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'''Willard Mitt Romney''', most popularly known as '''Mitt Romney''', (born March 12, 1947) is an [[establishment]], [[globalist]],<ref name="CFRneocon"/> and [[RINO]]<ref>Adelmann, Bob (January 3, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/27862-sen-hatch-s-retirement-paves-way-for-romney-one-rino-replacing-another Sen. Hatch’s Retirement Paves Way for Romney: One RINO Replacing Another]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> American politician. He is also an [[Opposition to Christianity|anti-Christian]] [[bigot]]<ref name="ReligiousBigot"/><ref>Wood, Benjamin (May 29, 2018). [https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2018/05/30/watch-live-mitt-romney-debates-mike-kennedy-in-republican-primary-for-orrin-hatchs-senate-seat/ Rep. Mike Kennedy portrays Mitt Romney as flip-flopper and carpetbagger while Romney renews his ‘bigot’ criticism of pastor who received an apology from Kennedy]. ''The Salt Lake Tribune''. Retrieved June 28, 2018.</ref> and a serial [[liar]].<ref>Weaver, Al (May 29, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress/mitt-romney-faces-down-2012-era-attacks-during-2018-utah-senate-debate Mitt Romney faces down 2012-era attacks during 2018 Utah Senate debate]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 28, 2018.</ref> He was the former governor of [[Massachusetts]], a U.S. businessman, and was the [[2012 Republican Primary|Republican nominee]] for the [[Presidential Election 2012]], losing to the incumbent president [[Barack Obama]]. Romney has been observed to not hold any values, instead being an opportunist who takes whatever political position suits him best at the moment.<ref name="WhatIf">Antle III, W. James (January 3, 2018). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/what-if-likely-utah-senate-candidate-mitt-romney-had-never-run-in-massachusetts/article/2644787 What if likely Utah Senate candidate Mitt Romney had never run in Massachusetts?] ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> He has voiced contradicting positions on topics as diverse as [[abortion]], [[Homosexual rights advocacy|homosexual "rights"]], [[illegal immigration]], gun control and even support for [[Ronald Reagan]] and [[Donald Trump]].<ref name="WhatIf"/><ref name="Pandey"/><ref name="RollingStone"/> Thus, with good reason, [[conservative]]s see Romney's core beliefs as only marginally different from that of globalist Democrats such as Obama.<ref name="Eddlem2012">Eddlem, Thomas R. (August 9, 2012). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/12356-obama-v-romney-their-core-beliefs Obama v. Romney: Their Core Beliefs]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref><ref name="Richman2012">Richman, Sheldon (October 26, 2012). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/reviews/opinion/item/13404-americans-should-reject-obama-romeny-foreign-policy Americans Should Reject Obama-Romney Foreign Policy]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.</ref>

'''Willard Mitt Romney''', most popularly known as '''Mitt Romney''', (born March 12, 1947) is an [[establishment]], [[globalist]],<ref name="CFRneocon"/> and [[RINO]]<ref>Adelmann, Bob (January 3, 2018). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/27862-sen-hatch-s-retirement-paves-way-for-romney-one-rino-replacing-another Sen. Hatch’s Retirement Paves Way for Romney: One RINO Replacing Another]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> American politician. He is also an [[Opposition to Christianity|anti-Christian]] [[bigot]]<ref name="ReligiousBigot"/><ref>Wood, Benjamin (May 29, 2018). [https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2018/05/30/watch-live-mitt-romney-debates-mike-kennedy-in-republican-primary-for-orrin-hatchs-senate-seat/ Rep. Mike Kennedy portrays Mitt Romney as flip-flopper and carpetbagger while Romney renews his ‘bigot’ criticism of pastor who received an apology from Kennedy]. ''The Salt Lake Tribune''. Retrieved June 28, 2018.</ref> and a serial [[liar]].<ref>Weaver, Al (May 29, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress/mitt-romney-faces-down-2012-era-attacks-during-2018-utah-senate-debate Mitt Romney faces down 2012-era attacks during 2018 Utah Senate debate]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 28, 2018.</ref> He was the former governor of [[Massachusetts]], a U.S. businessman, and was the [[2012 Republican Primary|Republican nominee]] for the [[Presidential Election 2012]], losing to the incumbent president [[Barack Obama]]. Romney has been observed to not hold any values, instead being an opportunist who takes whatever political position suits him best at the moment.<ref name="WhatIf">Antle III, W. James (January 3, 2018). [http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/what-if-likely-utah-senate-candidate-mitt-romney-had-never-run-in-massachusetts/article/2644787 What if likely Utah Senate candidate Mitt Romney had never run in Massachusetts?] ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> He has voiced contradicting positions on topics as diverse as [[abortion]], [[Homosexual rights advocacy|homosexual "rights"]], [[illegal immigration]], gun control and even support for [[Ronald Reagan]] and [[Donald Trump]].<ref name="WhatIf"/><ref name="Pandey"/><ref name="RollingStone"/><ref name="Backstabbing">Pollak, Joel B. (January 1, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/01/timeline-mitt-romney-history-of-backstabbing-donald-trump/ Timeline: Mitt Romney’s History of Backstabbing Donald Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.</ref> Thus, with good reason, [[conservative]]s see Romney's core beliefs as only marginally different from that of globalist Democrats such as Obama.<ref name="Eddlem2012">Eddlem, Thomas R. (August 9, 2012). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/12356-obama-v-romney-their-core-beliefs Obama v. Romney: Their Core Beliefs]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref><ref name="Richman2012">Richman, Sheldon (October 26, 2012). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/reviews/opinion/item/13404-americans-should-reject-obama-romeny-foreign-policy Americans Should Reject Obama-Romney Foreign Policy]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.</ref>

