I really hate questions such as choosing a favorite book as I’ve read so many, and I certainly don’t keep going back to make a fair comparison between a book I read this year with a great book I might have read twenty years ago. If I was ever a candidate and, and therefore expecting such a question, with a little thought I’m sure I could find a book which gives the right image without adding a negative connotation. For example, if I wanted to make a point of campaigning against the excesses of the Bush administration, I’d pick something like It Can’t Happen Here, by Sinclair Lewis. I fear nobody briefed Mitt Romney on how to answer such a question.

Mitt Romney picked Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard when asked to name his favorite novel. At least he thought to distance himself from scientology. "I’m not in favor of his religion by any means," Mr. Romney, a Mormon, said. "But he wrote a book called "˜Battlefield Earth’ that was a very fun science-fiction book."

I can’t fairly comment on the book as I have never read it, after being warned more than once that it was awful. There are so many great science fiction books, some of which also deliver a message such as Robert Heinlein’s, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (althought aspects of it might be too controversial for a mainstream political campaign). With many people already thinking that Romney belongs to a strange religion, the last thing he needs is something which connects him to Scientology, which really is strange.

How soon until Mitt Romeny starts jumping on Oprah’s sofa?