Changes

{{cquote|Under Romney, “four of the 10 companies Bain acquired declared bankruptcy within a few years, shedding thousands of jobs.” But documents show that “Bain investors profited in eight of the 10 deals, including three of the four that ended in bankruptcy.” Indeed, the firm pointedly made higher profits “by firing workers, seeking government subsidies, and flipping companies quickly for large profits.”}}

{{cquote|Under Romney, “four of the 10 companies Bain acquired declared bankruptcy within a few years, shedding thousands of jobs.” But documents show that “Bain investors profited in eight of the 10 deals, including three of the four that ended in bankruptcy.” Indeed, the firm pointedly made higher profits “by firing workers, seeking government subsidies, and flipping companies quickly for large profits.”}}

Romney's political start began during the financially unsteady 2002 Winter Olympics. He gained popularity in Massachusetts, a state known for being extremely liberal, and was elected governor in 2002. As governor, he raised taxes several times.  He unashamedly admits creating [[RomneyCare]], which is a complete disaster and forces everyone to buy health insurance and has resulted in long delays for obtaining medical services, such as an ordinary physical, in that state.  [[Ted Kennedy]] and other [[liberals]] supported the bill and probably wrote key parts of it.  Romney declined to run for re-election and announced his candidacy for President.   

Romney's political start began during the financially unsteady 2002 Winter Olympics. He gained popularity in Massachusetts, a state known for being extremely liberal, and was elected governor in 2002. As governor, he raised taxes several times.  He unashamedly admits creating [[RomneyCare]], which is a complete disaster and forces everyone to buy health insurance and has resulted in long delays for obtaining medical services, such as an ordinary physical, in that state.  [[Ted Kennedy]] and other [[liberals]] supported the bill and probably wrote key parts of it.  Romney declined to run for re-election and announced his candidacy for president.   

During his campaign for the Republican nomination in 2008, Romney was widely but incorrectly supported as a staunch conservative and ran on his business experience in the private sector. Romney fought a rough battle against Senator [[John McCain]] in Florida, Michigan, and other key states, but large losses on the Super Tuesday primaries ended his campaign. Romney dropped out of the race and endorsed Senator [[John McCain]] on February 14, 2008. His name was circulated as a potential running mate for McCain as their relationship improved, though [[Sarah Palin]] eventually became the vice-president nominee.

During his campaign for the Republican nomination in 2008, Romney was widely but incorrectly supported as a staunch conservative and ran on his business experience in the private sector. Romney fought a rough battle against Senator [[John McCain]] in Florida, Michigan, and other key states, but large losses on the Super Tuesday primaries ended his campaign. Romney dropped out of the race and endorsed Senator [[John McCain]] on February 14, 2008. His name was circulated as a potential running mate for McCain as their relationship improved, though [[Sarah Palin]] eventually became the vice-president nominee.

Romney served as governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007), with a generally [[conservative]] record that included economic expansion. He balanced the budget every year of his administration without increasing taxes or increasing state dept. Romney turned a $3 billion budget deficit into a $500 million surplus by reducing government spending and added 80,000 new jobs by the end of his term. In 2004, 2005, and 2006 Governor Romney proposed cutting the state income tax from 5.3% to 5.0%.<ref>http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/08/mitt_romneys_record_on_economi.php</ref> Although the Democratic supermajority in the state legislator refused to budge. Romney vetoed 844 pieces of legislation, with over 700 overridden.<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Mitt_Romney_Government_Reform.htm</ref> He vetoed an increase in the minimum wage, saying "there's no question raising the minimum wage excessively causes a loss of jobs." <ref>Telegram & Gazette, 08/01/06</ref> Under Governor Romney the state abolished a retroactive capital gains tax that would have forced nearly 50,000 taxpayers to pay additional taxes and fees.<ref>http://www.americansformitt.com/</ref> Massachusetts Citizens For Limited Taxation Executive Director Barbara Anderson praised Romney, saying "There was no one else out on the horizon and with the legislature almost entirely Democratic, we felt it was necessary to have a grown-up in the corner office. … And we were right to back him. He's been a really good friend to the taxpayers."  

