9:30 a.m., College Station, Tx.

Mitt Romney gives his "Faith in America" speech at 9:30 tomorrow morning at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library.

Clearly given the week's polling news out of Iowa -- and nationally -- Romney has a great deal riding on the speech. For anyone who doubts that the campaign thinks this is a gamble that will ultimately pay off, check out the many photos sent to reporters today of Romney editing, yes editing, the speech. Romney, in a white dress shirt, reading copy, and again, same shirt, more reading. And then this, reading in a different blue checked shirt, and yet again, blue.checked.shirt.

So is this merely political theater? Or is there something to be said for a candidate making an earnest plea to voters to better understand his beliefs, and more importantly, how his religious views might shape his approach as president?

Because certainly, in America, his religion should not be shape his policies. (Right?) But Romney said this week that the speech won't focus on the tenants of Mormonism, that it won't be a primer for a voting public unfamiliar with LDS doctrine.

So why would he not simply pull up a chair in someone's living room in Des Moines, and answer voters' questions about his faith. Let in a camera, even. But talk directlly to those Christian conservatives who hold his political fate in their hands. Otherwise, the speech is borne of pure and unabashed political necessity. Less like the Jack Kennedy speech of a like purpose. And more like the Clintons' 60 Minutes interview before the NH primary in 1992 ...

(JENNIFER SKALKA)