Difference between revisions of "Mitt Romney"

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'''Willard Mitt Romney''' (born March&nbsp;12, 1947), former [[Republican in name only]] governor of [[Massachusetts]] and wealthy U.S. businessman, is currently a contender in the [[2012 Republican Primary]]. Though he lost the nomination 2008.  If he is elected, Romney would become the first [[Mormon]] elected as president. His father, a former govenor of Michigan&ndash;[[George Romney]]&ndash;also ran for president nearly 50&nbsp;years earlier in the 1960s. On June&nbsp;2, 2011, Romney announced that he would once again run for the Republican nomination in the 2012 U.S. Presidential election.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/mitt-romney-announces-2012-presidential-bid/2011/06/02/AG05iJHH_story.html?hpid=z1 ''Washington Post'' article (June 6, 2011)]</ref>
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'''Willard Mitt Romney''' (alias '''Pierre Delecto''') (born March 12, 1947) is an [[establishment]], [[globalist]],<ref name="CFRneocon"/><ref>Bandow, Doug (January 10, 2019). [https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/mitt-romney-commander-of-the-fake-internationalists/ Mitt Romney, Commander of the Fake Internationalists]. ''The American Conservative''. Retrieved January 10, 2019.</ref> [[neocon]], [[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 an [[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>, a member of [[Conservative Inc.]], and a pathological '''[[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.<br>See also:
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*[https://twitter.com/philipaklein/status/1182346147169480704 Philip Klein]. ''Twitter''. October 10, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2019.</ref> He is a U.S. Senator of [[Utah]], former governor of [[Massachusetts]], a U.S. businessman, and the [[2012 Republican Primary|Republican nominee]] for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 Presidential Election]], 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). [https://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><ref name="OffTheRails"/><ref>Klein, Philip (January 2, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/reminder-mitt-romney-has-no-ideological-core-and-we-have-no-idea-what-kind-of-senator-he-would-be Reminder: Mitt Romney has no ideological core, and we have no idea what kind of senator he would be]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> He has voiced contradicting positions on topics as diverse as [[abortion]], [[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><ref name="RipsEmbracing">Kurtz, Howard (January 3, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/op-ed-assault-romney-rips-trump-despite-embracing-him-at-times Op-ed assault: Romney rips Trump despite embracing him at times]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.</ref><ref>https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2012/may/17/mitt-romney/mitt-romney-once-distanced-himself-ronald-reagan-n/</ref> Thus, with good reason, [[conservatives]] see Romney's core beliefs as similar to that of the [[globalist]] [[Democrat]]s he claims to oppose.<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> '''''In 2022, Romney even refused to endorse [[conservative]] fellow Sen. [[Mike Lee]] (R-UT) for reelection'''''.<ref>https://www.dailywire.com/news/romney-betrays-mike-lee-gop-senate-gop-senators-outraged</ref> Facing a primary challenger likely to humiliate him, Romney announced in September 2023 that he would not seek reelection.
  
Before entering politics Romney was an established businessman in Boston, having served as CEO of Bain & Company, a management consulting firm. His political start began during the financially unsteady 2002 Winter Olympics. Romney became President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee and quickly made the games a huge success. He gained popularity in Massachusetts, a state known for its tepid [[Republican]] support, and was elected governor in 2002. His record as governor demonstrated his financial skill, but often was at odds with the state's voters on social issues. He declined to run for reelection and announced his candidacy for President.
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Romney campaigned for the [[U.S. Senate]] seat in [[Utah]] by promising to support President [[Donald Trump]], but after Romney was elected he proceeded to do the opposite and even voted to remove Trump from office in the scam [[impeachment and removal|impeachment]] of him by [[Democrat]]s. Romney constantly engages in a never-ending series of scurrilous criticisms of Trump, much as fellow [[Mormon]] Senator [[Jeff Flake]] did until public disapproval of his positions forced him to forgo running for reelection.
  
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 VP nominee.
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Romney voted for [[impeachment and removal]] of Trump twice, yet in November 2022 urged the new [[Congress]] to lay off “pointless investigations” of [[Dem]] President [[Joe Biden]].<ref>https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/11/mitt-romney-says-new-congress-must-lay-off-pointless-investigations-joe-biden-yet-voted-impeach-donald-trump-twice/</ref>  Underlying Romney's hypocrisy is a [[globalist]] agenda seeking [[open borders]] and a flood of [[illegal aliens]] into the [[U.S.]], which causes a massive [[fentanyl]] crisis.
  
Romney has supported many far left positions, such as universal healthcare (Obama modeled Obamacare on Romney's Mass. socialist healthcare system).  Romney also has supported abortion and has raised taxes many times.
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Romney was defeated for the GOP nomination for president in 2008, by [[John McCain]]. In 1994 – a year of landslide victories for Republicans – Mitt Romney came up short in challenging incumbent Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] of Massachusetts, the same seat that Republican [[Scott Brown]] won after Kennedy died. In 2018, Romney ran for Utah's Senate seat when he could have run again for Massachusetts' seat, narrowing the GOP's opportunity to expand its Senate majority.<ref name="MA,UT2018"/>
  
== Personal Life ==
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Before entering politics Romney was a businessman in Boston, having served as CEO of [[Bain Capital]], a [[private equity]] firm known for taking over American companies, laying off employees,<ref name="InvestorsProfits">Kraychik, Robert (January 3, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/radio/2019/01/03/henry-olsen-mitt-romney-put-investors-profits-over-american-jobs/ Henry Olsen: Mitt Romney Put ‘Investors’ Profits’ over ‘American Jobs’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.</ref> and profiting from bankruptcy:<ref>https://thinkprogress.org/under-romney-bain-capital-made-millions-from-south-carolina-business-that-shut-down-laid-off-150-b855c39012ca/</ref>
[[Image:MittRomneyYouth05.jpg|thumb|Ann Lois Davies and Willard Mitt Romney]]
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{{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.”}}
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Romney's political start began during the financially unsteady 2002 Winter Olympics. He gained popularity in the liberal state of Massachusetts, 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. Romney declined to run for re-election and announced his candidacy for president. 
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During his campaign for the Republican nomination in 2008, Romney was mistakenly supported by many 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.
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Romney had supported many [[left-wing]] positions: Romney had a pro-[[abortion]] record, but has claimed to be "[[pro-life]]" since 2005; Romney acknowledges [[global warming]] but says that he doesn't know how much is due to human activity; Romney has been criticized for standing behind his 2005 [[RomneyCare|health care plan in Massachusetts]] whilst pledging to "replace" [[ObamaCare]] during his campaign for president in 2012. RomneyCare featured an [[individual mandate]] requiring everyone to purchase health insurance, and unlike Obamacare, featured socialized medicine as a backup for those who could not afford to pay. This plan is very similar to the 2010 ObamaCare bill that was adopted on a national level, and Obama claims Romney's people helped craft it. Romney, whom Democrats have called a racist and compared to [[Hitler]],<ref>https://upennstatesman.org/2018/11/06/a-fifty-year-history-of-democrats-crying-hitler/</ref><ref>https://www.salon.com/2012/10/16/nine_most_racist_moments_of_the_2012_election/</ref> attempted to regain their good graces by voting with their [[sham impeachment]].
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==Personal life==
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[[Image:MittRomneyYouth05.jpg|thumb|200px|Ann Lois Davies and Willard Mitt Romney]]
 
Romney is the scion of an old Mormon family. His grandparents were polygamists who fled the United States in the early 20th century when the Mormon Church repudiated polygamy; his father was born in Mexico. The Romneys returned to the U.S. in 1911 when a violent civil war broke out in Mexico.
 
Romney is the scion of an old Mormon family. His grandparents were polygamists who fled the United States in the early 20th century when the Mormon Church repudiated polygamy; his father was born in Mexico. The Romneys returned to the U.S. in 1911 when a violent civil war broke out in Mexico.
  
Mitt Romney is a devout member of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]], and spent time as a missionary during his youth converting Catholics and agnostics to Mormonism in France. In fact, his time as a student and missionary helped him defer from military service during the Vietnam draft,<ref>Michael Kranish, "The Making of Mitt Romney: Mormon church obtained Vietnam draft deferrals for Romney, other missionaries" June 24, 2007. The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/romney/articles/part1_side_2/?page=1 </ref> but he stated during interviews that "he had longed to join the soldiers in Vietnam and support the war effort." His father had stated in 1967 that he felt "brainwashed" by U.S. officials over the justification of the prolonged Vietnam war. This statement had been very costly in George Romney's 1968 campaign for president against Richard Nixon.
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Mitt Romney is a member of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints]], and spent time as a missionary during his youth converting [[Catholics]] and [[agnostics]] to Mormonism in France. In fact, his time as a student and missionary helped him defer from military service during the [[Vietnam War|Vietnam draft]],<ref>Michael Kranish, "The Making of Mitt Romney: Mormon church obtained Vietnam draft deferrals for Romney, other missionaries" June 24, 2007. The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/romney/articles/part1_side_2/?page=1</ref> but he stated during interviews that "he had longed to join the soldiers in Vietnam and support the war effort." His father had stated in 1967 that he felt "brainwashed" by U.S. officials over the justification of the prolonged Vietnam war. This statement had been very costly in George Romney's 1968 campaign for president against [[Richard Nixon]].
  
Romney maintains a stable marriage with his wife Ann, with whom he has five children. Conservatives applaud him for being such a devoted husband and family man. Conservatives also disliked his 2008 presidential competitors, namely John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, and Fred Thompson, for their divorces.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/08/AR2007060802781_pf.html</ref>
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Romney married [[Ann Romney|Ann Davies]] in 1969, with whom he had five children.  
  
Romney is the son of former [[Michigan]] governor and presidential candidate [[George Romney]], a "Rockefeller Republican,"<ref>Lisa McGirr, ''Suburban Warriors''(2001) pp. 141, 222.</ref> who amassed a large fortune as an automobile industry magnate during World War II. <!-- Unusual statement. What exactly is the reason for introducing it as Mass. Republicans? Is there a significance to this? Many Massachusetts Republicans do not connect the father's politics with the son's, much like Presidents [[George H. W. Bush|George Herbert Walker Bush]] and [[George W. Bush|George Walker Bush]].--> George Romney was popular among moderates during his presidential run and was well-equipped for victory; many of his political advisors had come from [[Nelson Rockefeller]]'s 1964 campaign.
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Romney infamously runs a secret [[Twitter]] account under the pseudonym "Pierre Delecto", which he uses in an effort to [[troll]] his political critics, as well as to provide a pathetic defense of his policies and reputation<ref>https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-mitt-romney-admits-pierre-delecto-twitter-account/story?id=66417732</ref>. He was likely inspired to do so after seeing how effective President Trump's method of Twitter to gain media attention was; however, his sad, awkward attempts at being witty or snarky simply come off as out-of-touch and embarrassing.
  