Romney served as governor of Massachusetts (2003–2007), with a generally [[conservative]] record that included economic expansion. He balanced the budget every year of his administration without increasing taxes or increasing state dept. Romney turned a $3 billion budget deficit into a $500 million surplus by reducing government spending and added 80,000 new jobs by the end of his term. In 2004, 2005, and 2006 Governor Romney proposed cutting the state income tax from 5.3% to 5.0%.<ref>http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/08/mitt_romneys_record_on_economi.php</ref> Although the Democratic supermajority in the state legislator refused to budge. Romney vetoed 844 pieces of legislation, with over 700 overridden.<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Mitt_Romney_Government_Reform.htm</ref> He vetoed an increase in the minimum wage, saying "there's no question raising the minimum wage excessively causes a loss of jobs." <ref>Telegram & Gazette, 08/01/06</ref> Under Governor Romney the state abolished a retroactive capital gains tax that would have forced nearly 50,000 taxpayers to pay additional taxes and fees.<ref>http://www.americansformitt.com/</ref> Massachusetts Citizens For Limited Taxation Executive Director Barbara Anderson praised Romney, saying "There was no one else out on the horizon and with the legislature almost entirely Democratic, we felt it was necessary to have a grown-up in the corner office. … And we were right to back him. He's been a really good friend to the taxpayers."  

However, some of the actions Governor Romney took received criticisms from conservatives, such as supporting moderate fee increases and creating and the nation's first universal [[health care]] program. During his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Romney supported [[abortion]], his views evolved and would later take [[pro-life]] positions such as vetoing emergency contraception and vetoing [[stem-cell research]] that would allow cloning of human embryos. In 2006, Governor Romney testified before the [[United States]] [[Senate]] to support the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would limit marriage to one man and one woman. Additionally, Romney filed legislation to reinstate [[capital punishment]], but was defeated in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on a 99-53 vote.

However, some of the actions Governor Romney took received criticisms from conservatives, such as supporting moderate fee increases and creating and the nation's first universal [[health care]] program. During his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Romney supported [[abortion]], his views evolved and would later take [[pro-life]] positions such as vetoing emergency contraception and vetoing [[stem-cell research]] that would allow cloning of human embryos. In 2006, Governor Romney testified before the [[United States]] [[Senate]] to support the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would limit marriage to one man and one woman. Additionally, Romney filed legislation to reinstate [[capital punishment]], but was defeated in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on a 99–53 vote.

Mitt Romney made no pardons as governor, "My conclusion was, if somebody has been convicted by a jury of their peers, and they’ve been prosecuted and the police were able to get the evidence necessary to put them behind bars, why in the world would I step in and reverse that sentence?" <ref>https://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/04/romney-on-huckabee-unlike-some-people-i-never-pardoned-anyone/</ref>

Mitt Romney made no pardons as governor, "My conclusion was, if somebody has been convicted by a jury of their peers, and they’ve been prosecuted and the police were able to get the evidence necessary to put them behind bars, why in the world would I step in and reverse that sentence?" <ref>https://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/04/romney-on-huckabee-unlike-some-people-i-never-pardoned-anyone/</ref>

{{Main|Mitt Romney 2008 Presidential Campaign}}

{{Main|Mitt Romney 2008 Presidential Campaign}}

[[Image:Dude and mitt romney.jpg|right|180px]] As chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Romney campaigned nationwide for GOP gubernatorial candidates in 2006, building up a network of allies and supporters. While he did not run for reelection as governor, in 2004 Romney set up a federal political action committee (PAC) called the Commonwealth PAC, which raised $2.71 million during the 2006 election cycle. On January 3, 2007, his next-to-last day in office as governor of Massachusetts, Romney filed to form a presidential exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission. He officially announced his candidacy for President a month later. Romney was the first candidate in either party to start running television and radio ads. The ads focused mainly on his record as governor, running the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, and his work as a very successful businessman. Romney's five sons had been actively campaigning for their father, traveling around in a campaign bus called the "Mitt Mobile, A Five Brothers Bus."

[[Image:Dude and mitt romney.jpg|right|180px]] As chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Romney campaigned nationwide for GOP gubernatorial candidates in 2006, building up a network of allies and supporters. While he did not run for reelection as governor, in 2004 Romney set up a federal political action committee (PAC) called the Commonwealth PAC, which raised $2.71 million during the 2006 election cycle. On January 3, 2007, his next-to-last day in office as governor of Massachusetts, Romney filed to form a presidential exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission. He officially announced his candidacy for president a month later. Romney was the first candidate in either party to start running television and radio ads. The ads focused mainly on his record as governor, running the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, and his work as a very successful businessman. Romney's five sons had been actively campaigning for their father, traveling around in a campaign bus called the "Mitt Mobile, A Five Brothers Bus."

