"Leo, you're still trying to understand American politics through a secular lens."
Roosevelt began to dissect the spiritual core of the nation.
"You think marriage is a private matter. You believe that as long as you're competent at your job and can bring economic benefits to the voters, they have no right to interfere in your personal life."
"That might work in Europe, but in the United States, it won't fly."
"You have to understand that the United States is a country deeply steeped in religious faith. Even in the twenty-first century, no matter how advanced technology becomes, the fundamental character of this nation is still what the Puritans left behind."
Roosevelt's tone grew solemn.
"From a religious perspective, it's even more imperative that you marry—and that you have a seemingly perfect marriage."
"You need to understand how mainstream Christian voters in the United States define marriage, especially the Protestants and evangelicals who make up a huge voting bloc."