==Business Career==
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Romney is the son of former [[Michigan]] governor and presidential candidate [[George Romney]], a "[[Rockefeller Republican]],"<ref>Lisa McGirr, ''Suburban Warriors''(2001) pp. 141, 222.</ref> who amassed a large fortune as an automobile industry magnate during World War II. George Romney was popular among moderates during his presidential run and was well-equipped for victory; many of his political advisors had come from [[Nelson Rockefeller]]'s 1964 campaign.
From 1978 to 1984, Romney was a vice president of Bain & Company, Inc. a worldwide management consulting firm, and in 1984, Romney co-founded a spin-off called Bain Capital. He invested in or bought many well-known companies such as Staples, Brookstone, Domino's, Sealy Corporation and Sports Authority.  Critics say he advised corporations to cut their U.S. taxes by reincorporating in Caribbean tax havens such as the Caymen Islands, while maintaining their operations in the U.S.
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==Record as Governor==
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==Business career==
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 with out 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 super majority 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."
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From 1978 to 1984, Romney was a vice president of Bain & Company, Inc. a worldwide management consulting firm, and in 1984, Romney co-founded a spin-off called Bain Capital. He invested in and bought many well-known companies such as Staples, Brookstone, Domino's, Sealy Corporation, and Sports Authority. Critics say he advised corporations to cut their US taxes by reincorporating in Caribbean tax havens such as the Cayman Islands while maintaining their operations in the US. His business practices also resulted in the layoffs of many American workers.
  
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.
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==As Governor==
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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%<ref>http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/08/mitt_romneys_record_on_economi.php</ref>, but the Democratic supermajority in the state legislature 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."
  
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>http://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/04/romney-on-huckabee-unlike-some-people-i-never-pardoned-anyone/</ref>
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Some of the actions Governor Romney took received criticisms from conservatives, such as supporting moderate fee increases and creating the nation's first universal [[health care]] program. During his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Romney supported [[abortion]], but later took more [[pro-life]] positions, such as vetoing emergency contraception, as well as [[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.
  
On [[Education]] Romney called for the privatization of the University of Massachusetts medical school<ref>Telegram & Gazette, 02/27/03</ref>. In 2004, he established the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program, which rewarded the top 25 percent of Massachusetts high school students with tuition-free scholarship to any Massachusetts public [[university]] or [[college]]. In August 2006, Governor Romney refused to allow former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, an outspoken opponent of the [[United States]] and [[Israel]], state police escorts during his speech at [[Harvard University]]. <ref>http://www.nysun.com/editorials/khatemi-at-harvard/38903/</ref>
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Mitt Romney made no pardons as governor, stating, "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>
  
In December 2006, Romney signed a memorandum of agreement with the federal government that would allow state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws <ref>http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=96543</ref>, however was revoked when Democrat Deval Patrict took office as Governor in January 2007.
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On [[education]], Romney called for the privatization of the University of Massachusetts medical school.<ref>Telegram & Gazette, 02/27/03</ref> In 2004, he established the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program, which rewarded the top 25 percent of Massachusetts high school students with tuition-free scholarship to any Massachusetts public [[university]] or [[college]]. In August 2006, Governor Romney refused to allow former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, an outspoken opponent of the [[United States]] and [[Israel]], state police escorts during his speech at [[Harvard University]].<ref>https://www.nysun.com/editorials/khatemi-at-harvard/38903/</ref>
  
== Political Views ==
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In December 2006, Romney signed a memorandum of agreement with the federal government that would allow state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws;<ref>http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=96543</ref> however, it was revoked when Democrat [[Deval Patrick]] took office as Governor in January 2007.
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==Political Positions==
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Romney has flip-flopped his stated positions on many important issues.<ref name="WhatIf"/><ref name="Pandey"/><ref name="RollingStone">[https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/mitt-romneys-biggest-flip-flops-20120801 Mitt Romney's Biggest Flip Flops]. ''RollingStone''. August 1, 2012. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref> His foreign policy preferences share numerous similarities with that of Democrats such as Obama.<ref name="Richman2012"/> One position that Romney has been consistent on, however, is his support for [[globalist]] policies, having been strongly influenced by [[neoconservatism]] and the [[Council on Foreign Relations]].<ref name="CFRneocon">Mass, Warren (September 25, 2012). [https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/foreign-policy/item/12974-romney-foreign-policy-shows-strong-cfr-neo-con-influence Romney Foreign Policy Shows Strong CFR, Neo-con Influence]. ''The New American''. Retrieved January 3, 2018.</ref>
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During his 2002 campaign to become the 70th governor of Massachusetts, Romney described his views as "moderate" and "progressive".<ref>[https://www.businessinsider.com/romney-in-2002-my-views-are-progressive-2011-12 Romney In 2002: 'My Views Are Progressive'], "I think people recognize that I am not a partisan Republican. That I'm someone who is moderate, and that my views are progressive."</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMcjJEXt9To Mitt Romney in Worcester 2002 "My views are progressive"]</ref> Romney has displayed [[liberal intolerance]], smearing conservative Christians as "religious bigots" for holding theological views based on clear biblical teaching that [[Jesus Christ]] is the only way to salvation.<ref name="ReligiousBigot">Multiple references:
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*Conradis, Brandon (May 13, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/387530-romney-denounces-pastor-slated-to-speak-at-us-embassy-in-jerusalem Romney denounces pastor slated to speak at US embassy in Jerusalem]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
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*Starnes, Todd (May 13, 2018). [https://www.toddstarnes.com/show/mitt-romney-calls-southern-baptist-pastor-robert-jeffress-a-religious-bigot/ Mitt Romney Calls Southern Baptist Pastor Robert Jeffress a “Religious Bigot”]. ''Todd Starnes''. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
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*Starnes, Todd (May 14, 2018). [https://www.toddstarnes.com/show/bitter-mitt-romney-smears-evangelicals-by-attacking-jeffress/ Bitter Mitt Romney Smears Evangelicals by Attacking Jeffress]. ''Todd Starnes''. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
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*Klukowski, Ken; Pollak, Joel (May 16, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2018/05/16/exclusive-evangelical-pastor-jeffress-prays-jerusalem-embassy-romney-attacks/ Exclusive — Evangelical Pastor Robert Jeffress Prays at Jerusalem Embassy; Romney Attacks]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 16, 2018.</ref>
  
 
===Abortion===
 
===Abortion===
"I am [[pro-life]]. I believe that [[abortion]] is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by [[judicial mandate]]." ([[Boston]] Globe, Mitt Romney Editorial, July 26, 2005)  
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Romney claims to be pro-life, but his record is very spotty. At times he has claimed to be pro-[[infanticide]], and has also explicitly opposed common pro-life legislation and positions.
<ref>[http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Values America's Culture and Values] mittromney.com</ref><br><br>
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"I am [[pro-life]]. I believe that [[abortion]] is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by judicial mandate." ([[Boston]] Globe, Mitt Romney Editorial, July 26, 2005)  
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<ref>[http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Values America's Culture and Values] mittromney.com</ref>
  
 
Despite having a largely pro-life record as governor, in a 1994 debate with Senator [[Edward Kennedy]], Romney said that abortion should be legal, declaring that "regardless of one's beliefs about choice, you would hope it would be safe and legal." "Many years ago, I had a dear, close family relative that was very close to me who passed away from an illegal abortion", Romney said. "It is since that time my mother and my family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on others on that matter. And you will not see me wavering on that."<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/07/03/clarity_sought_on_romneys_abortion_stance/?page=2</ref>
 
Despite having a largely pro-life record as governor, in a 1994 debate with Senator [[Edward Kennedy]], Romney said that abortion should be legal, declaring that "regardless of one's beliefs about choice, you would hope it would be safe and legal." "Many years ago, I had a dear, close family relative that was very close to me who passed away from an illegal abortion", Romney said. "It is since that time my mother and my family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on others on that matter. And you will not see me wavering on that."<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/07/03/clarity_sought_on_romneys_abortion_stance/?page=2</ref>
  
In his campaign literature for the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, Romney expressed a willingness to defend that State's pro-choice status quo.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/4</ref>
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In his campaign literature for the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, Romney expressed a willingness to defend that State's pro-abortion status quo.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/4</ref> He stated in a live, televised debate:<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4</ref>
 +
 
 +
{{cquote|"I've been very clear on that, I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose, and am devoted and dedicated to honoring my word in that regard."}}
 +
 
 +
In May 2019, Romney publicly opposed an Alabama law that banned abortions in most cases.<ref>Frazin, Rachel (May 19, 2019). [https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/abortion/444453-romney-expresses-opposition-to-alabama-abortion-ban Romney expresses opposition to Alabama abortion ban]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.</ref><ref>Beavers, David (May 19, 2019). [https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/19/mitt-romney-alabama-abortion-law-1332867 Romney says he doesn't support Alabama abortion law]. ''Politico''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.</ref>
  
 
===Civil Unions===
 
===Civil Unions===
Romney is opposed to the idea of [[gay marriage]], however he has voiced support for domestic partnership benefits and equal rights for [[homosexuals]].<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/3</ref>
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Romney claimed to be opposed to the idea of same-sex "marriage"; however, he has voiced explicit support for the [[homosexual agenda]]. He has advocated for domestic partnership benefits and equal rights for [[homosexuals]], which is same-sex "marriage" in everything but name and an easy stepping stone on the vile homosexual agenda path towards homosexual recruitment.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/3</ref>  He also supports adoption for homosexual couples.<ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57432292-503544/romney-says-hes-fine-with-gay-couples-adopting-children/</ref> Eventually, in violation of the Massachusetts Constitution, he illegally imposed same-sex "marriage" on the state and he refused to remove pro-same-sex "marriage" liberal activist judges in the state from their offices or to back religious adoption charities that are opposed to homosexual adoptions.<ref>[https://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen4/20a/Romney-book-to-GOP-Senate/index.html MassResistance sends copies of our Romney book to every GOP US Senator, Pres. Trump, VP Pence, and major media] at MassResistance</ref>
  
 
===Economic Agenda===
 
===Economic Agenda===
As President, Romney promised to pursue a conservative, pro-growth economic agenda. His number one economic priority would be to grow the economy — helping to create good jobs, raise incomes and preserve American strength. He says he would work to rein in excessive government spending and reform entitlements. To ensure America's continued economic growth, he promises to cut taxes — such as the Death Tax, savings taxes, corporate taxes and marginal tax rates.  
+
As President, Romney promised to pursue a conservative, pro-growth economic agenda. His number one economic priority would be to grow the economy — helping to create good jobs, raise incomes and preserve American strength. He says he would work to rein in excessive government spending and reform entitlements. To ensure America's continued economic growth, he promises to cut taxes — such as the Death Tax, savings taxes, corporate taxes and marginal tax rates. Despite these claims, he has supported the [[socialist|socialism]] agenda.  He claimed credit for the government bailout of the union controlled car companies.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/07/romney-taking-credit-for-auto-industry-success/</ref> Also his [[RomneyCare]] law started the process of [[socialism|socializing]] medical care in [[Massachusetts]]. He continues to defend this law up to this day, undermining his commitment to repeal the similar and equally atrocious [[ObamaCare]].<ref>https://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/romney-defends-romneycare_560953.html</ref>
  
 
Romney says he would also promote trade, bring market forces to bear in health care, pursue national tort and liability reform, eliminate excessive regulations that put a burden on our economy and strengthen American families.
 