As a presidential candidate, Romney sought the support of the business community and social conservatives.  He reversed moderate positions on abortion and gay rights to take a hardline conservative position on them, and on opposition to illegal immigrants. Opponents charged he changed too often. Romney was a leader in fund-raising, augmented by over $35 million from his own fortune. However he was little known outside of Massachusetts, so his strategy was to play for early wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, then "sling-shot" the momentum into national visibility.  Romney won the Michigan primary on January 16, 2008, with 39% of the vote, edging out McCain with 30% and Huckabee with 16%.  Romney was favored to win in the state of his birth, where his father, [[George Romney]] was governor from 1963-1969.  After losing both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary (to Huckabee and McCain, respectively), Romney won a low-publicized Wyoming caucus. On January 19, Romney easily won the [[Nevada]] caucuses by 37 percentage points when there were seven candidates on the ballot, however, on that same day he placed a distant fourth in the [[South Carolina]] primary. After a disappointing performance on Super Tuesday, Romney announced the suspension of his campaign on Thursday 7 February.  He expressed his wishes not to divide the Republican party and later endorsed Senator [[John McCain]] of [[Arizona]]. Commentators correctly speculated on his chances for a return effort in 2012.

As a presidential candidate, Romney sought the support of the business community and social conservatives.  He reversed moderate positions on abortion and gay rights to take a hardline conservative position on them, and on opposition to illegal immigrants. Opponents charged he changed too often. Romney was a leader in fund-raising, augmented by over $35 million from his own fortune. However he was little known outside of Massachusetts, so his strategy was to play for early wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, then "sling-shot" the momentum into national visibility.  Romney won the Michigan primary on January 16, 2008, with 39% of the vote, edging out McCain with 30% and Huckabee with 16%.  Romney was favored to win in the state of his birth, where his father, [[George Romney]] was governor from 1963–1969.  After losing both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary (to Huckabee and McCain, respectively), Romney won a low-publicized Wyoming caucus. On January 19, Romney easily won the [[Nevada]] caucuses by 37 percentage points when there were seven candidates on the ballot, however, on that same day he placed a distant fourth in the [[South Carolina]] primary. After a disappointing performance on Super Tuesday, Romney announced the suspension of his campaign on Thursday 7 February.  He expressed his wishes not to divide the Republican party and later endorsed Senator [[John McCain]] of [[Arizona]]. Commentators correctly speculated on his chances for a return effort in 2012.

===Fundraising===

===Fundraising===

*Romney persistently flip-flopped on the issue of abortion, depending on which constituency he wanted to charm.<ref name="WhatIf"/>

*Romney persistently flip-flopped on the issue of abortion, depending on which constituency he wanted to charm.<ref name="WhatIf"/>

Romney was defeated in the election. It is speculated that Romney's inability to connect with core conservatives and his history of flip-flopping on many issues (only a few years before his first candidacy for President) cost him the election.

Romney was defeated in the election. It is speculated that Romney's inability to connect with core conservatives and his history of flip-flopping on many issues (only a few years before his first candidacy for president) cost him the election.

==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="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). [https://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="Pandey"/><ref name="Backstabbing"/> 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). [https://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="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"/>

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"/>

*Lloyd, Bob (February 16, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-romney/former-u-s-presidential-candidate-romney-announces-utah-senate-bid-idUSKCN1G01FO Former U.S. presidential candidate Romney announces Utah Senate bid]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved February 19, 2018.

*Lloyd, Bob (February 16, 2018). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-congress-romney/former-u-s-presidential-candidate-romney-announces-utah-senate-bid-idUSKCN1G01FO Former U.S. presidential candidate Romney announces Utah Senate bid]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved February 19, 2018.

*Persons, Sally (February 16, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/16/mitt-romney-officially-announces-senate-run-says-u/ Mitt Romney officially announces Senate run, says Utah ‘welcomes legal immigrants’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 19, 2018.

*Persons, Sally (February 16, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/16/mitt-romney-officially-announces-senate-run-says-u/ Mitt Romney officially announces Senate run, says Utah ‘welcomes legal immigrants’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 19, 2018.