He was first runner-up for the nomination in 2008. In 1994, Mitt Romney proved to be the most difficult challenger that incumbent Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] of Massachusetts ever faced for re-election, causing Kennedy to pour far more money into the race than he expected.<ref>[http://archive.newsmax.com/romney/ Romney to the Rescue: Mitt Romney's Got the Right Stuff for 2008] Kessler, Ronald, newsmax.com archives, retrieved April 27, 2012.</ref>

He was first runner-up for the nomination in 2008. In 1994, Mitt Romney proved to be the most difficult challenger that incumbent Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] of Massachusetts ever faced for re-election, causing Kennedy to pour far more money into the race than he expected.<ref>[http://archive.newsmax.com/romney/ Romney to the Rescue: Mitt Romney's Got the Right Stuff for 2008] Kessler, Ronald, newsmax.com archives, retrieved April 27, 2012.</ref>

==Anti-Trump activism==

==Anti-Trump activism==

{{See also|Opposition to Donald Trump}}

{{See also|Opposition to Donald Trump}}

Romney joined the [[Never Trump movement]] during the 2016 presidential election, harshly insulting and criticizing GOP presidential candidate for his conservative America First positions and his anti-establishment posture.<ref name="Pandey">Pandey, Erica (January 2, 2018). [https://www.axios.com/donald-trump-mitt-romney-relationship-timeline-2521893434.html Timeline: Trump and Romney's tumultuous relationship]. ''Axios''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> This was despite him begging Trump for his endorsement in the previous election.<ref name="Pandey"/> He called Trump "a fraud, a phony," and a lier, even though Romney himself flip-flopped on numerous political issues.<ref name="7Highlights">Mason, Ian (February 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/19/as-mitt-romney-sets-sights-on-the-senate-7-highlights-of-his-post-defeat-days/ As Mitt Romney Sets Sights on the Senate: 7 Highlights of His Post-Defeat Days]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 20, 2018.</ref> Romney also criticized Trump for not releasing his tax returns even though Trump defended Romney in 2012 for not releasing his own tax returns.<ref name="7Highlights"/> Romney did not vote for Trump on election day, 2016, instead writing in his wife's name.<ref>Thomsen, Jacqueline (May 30, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/390003-romney-reveals-he-wrote-in-wifes-name-for-president-in-2016 Romney reveals he wrote in wife's name for president in 2016]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 30, 2018.</ref><ref>Darrah, Nicole (May 30, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/30/mitt-romney-reveals-who-got-his-vote-in-2016-presidential-election.html Mitt Romney reveals who got his vote in 2016 presidential election]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.</ref>

Romney joined the [[Never Trump movement]] during the 2016 presidential election, harshly insulting and criticizing GOP presidential candidate for his conservative America First positions and his anti-establishment posture.<ref name="Pandey">Pandey, Erica (January 2, 2018). [https://www.axios.com/donald-trump-mitt-romney-relationship-timeline-2521893434.html Timeline: Trump and Romney's tumultuous relationship]. ''Axios''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> This was despite him begging Trump for his endorsement in the previous election.<ref name="Backstabbing"/><ref name="Pandey"/> He called Trump "a fraud, a phony," and a lier, even though Romney himself flip-flopped on numerous political issues.<ref name="7Highlights">Mason, Ian (February 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/19/as-mitt-romney-sets-sights-on-the-senate-7-highlights-of-his-post-defeat-days/ As Mitt Romney Sets Sights on the Senate: 7 Highlights of His Post-Defeat Days]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 20, 2018.</ref> Romney also criticized Trump for not releasing his tax returns even though Trump defended Romney in 2012 for not releasing his own tax returns.<ref name="7Highlights"/> Romney did not vote for Trump on election day, 2016, instead writing in his wife's name.<ref>Thomsen, Jacqueline (May 30, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/390003-romney-reveals-he-wrote-in-wifes-name-for-president-in-2016 Romney reveals he wrote in wife's name for president in 2016]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 30, 2018.</ref><ref>Darrah, Nicole (May 30, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/05/30/mitt-romney-reveals-who-got-his-vote-in-2016-presidential-election.html Mitt Romney reveals who got his vote in 2016 presidential election]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved May 31, 2018.</ref>