Romney says he would also promote trade, bring market forces to bear in health care, pursue national tort and liability reform, eliminate excessive regulations that put a burden on our economy and strengthen American families.
  
 
===Immigration===
 
===Immigration===
 +
Romney supports higher immigration levels and has taken a soft stance on illegal immigration after his 2012 presidential campaign. For example, he endorsed the 2013 [[Gang of Eight]] [[amnesty]] bill. and voiced support for amnesty on other occasions.<ref name="7Highlights"/>
  
 +
This is in strong contrast to Romney's stated positions while he was running for President (though he still called for more legal immigration):
 
<blockquote>Immigration has been an important part of our nation's success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.<ref>http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Immigration</ref></blockquote>
 
<blockquote>Immigration has been an important part of our nation's success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.<ref>http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Immigration</ref></blockquote>
  
Romney supports a strong stance on illegal immigration.<ref>[http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=91722 IowaPolitics.com: Romney Touts Strong Stance On Illegal Immigration]</ref> On 5/24/07, Romney spoke about how he was tolerant about gays and then he discussed the current illegal immigration bill before Congress:
+
In the 2012 presidential campaign, Romney voiced opposition to [[illegal immigration]] to attract conservative voters.<ref>[http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=91722 IowaPolitics.com: Romney Touts Strong Stance On Illegal Immigration]</ref> On May 24, 2007, Romney spoke about how he was tolerant about homosexuals and then he discussed the current illegal immigration bill before Congress:
 
<blockquote>He expressed less tolerance for illegal immigrants, and said he and President Bush have a difference of opinions on a bill that would provide a path toward legalization for an estimated 12 million people unlawfully in the country.
 
<blockquote>He expressed less tolerance for illegal immigrants, and said he and President Bush have a difference of opinions on a bill that would provide a path toward legalization for an estimated 12 million people unlawfully in the country.
  
Line 77: Line 110:
 
The bill is unfair to people who are trying to come to the country legally, he said. People here illegally should be able to apply to come to the United States, but under the same terms as everyone else and behind those who have already applied.
 
The bill is unfair to people who are trying to come to the country legally, he said. People here illegally should be able to apply to come to the United States, but under the same terms as everyone else and behind those who have already applied.
  
"I don't think that we're going to round up 11 or 12 or however many million people and bus them out of the country. That's not what I'm talking about," Romney said. "Those who committed felonies, of course, would be deported. Those who require government assistance to stay here would surely need to get off government assistance and ultimately could not remain here on government assistance."<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007May24/0,4670,RomneyGays,00.html</ref></blockquote>
+
"I don't think that we're going to round up 11 or 12 or however many million people and bus them out of the country. That's not what I'm talking about," Romney said. "Those who committed felonies, of course, would be deported. Those who require government assistance to stay here would surely need to get off government assistance and ultimately could not remain here on government assistance."<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007May24/0,4670,RomneyGays,00.html</ref></blockquote>
  
 
===Stem Cell Research===
 
===Stem Cell Research===
Mitt Romney supports the right of scientists to research on embryos created during fertility treatments.<ref>http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/02/11/romneys_stem_cell_view_may_upset_the_right/</ref>
+
Mitt Romney supports the right of scientists to 1research on embryos created during fertility treatments. Critics consider this to be essentially infanticide.<ref>http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/02/11/romneys_stem_cell_view_may_upset_the_right/</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Foreign Relations===
 +
During the [[Syrian Civil War]], Romney called for arming various rebel groups.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/08/romney-hope-is-not-strategy-in-middle-east/</ref> He also said that [[Russia]] is America's 'number one geopolitical foe'.<ref>https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9168533/Mitt-Romney-Russia-is-Americas-number-one-geopolitical-foe.html</ref> Romney and [[Paul Ryan]] said that [[China]] is a cheater in global economy.<ref>https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/13/romney-ryan-call-china-cheaters-in-global-economy-obama-soft-on-issue/</ref>
 +
 
 +
However, Romney has spoken highly of the [[European Union]] and has subtly criticized conservative [[Euroskeptic]]s.<ref name="ForeignCmte"/>
 +
 
 +
===Evolution===
 +
Mitt Romney believes in [[evolution]] and opposes [[Intelligent Design]].<ref>http://evolution.about.com/od/Overview/tp/2012-Gop-Presidential-Candidates-On-Evolution.htm</ref>
  
 
==2008 Presidential Campaign==
 
==2008 Presidential Campaign==
''Main Article: [[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."
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[[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 16th, 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 7th 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===
Mitt Romney had done well in fund raising. During his first fund raiser as a presidential candidate, he raised $6.5 million dollars compared to an original goal of only $1 million. During the first quarter Romney raised more money then any other Republican presidential candidate with $23 million. However, a substantial portion of his funds ($17 million) came from his own personal wealth. [http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/16/top_spender_romney_could_soon_run_short/]
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Mitt Romney had done well in fundraising. During his first fundraiser as a presidential candidate, he raised $6.5 million compared to the claimed original goal of only $1 million. During the first quarter, Romney raised more money than any other Republican presidential candidate with $23 million. However, a substantial portion of his funds ($17 million) came from his own personal wealth. [http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/16/top_spender_romney_could_soon_run_short/]
  
==Endorsements==
+
==2012 Presidential campaign==
===Congressional===
+
[[File:Adolf Romney.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Democrat hero Mitt Romney depicted as Adolf Romney.]]
* Former [[Speaker of the House]] [[J. Dennis Hastert|Dennis Hastert]]
+
In April 2011, Romney announced his candidacy for President of the United States for the 2012 election, running as a Republican.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/11/mitt-romney-president-candidate</ref> Romney was criticized throughout the primary season for being a Republican In Name Only due to his liberal views on social issues as governor and his flip-flops, as well as a controversial business record. His main competitors during the primaries were former conservative Speaker of the House [[Newt Gingrich]], Pro-Life Senator [[Rick Santorum]], and libertarian Congressman [[Ron Paul]]. Romney ended up winning the vast majority of contests, though the race remained close in delegate count throughout. Romney together with Vice Presidential candidate [[Paul Ryan]] ran against President Barack Obama and Vice President [[Joe Biden]] in the election held on November 6, 2012. During the campaign, Romney was criticized for saying that the [[Romney's 47 percent comment|47% of Americans who do not pay income taxes consider themselves to be 'victims']].
* Senator [[Bob Bennett]] of [[Utah]]
+
* Senator [[Orrin Hatch]] of [[Utah]]
+
* Senator [[Larry Craig]] of [[Idaho]]
+
* Senator [[Jim DeMint]] of [[South Carolina]]
+
* Senator [[Wayne Allard]] of [[Colorado]]
+
* Senator [[Judd Gregg]] of [[New Hampshire]]
+
* Former Sen. [[Jim Talent]] of [[Missouri]]
+
* Former Sen. [[Rick Santorum]] of [[Pennsylvania]]
+
* Representative [[Tom Tancredo]] of [[Colorado]]
+
* Representative [[Marsha Blackburn]] of [[Tennessee]]
+
  
===Governors===
+
Romney led Obama among many key segments of the electorate: "Romney leads [[Barack Obama|Obama]] 58%–34% among [[veteran]]s, who make up about 13% of the [[electorate]]" and influence many other voters.<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/05/gallup-romney-tops-obama-with-veterans/1</ref>  50–43%, in early May.<ref>https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/polls/226943-poll-romney-opens-up-big-lead-nationally</ref> Other polls show different results,<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_romney_vs_obama-1171.html</ref> in swing states like Ohio,<ref>http://www.re
* Missouri Governor [[Matt Blunt]]
+
alclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/oh/ohio_romney_vs_obama-1860.html</ref> Virginia<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/va/virginia_romney_vs_obama-1774.html</ref> and Wisconsin.<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/wi/wisconsin_romney_vs_obama-1871.html</ref>  Most national polls showed Obama with a lead over Romney later in the summer, but that lead evaporated after Obama's weak performance in the first debate. One national poll showed Romney with a 7-point lead over [[Obama]].  Romney then lost the second and third debates by emphasizing [[neocon]] rather than [[conservative]] positions, and Obama improved in some polls. By Election Day, however, the [[Gallup]] and [[Rasmussen]] polls showed Romney with a one-point lead.
* Former Colorado Governor [[Bill Owens]]
+
* [[Rhode Island]] Governor [[Donald Carcieri]]
+
* Former South Carolina Governor James B. Edwards
+
* Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld
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* Former Montana Governor Tim Babcock
+
  
===Talk Radio===
+
According to [[CNN]], Romney won by a margin of 67–25% the first presidential debate against [[liberal]] incumbent [[Barack Obama]]. This debate had the largest television audience for a presidential debate since [[Ronald Reagan]]'s 1980 classic against [[Jimmy Carter]].<ref>http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/presidential-debate-drew-more-than-70-million-viewers/</ref>
* [[Rush Limbaugh]] <ref>[http://www.cnsnews.com/ThisHour.asp#Limbaugh Endorses Romney Limbaugh Endorses Romney], [[Melanie Hunter]], ''[[CNSNews]]'', February 05, 2008</ref>
+
  
==References==
+
Romney lost the election to Obama.
{{reflist|2}}
+
 
 +
===Flip-flopping on the issues===
 +
Prior to his campaign for president in 2012, Romney was criticized for flip-flopping on key social issues:
 +
 
 +
*Mitt Romney once changed his positions on gun control. He was originally for it, but recently joined the National Rifle Association, an organization opposed to it.
 +
 
 +
*Romney changed his position on immigration shortly before the [[2012 Presidential Election]]. He originally supported amnesty for certain illegals and moratoriums on criminal prosecution for drug dealing by illegal immigrants.
 +
 