*Reston, Maeve (February 16, 2018). [https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/16/politics/mitt-romney-donald-trump-immigration/index.html Why Romney called out Trump on immigration]. ''CNN''. Retrieved February 19, 2018.</ref> The GOP establishment rallied around Romney's campaign, with U.S. House Speaker [[Paul Ryan]], an [[establishment]] Republican who was Romney's choice for Vice President in 2012, celebrating the decision as "a terrific day for the United States Senate."<ref>Multiple references:

*Reston, Maeve (February 16, 2018). [https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/16/politics/mitt-romney-donald-trump-immigration/index.html Why Romney called out Trump on immigration]. ''CNN''. Retrieved February 19, 2018.</ref> The GOP establishment rallied around Romney's campaign, with U.S. House Speaker [[Paul Ryan]], an [[establishment]] Republican who was Romney's choice for vice president in 2012, celebrating the decision as "a terrific day for the United States Senate."<ref>Multiple references:

*Weaver, Al (February 16, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/paul-ryan-endorses-mitt-romney-a-terrific-day-for-the-united-states-senate/article/2649284 Paul Ryan endorses Mitt Romney: 'A terrific day for the United States Senate']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved February 16, 2018.

*Weaver, Al (February 16, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/paul-ryan-endorses-mitt-romney-a-terrific-day-for-the-united-states-senate/article/2649284 Paul Ryan endorses Mitt Romney: 'A terrific day for the United States Senate']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved February 16, 2018.

*Moran, Sean (February 16, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/16/paul-ryan-couldnt-be-happier-that-mitt-romney-for-u-s-senate/ Paul Ryan ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’ Mitt Romney Is Running for U.S. Senate]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 16, 2018.</ref>

*Moran, Sean (February 16, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/16/paul-ryan-couldnt-be-happier-that-mitt-romney-for-u-s-senate/ Paul Ryan ‘Couldn’t Be Happier’ Mitt Romney Is Running for U.S. Senate]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 16, 2018.</ref>

Romney continued opposing President Trump after his election.<ref>War, Emily (May 20, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/the-new-mccain-romney-carves-out-role-as-gop-thorn-in-trumps-side The new McCain: Romney carves out role as GOP thorn in Trump's side]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 20, 2019.</ref> [[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> Romney moved to take the place of anti-Trump Republicans McCain and [[Jeff Flake]].<ref>Morton, Victor; Miller, S.A. (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jan/2/mitt-romney-ruffles-republicans-donald-trump-with-/ Mitt Romney seizes role vacated by anti-Trump Republicans McCain, Flake]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2019.</ref>

Romney continued opposing President Trump after his election.<ref>War, Emily (May 20, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/the-new-mccain-romney-carves-out-role-as-gop-thorn-in-trumps-side The new McCain: Romney carves out role as GOP thorn in Trump's side]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 20, 2019.</ref> [[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> Romney moved to take the place of anti-Trump Republicans McCain and [[Jeff Flake]].<ref>Morton, Victor; Miller, S.A. (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jan/2/mitt-romney-ruffles-republicans-donald-trump-with-/ Mitt Romney seizes role vacated by anti-Trump Republicans McCain, Flake]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2019.</ref>

On January 1, 2019, Romney published an op-ed in ''The Washington Post''<ref>Buchanan, Patrick J. (January 4, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/reviews/opinion/item/31095-trump-and-the-post-whose-side-is-mitt-on Trump and The Post: Whose Side Is Mitt On?] ''The New American''. Retrieved January 4, 2019.</ref> in which he harshly attacked President Trump, claiming he did not have the "character" to be president – despite Romney's own flip-flopping and opportunism – and in the op-ed, he also subtly criticized [[America First]] immigration policies along with [[Right-wing populism|conservative European populists]] while showing support for the [[globalist]] European Union.<ref name="ForeignCmte"/><ref>Multiple references:

