course, it’s ludicrous for evangelicals to snub Mormons in favor of their own, equally odd and baseless ideas. Despite Feldman’s academic posturing, he’s playing claws in with everyone and not bringing this to light. He only hints at it in the vaguest terms.

But we don’t want to talk about that in the NYT. We just want to wonder from afar “What is it about Mormonism?” without getting elbow deep in reality. That would mean we’d have to actually know something and we don’t want that.

So what’s up for New Hampshire on the 8th? I’m sure you’re all dying to know! (ha ha)

Obama: Still has all the same magical stuff going on. Plus…he has transiting Mercury in Aquarius opposing natal Mercury in Leo. Will there be an upset? Something he says or somehow communicates is going to oppose what he’s been saying all along. Not unusual for any politician, really. I don’t think anything terrible will ultimately come of it because transiting Venus in Sagittarius, the sign of the cheerleader, will be trine his natal Sun the next day. Translation: Who doesn’t love ya, baby?

Hillary: Her life will still be teh suck. She has these same transits and worse on election day. It’s only going to get darker for her next month, too. I know this rubs all you Calvinists in your happy spot, but I get tied up in philosophical knots when I think about it.

Edwards: I forgot that I have his chart online. He had some lovely stuff yesterday and today, which will be ebbing by the 8th. Transiting Jupiter in Capricorn has been trine his natal Venus, bringing him increased social favor. This transit also indicates possible increases of money and lurrrrve. But next month is going to be much better for him. His progressed Moon will be conjunct his natal Jupiter. (Translation = Booyah! for about a month.) In fact, Edwards has a whole lot of booyah for the next few years, as progressed Jupiter (Papa Booyah) is conjunct his Sun. That’s a looooong-ass progression. Years long. It brings fame, but can easily bring pride, loopy optimism and obnoxious bouts of self-importance.

I guess that describes a typical American President, doesn’t it?

Anyway, it looks like he’ll do well in New Hampshire, too, but Obama’s still leading the pack.

I’ve not had time to do any thorough astrological analysis. But after reading on the Beeb that three of the six Iowans they’re following are voting for Obama, I thought I’d run his math.

It’s looking damned good despite the polls.

Progressed Vertex conjunct the natal Midheaven: This alone doesn’t mean a lot except that January 4th is a fateful day for his career.

Progressed Moon conjunct natal Jupiter in the 3rd in Aquarius: This was the kicker for me. It’s naturally a very happy time lasting a few weeks.

Progressed Moon trine natal Moon in the 7th: His emotional state will flow well with his public activities and partnerships (7th house).

Transiting Saturn in Virgo sextile natal Neptune in Scorpio the 12th: Concrete communications with the world stimulate his secret ideals around power. (Ooo!)

Without looking at Hillary’s chart, I know hers isn’t so sparkling because transiting Pluto will be squaring her natal Moon as it enters the 7th house (translation: major emotional upheaval as she enters the public sphere). For a contrast, when Neil had Pluto entering his 7th house, he was having issues around being “recognizable.” Described in his blog, there was some incident in particular at a theater he and Maddy had gone to when the transit was exact. However, unlike Hillary, he didn’t have anything else challenging going on.

Anyway, that’s my half-assed prediction. Can’t wait to see what happens in the caucaus.