 +
*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.
 +
 
 +
==Anti-Trump activism==
 +
{{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"/><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>
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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"/>
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 +
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). [https://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:
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*Baker, Trent (July 1, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/video/2018/07/01/romney-not-willing-to-say-he-endorses-trump-in-2020/ Romney ‘Not Willing to Say’ He Endorses Trump in 2020]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
 +
*Chaitin, Daniel (July 1, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mitt-romney-too-early-to-say-if-ill-support-trump-in-2020 Mitt Romney: 'Too early' to say if I'll support Trump in 2020]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
 +
*Anapol, Avery (July 2, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/395125-romney-too-early-to-say-whether-ill-support-trump-in-2020 Romney: ‘Too early’ to say whether I’ll support Trump in 2020]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved July 2, 2018.</ref> He criticized President Trump's trade policies and efforts to correct the mistakes of past government officials.<ref>Muñoz, Gabriella (July 6, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/jul/6/mitt-romney-trade-wars-are-a-tax-on-americans/ Mitt Romney: 'Trade wars are a tax on Americans']. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved July 6, 2018.</ref> Despite this, in October 2018, he claimed, despite the evidence, that he never led the NeverTrump movement.<ref>Samuels, Brett (October 14, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/411331-romney-defends-trumps-policies-as-effective-disputes-he-led-never-trumpRomney defends Trump’s policies as ‘effective,' disputes he led 'never Trump' movement]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved October 14, 2018.</ref><ref>O'Reilly, Andrew (October 14, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/romney-denies-he-led-never-trump-movement-says-presidents-policies-pretty-effective Romney denies he led 'never Trump' movement, says president's policies 'pretty effective']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved October 14, 2018.</ref>
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 +
In November 2018, Romney attacked President Trump for criticizing the mainstream media for its bias against him.<ref>Chasmar, Jessica (November 1, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/nov/1/mitt-romney-i-cannot-conceive-calling-cnn-enemy-pe/ Romney defends media, attacks Trump: 'I cannot conceive' of calling press enemies of the people]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved November 1, 2018.</ref> This came despite the fact that Romney himself was harshly attacked by the media when he ran against Obama in 2012.<ref>Dorman, Sam (April 20, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/after-mueller-report-journalists-issue-mea-culpas-on-romneys-russia-prediction Post-Mueller report, journalists rethink handling of Romney's 2012 Russia prediction]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 20, 2019.</ref>
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 +
===U.S. Senate campaign===
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While he could have run in Massachusetts, the state where he served as governor and where he could have worked to defeat far-left Democrat [[Elizabeth Warren]], Romney chose to run in the solid Republican state of [[Utah]], where him winning would not help the GOP agenda and would actually impede President Trump's conservative agenda.<ref name="MA,UT2018">Pollak, Joel B. (January 5, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/05/pollak-isnt-mitt-romney-running-senate-massachusetts/ Blue State Blues: Why Isn’t Mitt Romney Running for Senate in Massachusetts?]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 5, 2018.</ref> He was heavily favored by the [[mainstream media]] in Utah,<ref>[https://www.axios.com/utah-media-if-romney-runs-he-wins-2522067938.html Utah media: If Romney runs, he wins]. ''Axios''. January 3, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2018.</ref> and his opposition to President Trump was noted in the election.<ref>Kamisar, Ben; Hagen, Lisa (February 15, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/373944-romneys-trump-feud-looms-over-utah-senate-race Romney’s Trump feud looms over Utah Senate race]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 15, 2018.</ref> Romney was endorsed by fellow globalist RINO [[Jeb Bush]].<ref>Beavers, Olivia (January 15, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/369049-jeb-bush-backs-romney-for-utah-senate-run Jeb Bush backs Romney for Utah Senate run]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref><ref>Moran, Sean (January 15, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/01/15/jeb-backs-potential-mitt-romney-bid-for-u-s-senate-i-hope-he-runs/ Jeb! Backs Potential Mitt Romney Bid for U.S. Senate: ‘I Hope He Runs’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 15, 2018.</ref> Somehow, Romney received Trump's endorsement for the Senate seat.
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Romney formally announced his campaign on February 16, 2018, doing so by video.<ref>Multiple references:
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*Kamisar, Ben (February 16, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/374176-romney-officially-announces-utah-senate-bid Romney makes Utah Senate bid official]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
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*[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/16/mitt-romney-announces-us-senate-run-in-utah.html Mitt Romney announces US Senate run in Utah]. ''Fox News''. February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
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*Moran, Sean (February 16, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/16/mitt-romney-officially-running-u-s-senate/ Mitt Romney Announces His U.S. Senate Race]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved February 16, 2018.</ref> In his announcement video, Romney criticized the Trump Administration's immigration policies, stating that "Utah welcomes legal immigrants from around the world" but that "Washington sends immigrants a message of exclusion."<ref>Multiple references:
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*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.
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*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.
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*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:
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*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.
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*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>
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Rob Anderson, the Utah GOP chairman, criticized Romney for choosing to run in Utah despite him and his children not living there, and he stated that Romney did not represent the state because of this.<ref>Multiple references:
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*Delk, Josh (February 14, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/373856-utah-gop-chairman-likens-romneys-expected-senate-run-to-hillary-clinton Utah GOP chairman takes a jab at Romney's ability to represent the state]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
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*McLaughlin, Seth (February 14, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/feb/14/utah-gop-chair-dings-anticipated-romney-senate-bid/ Utah GOP chair dings anticipated Romney Senate bid: Report]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
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However, under heavy pressure, Anderson retracted his comments:
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*Greenwood, Max (February 14, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/373934-utah-gop-chairman-never-my-intent-to-disparage-romney Utah GOP chairman: 'Never my intent' to disparage Romney]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved February 14, 2018.</ref> Conservatives, including opposing candidate Larry Meyers, criticized Romney for flip-flopping positions and having liberal core values.<ref>Miller, S.A. (March 8, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/mar/8/mitt-romney-under-attack-utah-liberal-massachusett/ How Mitt Romney is under attack in Utah for ‘liberal Massachusetts values’]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved March 8, 2018.</ref> Romney's candidacy came about during a fight between the Republican establishment and conservatives over how the Utah Republican Party selects its nominee, with conservatives favoring a party convention over simply holding a primary where any candidate can run as a Republican with enough signatures.<ref>Leahy, Michael Patrick (March 19, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/03/19/gop-establishment-and-grassroots-in-bitter-utah-battle-as-mitt-romney-seeks-state-partys-u-s-senate-nomination/ GOP Establishment and Grassroots in Bitter Utah Battle as Mitt Romney Seeks State Party’s U.S. Senate Nomination]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 22, 2018.</ref>
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Once again, Romney flipped on immigration, telling voters that his immigration stances were somehow tougher than those of President Trump's – however, he used the past tense to describe his views, as if he no longer held to them any longer,<ref>Multiple references:
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*Spiering, Charlie (March 27, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/03/27/mitt-romney-runs-as-immigration-hawk-daca-kids-shouldnt-all-be-allowed-to-stay-legally/ Mitt Romney Runs as Immigration Hawk: ‘DACA Kids Shouldn’t All Be Allowed to Stay Legally’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
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*Shaw, Adam (March 27, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/03/27/mitt-romney-says-is-more-conservative-on-immigration-than-trump.html Mitt Romney says he is more conservative on immigration than Trump]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved March 27, 2018.</ref> and despite claiming to have tough views, he opposed the Trump Administration's zero tolerance border policy because he thought it was too tough.<ref>Anapol, Avery (June 18, 2018). [https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/392826-mitt-romney-backs-laura-bush-op-ed-we-need-a-more-compassionate Romney backs Laura Bush on border: 'We need a more compassionate answer']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 18, 2018.</ref> He also voiced conservative views on ObamaCare and spending to his conservative audience during the GOP primary.<ref>Drucker, David M. (April 21, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/mitt-romney-hammers-gop-vows-to-block-bloated-spending-and-repeal-obamacare-if-elected-to-senate Mitt Romney hammers GOP, vows to block bloated spending and repeal Obamacare if elected to Senate]. ''Washington Times''. Retrieved April 21, 2018.</ref> He claimed that he was not running to advance his career.<ref>Klein, Philip (April 23, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/mitt-romney-in-his-fifth-campaign-since-1994-says-im-not-in-this-race-because-i-have-some-political-career-im-trying-to-foster Mitt Romney, in his fifth campaign since 1994, says 'I’m not in this race because I have some political career I’m trying to foster']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved April 23, 2018.</ref> However, in May 2018, Romney again criticized Trump.<ref>Sykes, Michael (May 29, 2018). [https://www.axios.com/trump-mitt-romney-criticism-role-model-8e4836ba-bfcd-4fb7-bcd1-17db50ea5647.html Mitt Romney doubles down on past Trump criticism]. ''Axios''. Retrieved May 29, 2018.</ref> Romney was reported to have been positioning himself to leave the GOP's [[establishment]] wing in the Senate and to counterbalance President Trump.<ref>Isenstadt, Alex (June 10, 2018). [https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/10/mitt-romney-senate-trump-635008 Romney looks to lead GOP’s establishment wing]. ''Politico''. Retrieved June 10, 2018.</ref> Romney refused to endorse President Trump's conservative agenda.<ref>Ayers, Emma (June 24, 2018). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/mitt-romney-takes-stance-on-the-trump-agenda Mitt Romney takes stance on the 'Trump agenda']. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved June 24, 2018.</ref><ref>Shaw, Adam (June 23, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/06/23/romney-walks-fine-line-on-trump-amid-utah-primary-fight.html Romney walks fine line on Trump amid Utah primary fight]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 24, 2018.</ref>
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At the GOP convention, Romney was forced into a primary election after he failed to win over GOP delegates.<ref>Multiple references:
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*Pollak, Joel B. (April 22, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/04/22/not-rominee-mitt-romney-2nd-utah-gop-convention-must-face-senate-primary/ Not the Rominee: Mitt Romney 2nd at Utah GOP Convention, Must Face Senate Primary]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
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*Bowden, John (April 21, 2018). [https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/384301-romney-finishes-second-in-utah-gop-senate-primary Romney forced into GOP primary for Utah Senate nomination]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
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*Calicchio, Dom (April 21, 2018). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/04/21/mitt-romney-faces-senate-runoff-in-utah-after-state-gop-convention-setback.html Mitt Romney faces Senate primary in Utah after state GOP convention setback]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
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*Whitehurst, Lindsay; Hattem, Julian (April 22, 2018). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/apr/22/mitt-romney-faces-republican-primary-utah-senate-c/ Mitt Romney forced into primary after losing nomination battle in Utah Senate bid]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved April 22, 2018.</ref> In the June 26 Republican senatorial primary, Romney faces the [[conservative]] state representative, Dr. Michael Stephen "Mike" Kennedy (born c. 1968), the son of a naturalized citizen. Kennedy practices medicine in Alpine in Utah County. Kennedy had narrowly won the party endorsement at the state convention. Kennedy criticized Romney for flip-flopping on the issues and for being a carpetbagger.<ref>Pollak, Joel B. (June 5, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/05/mike-kennedy-mitt-romney-utah-senate-opponent/ Mike Kennedy Blasts Mitt Romney for Carpetbagging, Flip-Flopping]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 5, 2018.</ref>
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Romney and Kennedy appeared in a [[television]] debate on May 29, 2018. The two expressed agreement on a plethora of issues, including school safety, health care matters, and immigration. Both presented himself as a conservative. One dividing point was the Reverend [[Robert Jeffress]] of the First [[Southern Baptist|Baptist Church]] of [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], who at President Trump's invitation, led a prayer at the dedication of the relocated U.S. Embassy in [[Jerusalem]]. Jeffress, who supported Romney for President in 2012, has been hostile toward Mormonism: he labeled the denomination "a cult" and questioned the integrity of Mormon founder [[Joseph Smith]]. Romney said that he regards Jeffress as a "religious bigot." Romney also noted that he carries Trump's endorsement though Kennedy in the debate repeatedly praised Trump's performance in office. Romney won the Republican primary on June 26, 2018.<ref>Boyle, Matthew (June 26, 2018). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/26/the-empire-strikes-back-establishment-rallies-to-romney-to-stop-trumps-winning-resistance-notches-win-in-new-york/ The Empire Strikes Back: Establishment Rallies to Romney to Stop Trump’s Winning, Resistance Notches Win in New York]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved June 28, 2018.</ref>
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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>
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===Senate tenure: opposing Trump===
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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>
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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:
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*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.
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*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.
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*Moons, Michelle (January 1, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/01/mitt-romney-slams-trumps-character-in-washington-post-op-ed/ Mitt Romney Slams Trump’s ‘Character’ in Washington Post Op-Ed]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
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*Shepardson, David (January 1, 2019). [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-romney/romney-attacks-trump-saying-he-causes-dismay-around-the-world-idUSKCN1OW02X Romney attacks Trump, saying he causes dismay around the world]. ''Reuters''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
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*Siegel, Josh (January 1, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/trump-defined-his-presidency-down-in-december-mitt-romney-says-in-op-ed Romney unloads on Trump, accuses him of ‘glaring’ shortfall in character]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
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*Nicholas, Peter (January 1, 2019). [https://www.wsj.com/articles/mitt-romney-blasts-deep-descent-of-trump-presidency-11546399916 Mitt Romney Blasts ‘Deep Descent’ of Trump Presidency]. ''The Wall Street Journal''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
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*Rothschild, Neal (January 1, 2019). [https://www.axios.com/mitt-romney-criticize-donald-trump-washington-post-74fd1ad8-a8cb-458a-b582-019f26971c24.html Mitt Romney: Trump failing the U.S. as a world leader]. ''Axios''. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
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See also:
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*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.
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*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:
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*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.
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*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.
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*Darrah, Nicole (January 2, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/incoming-sen-romney-trump-hasnt-risen-to-the-mantle-of-presidency Trump fires back at Romney for scathing op-ed: 'I won big and he didn't']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
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See also:
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*Scarry, Eddie (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/trump-just-neutralized-whatever-threat-mitt-romney-tried-posing Trump just neutralized whatever threat Mitt Romney tried posing]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> Trump also noted that Romney was being harsher on him than on Obama.<ref>Spiering, Charlie (January 2, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/02/donald-trump-mitt-romney-fights-me-more-than-he-did-barack-obama/ Donald Trump: Mitt Romney Fights Me More than He Did Barack Obama]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.<br>See also:
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*Rogan, Tom (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/mitt-romney-gives-barack-obama-a-foreign-policy-free-pass Mitt Romney gives Barack Obama a foreign policy free pass]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> [[Rand Paul]] also criticized Romney, describing him as a "Big Government [Republican] who never liked Reagan" and who "wants to signal how virtuous he is in comparison to the President."<ref>Multiple references:
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*Moons, Michelle (January 2, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/02/rand-paul-hits-mitt-romney-big-government-republican-never-liked-reagan/ Rand Paul Hits Mitt Romney: ‘Big Government’ Republican Who ‘Never Liked Reagan’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
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*Bowden, John (January 2, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/423490-rand-paul-defends-trump-against-romney-op-ed-he-wants-to-signal-how-virtuous Rand Paul defends Trump against Romney op-ed: He 'wants to signal how virtuous he is']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
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*Bedard, Paul (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/its-war-rand-paul-hits-big-government-romney-trump-an-actual-conservative It’s war: Rand Paul hits ‘Big Government’ Romney, calls Trump an ‘actual conservative’]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
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*Miller, S.A. (January 2, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/jan/2/rand-paul-scolds-mitt-romney-anti-trump-screed-big/ Rand Paul scolds Mitt Romney for anti-Trump screed: 'Big mistake']. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> Even members of the GOP establishment believed the op-ed was "all about self-promotion."<ref>Drucker, David M. (January 3, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/even-the-trump-hostile-gop-establishment-questions-romneys-presidential-tongue-lashing Even the Trump-hostile GOP establishment questions Romney's presidential tongue-lashing]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.</ref> Romney was defended by disgraced FBI Director [[James Comey]],<ref>Axelrod, Tal (January 2, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/423620-comey-defends-romney-for-calling-out-trump Comey defends Romney for ‘calling out’ Trump]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 2, 2019.</ref> and former left-wing Democrat Senator [[Harry Reid]] endorsed Romney for the GOP nomination in 2020.<ref>Spiering, Charlie (January 11, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/01/11/harry-reid-endorses-mitt-romney-for-2020-republican-nominee-for-president/ Harry Reid Endorses Mitt Romney for 2020 Republican Nominee for President]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved January 11, 2019.</ref> The media, which had attacked him in 2012, came to adore him upon attacking Trump.<ref>Concha, Joe (January 2, 2019). [https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/423544-romney-attacks-trump-now-hes-a-media-darling Romney attacks Trump, now he's a media darling]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved April 21, 2019.</ref>
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Upon assuming office, Romney was given seats in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, meaning that he was in a position to oppose and obstruct President Trump's [[America First]] foreign and immigration policies.<ref name="ForeignCmte">Carney, Jordain (January 3, 2019). [https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/423789-romney-gets-seat-on-foreign-relations-committee Romney gets seat on Foreign Relations committee]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 3, 2019.</ref> Despite his anti-Trump comments, he joined the GOP Senate leadership.<ref>Ferrechio, Susan (January 15, 2019). [https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/congress/despite-trump-slam-romney-named-to-senate-gop-leadership-team Despite Trump slam, Romney named to Senate GOP leadership team]. ''Washington Examiner''. Retrieved January 15, 2019.</ref>
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Romney continued flip-flopping, publicly opposing President Trump on several issues.<ref>Multiple references:
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*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.
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*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.
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*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:
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*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.
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*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:
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*Key, Pam (May 19, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/05/19/mitt-romney-trump-has-distanced-himself-from-humility-honesty-integrity/ Mitt Romney: Trump Has Distanced Himself From ‘Humility,’ ‘Honesty, Integrity’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
 +
*Frazin, Rachel (May 19, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/444442-romney-trump-has-distanced-himself-from-some-of-the-best-qualities-of-the Romney: Trump 'has distanced himself from some of the best qualities of the human character']. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 19, 2019.</ref>
 +
 