On January 1, 2019, Romney published an op-ed in ''The Washington Post''<ref>Buchanan, Patrick J. (January 4, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/reviews/opinion/item/31095-trump-and-the-post-whose-side-is-mitt-on Trump and The Post: Whose Side Is Mitt On?] ''The New American''. Retrieved January 4, 2019.</ref> in which he harshly attacked President Trump, claiming he did not have the "character" to be president – despite Romney's own flip-flopping and opportunism – and in the op-ed, he also subtly criticized [[America First]] immigration policies along with [[Right-wing populism|conservative European populists]] while showing support for the [[globalist]] European Union.<ref name="OffTheRails">Klein, Philip (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/where-mitt-romneys-attack-on-donald-trump-went-off-the-rails Where Mitt Romney's attack on Donald Trump went off the rails]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref><ref name="RipsEmbracing"/><ref name="ForeignCmte"/><ref>Multiple references:

*Kirkwood, R. Cort (January 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/31072-nevertrumper-romney-trump-is-racist-dishonest-destructive NeverTrumper Romney: Trump Is “Racist,” “Dishonest,” “Destructive”]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.

*Kirkwood, R. Cort (January 2, 2019). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/31072-nevertrumper-romney-trump-is-racist-dishonest-destructive NeverTrumper Romney: Trump Is “Racist,” “Dishonest,” “Destructive”]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.

*Darrah, Nicole (January 1, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/incoming-sen-romney-trump-hasnt-risen-to-the-mantle-of-presidency Incoming Sen. Romney: Trump hasn't 'risen to the mantle' of presidency]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.

*Darrah, Nicole (January 1, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/incoming-sen-romney-trump-hasnt-risen-to-the-mantle-of-presidency Incoming Sen. Romney: Trump hasn't 'risen to the mantle' of presidency]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.

See also:

See also:

*Nolte, John (January 3, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/03/nolte-mitt-romney-is-an-idiot/ Nolte: Mitt Romney Is an Idiot]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.

*Nolte, John (January 3, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/03/nolte-mitt-romney-is-an-idiot/ Nolte: Mitt Romney Is an Idiot]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.

*Bruce, Tammy (January 3, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tammy-bruce-romneys-trump-attack-rings-especially-hollow-when-you-look-at-his-treatment-of-ric-grenell Tammy Bruce: Romney's Trump attack rings especially hollow when you look at his treatment of Ric Grenell]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.</ref><ref name="OffTheRails">Klein, Philip (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/where-mitt-romneys-attack-on-donald-trump-went-off-the-rails Where Mitt Romney's attack on Donald Trump went off the rails]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref><ref name="RipsEmbracing"/> In a later interview, Romney stated he would not endorse Trump.<ref>Samuels, Brett (January 2, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/423583-romney-says-he-wont-challenge-trump-in-2020 Romney says he won't challenge Trump in 2020 but doesn't endorse him]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> In response to Romney's attacks, President Trump noted Romney had failed in his presidential attempts while Trump won on his first try, and he urged Romney to work together with the GOP.<ref>Multiple references:

*Bruce, Tammy (January 3, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tammy-bruce-romneys-trump-attack-rings-especially-hollow-when-you-look-at-his-treatment-of-ric-grenell Tammy Bruce: Romney's Trump attack rings especially hollow when you look at his treatment of Ric Grenell]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.</ref> In a later interview, Romney stated he would not endorse Trump.<ref>Samuels, Brett (January 2, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/423583-romney-says-he-wont-challenge-trump-in-2020 Romney says he won't challenge Trump in 2020 but doesn't endorse him]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> In response to Romney's attacks, President Trump noted Romney had failed in his presidential attempts while Trump won on his first try, and he urged Romney to work together with the GOP.<ref>Multiple references:

*Pollak, Joel B. (January 1, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/01/trump-campaign-manager-hits-back-at-jealous-mitt-romney-lacked-the-ability-to-save-this-nation/ Trump Campaign Manager Hits Back at ‘Jealous’ Mitt Romney: ‘Lacked the Ability to Save This Nation’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.

*Pollak, Joel B. (January 1, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/01/trump-campaign-manager-hits-back-at-jealous-mitt-romney-lacked-the-ability-to-save-this-nation/ Trump Campaign Manager Hits Back at ‘Jealous’ Mitt Romney: ‘Lacked the Ability to Save This Nation’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.

*Spiering, Charlie (January 2, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/02/trump-mitt-romney-team-player-win/ Trump Responds to Mitt Romney Critique: ‘Be a Team Player and Win’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.

*Spiering, Charlie (January 2, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/02/trump-mitt-romney-team-player-win/ Trump Responds to Mitt Romney Critique: ‘Be a Team Player and Win’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.