After the election, Romney pretended his insults never took place and flattered the president-elect as he unsuccessfully tried to become Trump's Secretary of State.<ref name="7Highlights"/><ref>Spiering, Charlie (November 30, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/11/30/mitt-romney-flip-flops-donald-trump-won-gives-hope-americas-future/ Mitt Romney Flip-Flops: Donald Trump Won, Gives Me Hope For America’s Future]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> However, with his efforts having failed, Romney reverted to the anti-Trump position he took in 2016, criticizing Trump for his politically incorrect comments as well as criticizing [[conservative]] [[Roy Moore]] in the general election against a [[far-left]] Democrat.<ref name="Pandey"/> In August 2017, Romney effectively endorsed the [[Antifa]], a violent left-wing hate group.<ref name="7Highlights"/>

After the election, Romney pretended his insults never took place and flattered the president-elect as he unsuccessfully tried to become Trump's Secretary of State.<ref name="Backstabbing"/><ref name="7Highlights"/><ref>Spiering, Charlie (November 30, 2016). [https://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/11/30/mitt-romney-flip-flops-donald-trump-won-gives-hope-americas-future/ Mitt Romney Flip-Flops: Donald Trump Won, Gives Me Hope For America’s Future]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> However, with his efforts having failed, Romney reverted to the anti-Trump position he took in 2016, criticizing Trump for his politically incorrect comments as well as criticizing [[conservative]] [[Roy Moore]] in the general election against a [[far-left]] Democrat.<ref name="Pandey"/> In August 2017, Romney effectively endorsed the [[Antifa]], a violent left-wing hate group.<ref name="7Highlights"/>

In January 2018, Romney used [[Martin Luther King, Jr. Day]] to attack President Trump.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (January 15, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/15/mitt-romney-uses-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-bash-donald-trump/ Mitt Romney Uses Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to Attack Donald Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref><ref>Chakraborty, Barnini (January 15, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/15/romney-takes-swipe-at-trump-over-s-hole-comments-race-relations.html Romney takes swipe at Trump over 's---hole' comments, race relations]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref> On July 1, 2018, Romney refused to endorse President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign when asked.<ref>Multiple references:

In January 2018, Romney used [[Martin Luther King, Jr. Day]] to attack President Trump.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (January 15, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/15/mitt-romney-uses-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-bash-donald-trump/ Mitt Romney Uses Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to Attack Donald Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref><ref>Chakraborty, Barnini (January 15, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/15/romney-takes-swipe-at-trump-over-s-hole-comments-race-relations.html Romney takes swipe at Trump over 's---hole' comments, race relations]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref> On July 1, 2018, Romney refused to endorse President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign when asked.<ref>Multiple references:

At the general election gubernatorial debate, Romney refused to directly answer questions on his past negative comments on Trump, even as he directly criticized the president's statements and policies.<ref>Re, Gregg (October 9, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/romney-dodges-questions-on-past-trump-attacks-during-utah-senate-debate Romney dodges questions on past Trump attacks during Utah Senate debate]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved October 9, 2018.</ref>

At the general election gubernatorial debate, Romney refused to directly answer questions on his past negative comments on Trump, even as he directly criticized the president's statements and policies.<ref>Re, Gregg (October 9, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/romney-dodges-questions-on-past-trump-attacks-during-utah-senate-debate Romney dodges questions on past Trump attacks during Utah Senate debate]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved October 9, 2018.</ref>

===Senate tenure===

===Senate tenure: opposing Trump===

After his election, [[establishment]] Republican House Speaker [[Paul Ryan]] stated that Romney saw himself "as a standard-bearer for our party" and a moral successor to globalist Republican [[John McCain]].<ref>Church, Nate (November 29, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/pre-viral/2018/11/29/ryan-romney-sees-himself-as-gop-standard-bearer/ Ryan: Romney Sees Himself as GOP ‘Standard-Bearer’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 29, 2018.</ref>

After his election, [[establishment]] Republican House Speaker [[Paul Ryan]] stated that Romney saw himself "as a standard-bearer for our party" and a moral successor to globalist Republican [[John McCain]].<ref>Church, Nate (November 29, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/pre-viral/2018/11/29/ryan-romney-sees-himself-as-gop-standard-bearer/ Ryan: Romney Sees Himself as GOP ‘Standard-Bearer’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved November 29, 2018.</ref>

==See also==

==See also==