 +
Leading up to the 2020 Republican presidential primaries, Romney described [[William Weld]], a liberal Republican challenger to President Trump, as a "terrific guy."<ref>Moran, Sean (May 31, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/05/31/mitt-romney-trump-challenger-bill-weld-terrific-guy/ Mitt Romney: Trump Challenger Bill Weld a ‘Terrific Guy’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 31, 2019.</ref>
 +
 
 +
In his first speech on the Senate floor, Romney advocated for a globalist foreign policy in contrast to a patriotic "[[America First]]" policy.<ref>Carney, Jordain (June 4, 2019). [https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/446859-romney-united-states-cant-neglect-international-alliances Romney defends international alliances in first Senate floor speech]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved June 4, 2019.</ref> Romney defended Paul Ryan after the latter criticized President Trump,<ref>Bleau, Hannah (July 12, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/07/12/romney-opposes-trump-yet-again-goes-to-bat-for-paul-ryan/ Romney Opposes Trump Yet Again, Goes to Bat for Paul Ryan]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 12, 2019.</ref> and he criticized Trump for criticizing left-wing members of Congress for their unpatriotism.<ref>Caplan, Joshua (July 15, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/07/15/mitt-romney-trumps-go-back-comments-destructive-has-failed-badly-at-uniting-u-s/ Mitt Romney: Trump’s ‘Go Back’ Comments ‘Destructive,’ Has ‘Failed Badly’ at Uniting U.S.] ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved July 15, 2019.</ref>
 +
 
 +
On October 5, 2019, President Trump called for Romney's impeachment because of the latter's attacks on the president.<ref>Multiple references:
 +
*Bowden, John (October 5, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/464511-trump-calls-for-romneys-impeachment Trump calls for Romney's impeachment]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
 +
*Caplan, Joshua (October 5, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/10/05/donald-trump-calls-for-mitt-romney-to-be-impeached/ Donald Trump Calls for Mitt Romney to Be Impeached]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
 +
See also:
 +
*Spiering, Charlie (October 5, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/10/05/donald-trump-dumps-on-pompous-ass-mitt-romney/ Donald Trump Dumps on ‘Pompous Ass’ Mitt Romney]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
 +
*Miller, S.A. (October 5, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/oct/5/donald-trump-blasts-mitt-romney-pompous-ass/ Trump blasts Mitt Romney: 'Pompous ass']. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
 +
*Whitehurst, Lindsay (October 6, 2019). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/oct/6/mitt-romney-reemerges-donald-trumps-chief-gop-crit/ 'Decisive role': Reluctant Romney reemerges as Trump's chief GOP critic]. ''The Washington Times'' (from the ''Associated Press''). Retrieved October 6, 2019.
 +
*Nolte, John (October 7, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/10/07/nolte-if-mitt-romney-had-integrity-he-would-criticize-someone-other-than-trump/ Nolte: If Mitt Romney Had Integrity He Would Criticize Someone Other than Trump]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 7, 2019.</ref>
 +
 