*Huston, Warner Todd (April 20, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/04/20/mike-huckabee-slams-mitt-romney-makes-me-sick-you-could-have-been-president/ Mike Huckabee Slams Mitt Romney: ‘Makes Me Sick’ You Could Have Been President]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 20, 2019.

*Huston, Warner Todd (April 20, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/04/20/mike-huckabee-slams-mitt-romney-makes-me-sick-you-could-have-been-president/ Mike Huckabee Slams Mitt Romney: ‘Makes Me Sick’ You Could Have Been President]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 20, 2019.

*Frazin, Rachel (April 19, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/439809-mike-huckabee-blasts-mitt-romney-it-makes-me-sick-that-you-could-have-been Huckabee blasts Romney: 'Makes me sick' that you could have been president]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 19, 2019.

*Frazin, Rachel (April 19, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/439809-mike-huckabee-blasts-mitt-romney-it-makes-me-sick-that-you-could-have-been Huckabee blasts Romney: 'Makes me sick' that you could have been president]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 19, 2019.

*Casiano, Louis (April 20, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/huckabee-lashes-out-at-romney-makes-me-sick-how-disingenuous-you-were-to-trump Huckabee lashes out at Trump critic Romney: ‘Makes me sick’ you could have been POTUS]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 20, 2019.</ref><ref>Kuznicki, Jen (April 23, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/romney-the-pious/ Romney the Pious]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved April 23, 2019.</ref> On May 14, 2019, Romney voted against one of President Trump's federal court nominees simply because of comments made by that nominee about Obama.<ref>Axelrod, Tal (May 14, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/443703-romney-votes-against-trump-pick-over-comments-attacking-obama Romney votes against Trump pick over comments attacking Obama]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 14, 2019.</ref> On May 19, 2019, Romney described liberal-libertarian, [[anti-Trump]] representative [[Justin Amash]] as "courageous" for calling for [[Trump| impeachment|President Trump's impeachment]],<ref>Multiple references:

*Casiano, Louis (April 20, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/huckabee-lashes-out-at-romney-makes-me-sick-how-disingenuous-you-were-to-trump Huckabee lashes out at Trump critic Romney: ‘Makes me sick’ you could have been POTUS]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 20, 2019.</ref><ref>Kuznicki, Jen (April 23, 2019). [https://www.conservativereview.com/news/romney-the-pious/ Romney the Pious]. ''Conservative Review''. Retrieved April 23, 2019.</ref> On May 14, 2019, Romney voted against one of President Trump's federal court nominees simply because of comments made by that nominee about Obama.<ref>Axelrod, Tal (May 14, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/443703-romney-votes-against-trump-pick-over-comments-attacking-obama Romney votes against Trump pick over comments attacking Obama]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 14, 2019.</ref> On May 19, 2019, Romney described liberal-libertarian, [[anti-Trump]] representative [[Justin Amash]] as "courageous" for calling for President Trump's impeachment,<ref>Multiple references:

*Key, Pam (May 19, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/05/19/mitt-romney-justin-amashs-statement-on-impeachment-is-courageous/ Mitt Romney: Justin Amash’s Statement on Impeachment Is ‘Courageous’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.

*Key, Pam (May 19, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/05/19/mitt-romney-justin-amashs-statement-on-impeachment-is-courageous/ Mitt Romney: Justin Amash’s Statement on Impeachment Is ‘Courageous’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.

*Yilek, Caitlin (May 19, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/romney-unsure-hell-vote-for-trump-but-hes-against-impeachment Romney calls fellow Republican Amash 'courageous' for Trump impeachment push]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.</ref> and Romney also attacked Trump's character.<ref>Multiple references:

*Yilek, Caitlin (May 19, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/romney-unsure-hell-vote-for-trump-but-hes-against-impeachment Romney calls fellow Republican Amash 'courageous' for Trump impeachment push]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.</ref> and Romney also attacked Trump's character.<ref>Multiple references:

*[[Biden-Ukraine scandal]]

*[[Biden-Ukraine scandal]]

==External Links==

==External links==

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnXvYxc-igs&t=907s Mitt Romney Has Always Been Awful | The Michael Knowles Show Ep. 491]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnXvYxc-igs&t=907s Mitt Romney Has Always Been Awful | The Michael Knowles Show Ep. 491]