In the midst of various global crises, let’s take a moment to discuss some news that brings a glimmer of optimism to conservatives: Senator Mitt Romney’s departure from public office, and his tepid efforts to thwart Donald Trump. This development, shared in an article by Maeve Reston of The Washington Post, is indeed a heartening occurrence for many on the right.
Mitt Romney has, for some time, expressed concerns over the overwhelming presence of Donald Trump in the Republican Party, particularly in the lead-up to the Iowa caucuses. In an effort to counter this dominance, Romney sought support from influential donors who had backed his previous campaigns, urging them to rally behind a single candidate capable of challenging Trump for the nomination.
Interestingly, Paul Ryan, often seen as a “Mini Me” to Romney in terms of political positioning, was involved in the conversation. The E2 Summit, a policy gathering organized by Romney and later helmed by Ryan, was the setting for this discussion. The summit was established a decade ago by Romney, prior to his tenure as a U.S. senator. During the summit, Ryan inquired about what the conservative movement might look like after Trump. He also voiced concerns about the GOP’s shift towards populism untethered to principles and its increasing alignment with the cult of Trump’s personality.
Ryan’s comments about Trump’s legal issues and potential indictment, despite lacking factual basis, suggest a broader problem within the GOP establishment. The E2 Summit, with its focus on bringing together experts to address America’s problems, might be more about personal ego-stroking than genuinely serving the public’s interests. The primary question that arises is whether these political figures are hosting such events because they genuinely care about the American people or if it is merely a platform to bolster their own ambitions.
Moreover, their response to the legal actions taken against Trump reflects a lack of decency and integrity. Instead of condemning the unprecedented use of the legal system for political gain, they inadvertently lend credibility to this attack on a political opponent.
Romney’s history of oscillating between supporting and opposing Trump, including his public pursuit of a position in Trump’s administration, highlights the lack of consistency in the actions and principles of some establishment figures. Ultimately, their actions suggest a disdain not only for Trump but also for the conservative base that strongly supports him.
In conclusion, it is indeed puzzling that some donors seek political advice from Mitt Romney, given his fluctuating positions and lack of principled consistency. This raises questions about the wisdom of those who trust his counsel. In the realm of political decision-making, it seems akin to seeking masculinity lessons from a journalist like Jim Acosta.