 +
In October 2019, Romney harshly attacked President Trump for going against neocon policies in Syria.<ref>Multiple references:
 +
*Carney, Jordain (October 17, 2019). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/466345-romney-slams-ceasefire-deal-calls-trumps-syria-move-a-bloodstain-in-us Romney slams ceasefire deal, calls Trump's Syria move 'a bloodstain' in US history]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
 +
*Moran, Sean (October 17, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/10/17/mitt-romney-abandoning-kurds-will-stand-as-bloodstain-in-u-s-history/ Mitt Romney: Abandoning Kurds ‘Will Stand’ as ‘Bloodstain’ in U.S. History]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 17, 2019.
 +
*Miles, Frank (October 20, 2019). [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mitt-romney-trump-race-kurds-syria Romney takes shots at Trump over race, says he's abandoning Kurds in Syria]. ''Fox News''. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
 +
See also:
 +
*Pollak, Joel B. (October 17, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2019/10/17/mitt-romney-2007-kurdish-nationalism-could-destabilize-the-border-with-turkey/ Mitt Romney, 2007: ‘Kurdish Nationalism Could Destabilize the Border with Turkey’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 17, 2019.</ref>
 +
 
 +
A Rasmussen poll released in October 2019 found that 63% of likely Republican voters believed that the GOP should be more like President Trump than like Romney.<ref>Caplan, Joshua (October 23, 2019). [https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/10/23/63-of-likely-gop-voters-think-party-should-be-more-like-trump-than-mitt-romney/ 63% of Likely GOP Voters Think Party Should Be More Like Trump than Mitt Romney]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved October 23, 2019.</ref>
 +
 
 +
Before voting in the Democrat's [[impeachment sham]], Romney reiterated his faith in the Mormon God on the Senate floor.
 +
 
 +
Romney is a defender of '''[[Faucism]]''' and said of [[Anthony Fauci]]:<ref>Gonzalez, Oriana (October 20, 2020). [https://www.axios.com/republican-senators-defend-fauci-as-trump-escalates-attacks-10f0c34b-417d-41aa-bdfe-db4fa0c33059.html Republican senators defend Fauci as Trump escalates attacks]. ''Axios''. Retrieved October 10, 2021.</ref>
 +
{{cquote|Dr. Fauci is an esteemed professional with extraordinary expertise and capability, and I have full confidence in his leadership and capacity.}}
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Romney, along with four other Senate [[RINOs]] and all Democrats in late January 2021, voted against an amendment by [[Rand Paul]] that would declare the second sham impeachment attempt against Trump to be unconstitutional.<ref>Carney, Jourdain (January 26, 2021). [https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/535925-senate-rejects-paul-effort-to-declare-trump-impeachment-trial Just five GOP senators vote Trump impeachment trial is constitutional]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved January 26, 2021.</ref>
 +
 
 +
He was one of Six Republican senators to vote in favor of the partisan hack January Sixth Commission.<ref>https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/05/28/six-senate-republicans-voted-advance-january-6-bill/</ref>
 +
 
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==See also==
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*[[Team Mitt]]
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*[[Mitt Romney donor list]]
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*[[Biden-Ukraine scandal]]
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://www.mittromney.com Mitt Romney for President 2008]
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* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnXvYxc-igs&t=907s Mitt Romney Has Always Been Awful | The Michael Knowles Show Ep. 491]
*[http://www.ldslivingonline.com/article.php?articleId=17633 Mitt Romney: proudly, quietly Mormon]
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*[http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/ Evangelicals for Mitt]
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*[http://sparklepony.blogspot.com/2007/03/fresh-mitt-romney-juvenalia-hot-off.html Fresh Mitt Romney Juvenalia] Pics - Comments.
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*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjE4MmMyMzVkZjlhZGQzNzlhZjdmMDEzNjI3MzM4ZTA= Mitt Romney: “I Changed My View. Is that So Difficult to Understand?”] The candidate talks about his efforts to convince voters that his pro-life conversion is real. Byron York, National Review Online, November 20, 2007
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*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Y2ZkMWNkZDkzOTk1YTM0NTNkNmJlZThmYjJmM2ZmOGE= Did Mitt Romney Push Poll Himself?] Mark Hemingway, National Review Online, November 19, 2007
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*[http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Y2EzODZjY2UxZTRhMWE2ZDk1ZWE5MGI0ZmRjMDViZTI= Team Romney on Push-Poll Connections] After reading the Hemingway piece, Kevin Madden, Romney for President campaign spokesman replies. Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review Online, November 19, 2007
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*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MzliMDgzOWVlOGEwYThlMzc5ZDVlNzM2YjA4M2ZkYTg= Romney Stands for Faith] The candidate pushes back against push-poll attacks. Larry Kudlow, National Review Online, November 16, 2007
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*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MGQ4YmM4Y2U3Yjc3MzYzNDQwYzk3YTVjMTI5YTkwNzg= Romney’s Religion], The Editors, National Review Online, November 16, 2007
+
  
==Blogs==
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==References==
*[http://www.mymanmitt.com/mitt-romney/ My Man Mitt]
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{{Reflist|colwidth=35em}}
*[http://libertariansformitt.wordpress.com/ Libertarians for Romney]
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{{2012 presidential candidates}}
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{{Republican establishment}}
  
 
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Romney, Mitt}}
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[[Category:Featured articles]]
 
[[Category:Massachusetts Governors]]
 
[[Category:Massachusetts Governors]]
 
[[Category:Republican Governors]]
 
[[Category:Republican Governors]]
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[[Category:Former Governors]]
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[[Category:Establishment]]
 
[[Category:2008 Presidential Candidates]]
 
[[Category:2008 Presidential Candidates]]
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[[Category:2012 Presidential Candidates]]
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[[Category:Failed Presidential Candidates]]
 
[[Category:Business People]]
 
[[Category:Business People]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]
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[[Category:Utah]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
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[[Category:Mormons]]
 
[[Category:Mormons]]
[[Category:2012 Presidential Candidates]]
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[[Category:Best Selling Authors]]
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[[Category:RINOs]]
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[[Category:Anti-Trump]]
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[[Category:Never Trumpers]]
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[[Category:Globalists]]
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[[Category:Republican Establishment]]
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[[Category:Amnesty Republicans]]
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[[Category:Biden Putsch]]
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[[Category:Faucism]]
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[[Category:Liberal Republicans]]
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[[Category:Bigotry]]

Latest revision as of 18:30, September 13, 2023

Willard Mitt Romney
MittPortrait.jpg
Junior U.S. Senator from Utah
From: January 3, 2019 – present
Predecessor Orrin Hatch
Successor Incumbent (no successor)
70th Governor of Massachusetts
From: January 2, 2003 – January 4, 2007
Predecessor Jane Swift
Successor Deval Patrick
Information
Party Republican
Spouse(s) Ann Romney
Religion The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Willard Mitt Romney (alias Pierre Delecto) (born March 12, 1947) is an establishment, globalist,[1][2] neocon, RINO[3] American politician. He is an anti-Christian bigot[4][5], a member of Conservative Inc., and a pathological liar.[6] He is a U.S. Senator of Utah, former governor of Massachusetts, a U.S. businessman, and the Republican nominee for the 2012 Presidential Election, 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.[7][8][9] He has voiced contradicting positions on topics as diverse as abortion, Homosexual "rights", illegal immigration, gun control, and even support for Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.[7][10][11][12][13][14] Thus, with good reason, conservatives see Romney's core beliefs as similar to that of the globalist Democrats he claims to oppose.[15][16] In 2022, Romney even refused to endorse conservative fellow Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) for reelection.[17] Facing a primary challenger likely to humiliate him, Romney announced in September 2023 that he would not seek reelection.

Romney campaigned for the U.S. Senate seat in Utah by promising to support President Donald Trump, but after Romney was elected he proceeded to do the opposite and even voted to remove Trump from office in the scam impeachment of him by Democrats. Romney constantly engages in a never-ending series of scurrilous criticisms of Trump, much as fellow Mormon Senator Jeff Flake did until public disapproval of his positions forced him to forgo running for reelection.

Romney voted for impeachment and removal of Trump twice, yet in November 2022 urged the new Congress to lay off “pointless investigations” of Dem President Joe Biden.[18] Underlying Romney's hypocrisy is a globalist agenda seeking open borders and a flood of illegal aliens into the U.S., which causes a massive fentanyl crisis.

Romney was defeated for the GOP nomination for president in 2008, by John McCain. In 1994 – a year of landslide victories for Republicans – Mitt Romney came up short in challenging incumbent Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, the same seat that Republican Scott Brown won after Kennedy died. In 2018, Romney ran for Utah's Senate seat when he could have run again for Massachusetts' seat, narrowing the GOP's opportunity to expand its Senate majority.[19]

Before entering politics Romney was a businessman in Boston, having served as CEO of Bain Capital, a private equity firm known for taking over American companies, laying off employees,[20] and profiting from bankruptcy:[21]

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 the liberal state of Massachusetts, 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. Romney declined to run for re-election and announced his candidacy for president.

During his campaign for the Republican nomination in 2008, Romney was mistakenly supported by many 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 had supported many left-wing positions: Romney had a pro-abortion record, but has claimed to be "pro-life" since 2005; Romney acknowledges global warming but says that he doesn't know how much is due to human activity; Romney has been criticized for standing behind his 2005 health care plan in Massachusetts whilst pledging to "replace" ObamaCare during his campaign for president in 2012. RomneyCare featured an individual mandate requiring everyone to purchase health insurance, and unlike Obamacare, featured socialized medicine as a backup for those who could not afford to pay. This plan is very similar to the 2010 ObamaCare bill that was adopted on a national level, and Obama claims Romney's people helped craft it. Romney, whom Democrats have called a racist and compared to Hitler,[22][23] attempted to regain their good graces by voting with their sham impeachment.

Personal life

Ann Lois Davies and Willard Mitt Romney

Romney is the scion of an old Mormon family. His grandparents were polygamists who fled the United States in the early 20th century when the Mormon Church repudiated polygamy; his father was born in Mexico. The Romneys returned to the U.S. in 1911 when a violent civil war broke out in Mexico.

Mitt Romney is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and spent time as a missionary during his youth converting Catholics and agnostics to Mormonism in France. In fact, his time as a student and missionary helped him defer from military service during the Vietnam draft,[24] but he stated during interviews that "he had longed to join the soldiers in Vietnam and support the war effort." His father had stated in 1967 that he felt "brainwashed" by U.S. officials over the justification of the prolonged Vietnam war. This statement had been very costly in George Romney's 1968 campaign for president against Richard Nixon.

Romney married Ann Davies in 1969, with whom he had five children.

Romney infamously runs a secret Twitter account under the pseudonym "Pierre Delecto", which he uses in an effort to troll his political critics, as well as to provide a pathetic defense of his policies and reputation[25]. He was likely inspired to do so after seeing how effective President Trump's method of Twitter to gain media attention was; however, his sad, awkward attempts at being witty or snarky simply come off as out-of-touch and embarrassing.

Romney is the son of former Michigan governor and presidential candidate George Romney, a "Rockefeller Republican,"[26] who amassed a large fortune as an automobile industry magnate during World War II. George Romney was popular among moderates during his presidential run and was well-equipped for victory; many of his political advisors had come from Nelson Rockefeller's 1964 campaign.

Business career

From 1978 to 1984, Romney was a vice president of Bain & Company, Inc. a worldwide management consulting firm, and in 1984, Romney co-founded a spin-off called Bain Capital. He invested in and bought many well-known companies such as Staples, Brookstone, Domino's, Sealy Corporation, and Sports Authority. Critics say he advised corporations to cut their US taxes by reincorporating in Caribbean tax havens such as the Cayman Islands while maintaining their operations in the US. His business practices also resulted in the layoffs of many American workers.

As Governor

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%[27], but the Democratic supermajority in the state legislature refused to budge. Romney vetoed 844 pieces of legislation, with over 700 overridden.[28] He vetoed an increase in the minimum wage, saying "there's no question raising the minimum wage excessively causes a loss of jobs." [29] 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.[30] 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."

Some of the actions Governor Romney took received criticisms from conservatives, such as supporting moderate fee increases and creating the nation's first universal health care program. During his 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Romney supported abortion, but later took more pro-life positions, such as vetoing emergency contraception, as well as 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, stating, "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?" [31]

On education, Romney called for the privatization of the University of Massachusetts medical school.[32] In 2004, he established the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Program, which rewarded the top 25 percent of Massachusetts high school students with tuition-free scholarship to any Massachusetts public university or college. In August 2006, Governor Romney refused to allow former Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, an outspoken opponent of the United States and Israel, state police escorts during his speech at Harvard University.[33]

In December 2006, Romney signed a memorandum of agreement with the federal government that would allow state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws;[34] however, it was revoked when Democrat Deval Patrick took office as Governor in January 2007.

Political Positions

Romney has flip-flopped his stated positions on many important issues.[7][10][11] His foreign policy preferences share numerous similarities with that of Democrats such as Obama.[16] One position that Romney has been consistent on, however, is his support for globalist policies, having been strongly influenced by neoconservatism and the Council on Foreign Relations.[1]

During his 2002 campaign to become the 70th governor of Massachusetts, Romney described his views as "moderate" and "progressive".[35][36] Romney has displayed liberal intolerance, smearing conservative Christians as "religious bigots" for holding theological views based on clear biblical teaching that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.[4]

Abortion

Romney claims to be pro-life, but his record is very spotty. At times he has claimed to be pro-infanticide, and has also explicitly opposed common pro-life legislation and positions. "I am pro-life. I believe that abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by judicial mandate." (Boston Globe, Mitt Romney Editorial, July 26, 2005) [37]

Despite having a largely pro-life record as governor, in a 1994 debate with Senator Edward Kennedy, Romney said that abortion should be legal, declaring that "regardless of one's beliefs about choice, you would hope it would be safe and legal." "Many years ago, I had a dear, close family relative that was very close to me who passed away from an illegal abortion", Romney said. "It is since that time my mother and my family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on others on that matter. And you will not see me wavering on that."[38]

In his campaign literature for the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, Romney expressed a willingness to defend that State's pro-abortion status quo.[39] He stated in a live, televised debate:[40]


"I've been very clear on that, I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose, and am devoted and dedicated to honoring my word in that regard."

In May 2019, Romney publicly opposed an Alabama law that banned abortions in most cases.[41][42]

Civil Unions

Romney claimed to be opposed to the idea of same-sex "marriage"; however, he has voiced explicit support for the homosexual agenda. He has advocated for domestic partnership benefits and equal rights for homosexuals, which is same-sex "marriage" in everything but name and an easy stepping stone on the vile homosexual agenda path towards homosexual recruitment.[43] He also supports adoption for homosexual couples.[44] Eventually, in violation of the Massachusetts Constitution, he illegally imposed same-sex "marriage" on the state and he refused to remove pro-same-sex "marriage" liberal activist judges in the state from their offices or to back religious adoption charities that are opposed to homosexual adoptions.[45]

Economic Agenda

As President, Romney promised to pursue a conservative, pro-growth economic agenda. His number one economic priority would be to grow the economy — helping to create good jobs, raise incomes and preserve American strength. He says he would work to rein in excessive government spending and reform entitlements. To ensure America's continued economic growth, he promises to cut taxes — such as the Death Tax, savings taxes, corporate taxes and marginal tax rates. Despite these claims, he has supported the socialism agenda. He claimed credit for the government bailout of the union controlled car companies.[46] Also his RomneyCare law started the process of socializing medical care in Massachusetts. He continues to defend this law up to this day, undermining his commitment to repeal the similar and equally atrocious ObamaCare.[47]

Romney says he would also promote trade, bring market forces to bear in health care, pursue national tort and liability reform, eliminate excessive regulations that put a burden on our economy and strengthen American families.

Immigration

Romney supports higher immigration levels and has taken a soft stance on illegal immigration after his 2012 presidential campaign. For example, he endorsed the 2013 Gang of Eight amnesty bill. and voiced support for amnesty on other occasions.[48]

This is in strong contrast to Romney's stated positions while he was running for President (though he still called for more legal immigration):

Immigration has been an important part of our nation's success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America.[49]

In the 2012 presidential campaign, Romney voiced opposition to illegal immigration to attract conservative voters.[50] On May 24, 2007, Romney spoke about how he was tolerant about homosexuals and then he discussed the current illegal immigration bill before Congress:

He expressed less tolerance for illegal immigrants, and said he and President Bush have a difference of opinions on a bill that would provide a path toward legalization for an estimated 12 million people unlawfully in the country.

"He has his view, and other people have their views and I have my own," Romney said. "This is for all intents and purposes a form of amnesty in that everyone who is here illegally today will be able to stay under this bill."

The bill is unfair to people who are trying to come to the country legally, he said. People here illegally should be able to apply to come to the United States, but under the same terms as everyone else and behind those who have already applied.

"I don't think that we're going to round up 11 or 12 or however many million people and bus them out of the country. That's not what I'm talking about," Romney said. "Those who committed felonies, of course, would be deported. Those who require government assistance to stay here would surely need to get off government assistance and ultimately could not remain here on government assistance."[51]

Stem Cell Research

Mitt Romney supports the right of scientists to 1research on embryos created during fertility treatments. Critics consider this to be essentially infanticide.[52]

Foreign Relations

During the Syrian Civil War, Romney called for arming various rebel groups.[53] He also said that Russia is America's 'number one geopolitical foe'.[54] Romney and Paul Ryan said that China is a cheater in global economy.[55]

However, Romney has spoken highly of the European Union and has subtly criticized conservative Euroskeptics.[56]

Evolution

Mitt Romney believes in evolution and opposes Intelligent Design.[57]

2008 Presidential Campaign

For a more detailed treatment, see Mitt Romney 2008 Presidential Campaign.

Dude and mitt romney.jpg
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.

Fundraising

Mitt Romney had done well in fundraising. During his first fundraiser as a presidential candidate, he raised $6.5 million compared to the claimed original goal of only $1 million. During the first quarter, Romney raised more money than any other Republican presidential candidate with $23 million. However, a substantial portion of his funds ($17 million) came from his own personal wealth. [1]

2012 Presidential campaign

Democrat hero Mitt Romney depicted as Adolf Romney.

In April 2011, Romney announced his candidacy for President of the United States for the 2012 election, running as a Republican.[58] Romney was criticized throughout the primary season for being a Republican In Name Only due to his liberal views on social issues as governor and his flip-flops, as well as a controversial business record. His main competitors during the primaries were former conservative Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Pro-Life Senator Rick Santorum, and libertarian Congressman Ron Paul. Romney ended up winning the vast majority of contests, though the race remained close in delegate count throughout. Romney together with Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan ran against President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in the election held on November 6, 2012. During the campaign, Romney was criticized for saying that the 47% of Americans who do not pay income taxes consider themselves to be 'victims'.

Romney led Obama among many key segments of the electorate: "Romney leads Obama 58%–34% among veterans, who make up about 13% of the electorate" and influence many other voters.[59] 50–43%, in early May.[60] Other polls show different results,[61] in swing states like Ohio,[62] Virginia[63] and Wisconsin.[64] Most national polls showed Obama with a lead over Romney later in the summer, but that lead evaporated after Obama's weak performance in the first debate. One national poll showed Romney with a 7-point lead over Obama. Romney then lost the second and third debates by emphasizing neocon rather than conservative positions, and Obama improved in some polls. By Election Day, however, the Gallup and Rasmussen polls showed Romney with a one-point lead.

According to CNN, Romney won by a margin of 67–25% the first presidential debate against liberal incumbent Barack Obama. This debate had the largest television audience for a presidential debate since Ronald Reagan's 1980 classic against Jimmy Carter.[65]

Romney lost the election to Obama.

Flip-flopping on the issues

Prior to his campaign for president in 2012, Romney was criticized for flip-flopping on key social issues:

  • Mitt Romney once changed his positions on gun control. He was originally for it, but recently joined the National Rifle Association, an organization opposed to it.
  • Romney changed his position on immigration shortly before the 2012 Presidential Election. He originally supported amnesty for certain illegals and moratoriums on criminal prosecution for drug dealing by illegal immigrants.
  • Romney persistently flip-flopped on the issue of abortion, depending on which constituency he wanted to charm.[7]

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

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.[10] This was despite him begging Trump for his endorsement in the previous election.[10][12] He called Trump "a fraud, a phony," and a lier, even though Romney himself flip-flopped on numerous political issues.[48] Romney also criticized Trump for not releasing his tax returns even though Trump defended Romney in 2012 for not releasing his own tax returns.[48] Romney did not vote for Trump on election day, 2016, instead writing in his wife's name.[66][67]

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.[12][48][68] 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.[10] In August 2017, Romney effectively endorsed the Antifa, a violent left-wing hate group.[48]

In January 2018, Romney used Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to attack President Trump.[69][70] On July 1, 2018, Romney refused to endorse President Trump's 2020 re-election campaign when asked.[71] He criticized President Trump's trade policies and efforts to correct the mistakes of past government officials.[72] Despite this, in October 2018, he claimed, despite the evidence, that he never led the NeverTrump movement.[73][74]

In November 2018, Romney attacked President Trump for criticizing the mainstream media for its bias against him.[75] This came despite the fact that Romney himself was harshly attacked by the media when he ran against Obama in 2012.[76]

U.S. Senate campaign

While he could have run in Massachusetts, the state where he served as governor and where he could have worked to defeat far-left Democrat Elizabeth Warren, Romney chose to run in the solid Republican state of Utah, where him winning would not help the GOP agenda and would actually impede President Trump's conservative agenda.[19] He was heavily favored by the mainstream media in Utah,[77] and his opposition to President Trump was noted in the election.[78] Romney was endorsed by fellow globalist RINO Jeb Bush.[79][80] Somehow, Romney received Trump's endorsement for the Senate seat.

Romney formally announced his campaign on February 16, 2018, doing so by video.[81] In his announcement video, Romney criticized the Trump Administration's immigration policies, stating that "Utah welcomes legal immigrants from around the world" but that "Washington sends immigrants a message of exclusion."[82] 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."[83]

Rob Anderson, the Utah GOP chairman, criticized Romney for choosing to run in Utah despite him and his children not living there, and he stated that Romney did not represent the state because of this.[84] Conservatives, including opposing candidate Larry Meyers, criticized Romney for flip-flopping positions and having liberal core values.[85] Romney's candidacy came about during a fight between the Republican establishment and conservatives over how the Utah Republican Party selects its nominee, with conservatives favoring a party convention over simply holding a primary where any candidate can run as a Republican with enough signatures.[86]

Once again, Romney flipped on immigration, telling voters that his immigration stances were somehow tougher than those of President Trump's – however, he used the past tense to describe his views, as if he no longer held to them any longer,[87] and despite claiming to have tough views, he opposed the Trump Administration's zero tolerance border policy because he thought it was too tough.[88] He also voiced conservative views on ObamaCare and spending to his conservative audience during the GOP primary.[89] He claimed that he was not running to advance his career.[90] However, in May 2018, Romney again criticized Trump.[91] Romney was reported to have been positioning himself to leave the GOP's establishment wing in the Senate and to counterbalance President Trump.[92] Romney refused to endorse President Trump's conservative agenda.[93][94]

At the GOP convention, Romney was forced into a primary election after he failed to win over GOP delegates.[95] In the June 26 Republican senatorial primary, Romney faces the conservative state representative, Dr. Michael Stephen "Mike" Kennedy (born c. 1968), the son of a naturalized citizen. Kennedy practices medicine in Alpine in Utah County. Kennedy had narrowly won the party endorsement at the state convention. Kennedy criticized Romney for flip-flopping on the issues and for being a carpetbagger.[96]

Romney and Kennedy appeared in a television debate on May 29, 2018. The two expressed agreement on a plethora of issues, including school safety, health care matters, and immigration. Both presented himself as a conservative. One dividing point was the Reverend Robert Jeffress of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, who at President Trump's invitation, led a prayer at the dedication of the relocated U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Jeffress, who supported Romney for President in 2012, has been hostile toward Mormonism: he labeled the denomination "a cult" and questioned the integrity of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. Romney said that he regards Jeffress as a "religious bigot." Romney also noted that he carries Trump's endorsement though Kennedy in the debate repeatedly praised Trump's performance in office. Romney won the Republican primary on June 26, 2018.[97]

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.[98]

Senate tenure: opposing Trump

Romney continued opposing President Trump after his election.[99] 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.[100] Romney moved to take the place of anti-Trump Republicans McCain and Jeff Flake.[101]

On January 1, 2019, Romney published an op-ed in The Washington Post[102] 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 conservative European populists while showing support for the globalist European Union.[8][13][56][103] In a later interview, Romney stated he would not endorse Trump.[104] 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.[105] Trump also noted that Romney was being harsher on him than on Obama.[106] Rand Paul also criticized Romney, describing him as a "Big Government [Republican] who never liked Reagan" and who "wants to signal how virtuous he is in comparison to the President."[107] Even members of the GOP establishment believed the op-ed was "all about self-promotion."[108] Romney was defended by disgraced FBI Director James Comey,[109] and former left-wing Democrat Senator Harry Reid endorsed Romney for the GOP nomination in 2020.[110] The media, which had attacked him in 2012, came to adore him upon attacking Trump.[111]

Upon assuming office, Romney was given seats in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, meaning that he was in a position to oppose and obstruct President Trump's America First foreign and immigration policies.[56] Despite his anti-Trump comments, he joined the GOP Senate leadership.[112]

Romney continued flip-flopping, publicly opposing President Trump on several issues.[113][114] 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.[115] On May 19, 2019, Romney described liberal-libertarian, anti-Trump representative Justin Amash as "courageous" for calling for President Trump's impeachment,[116] and Romney also attacked Trump's character.[117]

Leading up to the 2020 Republican presidential primaries, Romney described William Weld, a liberal Republican challenger to President Trump, as a "terrific guy."[118]

In his first speech on the Senate floor, Romney advocated for a globalist foreign policy in contrast to a patriotic "America First" policy.[119] Romney defended Paul Ryan after the latter criticized President Trump,[120] and he criticized Trump for criticizing left-wing members of Congress for their unpatriotism.[121]

On October 5, 2019, President Trump called for Romney's impeachment because of the latter's attacks on the president.[122]

In October 2019, Romney harshly attacked President Trump for going against neocon policies in Syria.[123]

A Rasmussen poll released in October 2019 found that 63% of likely Republican voters believed that the GOP should be more like President Trump than like Romney.[124]

Before voting in the Democrat's impeachment sham, Romney reiterated his faith in the Mormon God on the Senate floor.

Romney is a defender of Faucism and said of Anthony Fauci:[125]

Dr. Fauci is an esteemed professional with extraordinary expertise and capability, and I have full confidence in his leadership and capacity.

Romney, along with four other Senate RINOs and all Democrats in late January 2021, voted against an amendment by Rand Paul that would declare the second sham impeachment attempt against Trump to be unconstitutional.[126]

He was one of Six Republican senators to vote in favor of the partisan hack January Sixth Commission.[127]

See also

External links

References

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  2. Bandow, Doug (January 10, 2019). Mitt Romney, Commander of the Fake Internationalists. The American Conservative. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  3. Adelmann, Bob (January 3, 2018). Sen. Hatch’s Retirement Paves Way for Romney: One RINO Replacing Another. The New American. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Multiple references:
  5. Wood, Benjamin (May 29, 2018). 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.
  6. Weaver, Al (May 29, 2018). Mitt Romney faces down 2012-era attacks during 2018 Utah Senate debate. Washington Examiner. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
    See also:
    • Philip Klein. Twitter. October 10, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Antle III, W. James (January 3, 2018). What if likely Utah Senate candidate Mitt Romney had never run in Massachusetts? Washington Examiner. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Klein, Philip (January 2, 2019). Where Mitt Romney's attack on Donald Trump went off the rails. Washington Examiner. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  9. Klein, Philip (January 2, 2018). Reminder: Mitt Romney has no ideological core, and we have no idea what kind of senator he would be. Washington Examiner. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Pandey, Erica (January 2, 2018). Timeline: Trump and Romney's tumultuous relationship. Axios. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
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  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Pollak, Joel B. (January 1, 2019). Timeline: Mitt Romney’s History of Backstabbing Donald Trump. Breitbart News. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Kurtz, Howard (January 3, 2019). Op-ed assault: Romney rips Trump despite embracing him at times. Fox News. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  14. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2012/may/17/mitt-romney/mitt-romney-once-distanced-himself-ronald-reagan-n/
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  16. 16.0 16.1 Richman, Sheldon (October 26, 2012). Americans Should Reject Obama-Romney Foreign Policy. The New American. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  17. https://www.dailywire.com/news/romney-betrays-mike-lee-gop-senate-gop-senators-outraged
  18. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2022/11/mitt-romney-says-new-congress-must-lay-off-pointless-investigations-joe-biden-yet-voted-impeach-donald-trump-twice/
  19. 19.0 19.1 Pollak, Joel B. (January 5, 2018). Blue State Blues: Why Isn’t Mitt Romney Running for Senate in Massachusetts?. Breitbart News. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
  20. Kraychik, Robert (January 3, 2019). Henry Olsen: Mitt Romney Put ‘Investors’ Profits’ over ‘American Jobs’. Breitbart News. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  21. https://thinkprogress.org/under-romney-bain-capital-made-millions-from-south-carolina-business-that-shut-down-laid-off-150-b855c39012ca/
  22. https://upennstatesman.org/2018/11/06/a-fifty-year-history-of-democrats-crying-hitler/
  23. https://www.salon.com/2012/10/16/nine_most_racist_moments_of_the_2012_election/
  24. Michael Kranish, "The Making of Mitt Romney: Mormon church obtained Vietnam draft deferrals for Romney, other missionaries" June 24, 2007. The Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/romney/articles/part1_side_2/?page=1
  25. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/sen-mitt-romney-admits-pierre-delecto-twitter-account/story?id=66417732
  26. Lisa McGirr, Suburban Warriors(2001) pp. 141, 222.
  27. http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/08/mitt_romneys_record_on_economi.php
  28. http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Mitt_Romney_Government_Reform.htm
  29. Telegram & Gazette, 08/01/06
  30. http://www.americansformitt.com/
  31. https://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/04/romney-on-huckabee-unlike-some-people-i-never-pardoned-anyone/
  32. Telegram & Gazette, 02/27/03
  33. https://www.nysun.com/editorials/khatemi-at-harvard/38903/
  34. http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=96543
  35. Romney In 2002: 'My Views Are Progressive', "I think people recognize that I am not a partisan Republican. That I'm someone who is moderate, and that my views are progressive."
  36. Mitt Romney in Worcester 2002 "My views are progressive"
  37. America's Culture and Values mittromney.com
  38. http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/07/03/clarity_sought_on_romneys_abortion_stance/?page=2
  39. https://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/4
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4
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  43. https://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/3
  44. https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57432292-503544/romney-says-hes-fine-with-gay-couples-adopting-children/
  45. MassResistance sends copies of our Romney book to every GOP US Senator, Pres. Trump, VP Pence, and major media at MassResistance
  46. https://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/07/romney-taking-credit-for-auto-industry-success/
  47. https://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/romney-defends-romneycare_560953.html
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  49. http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Immigration
  50. IowaPolitics.com: Romney Touts Strong Stance On Illegal Immigration
  51. https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007May24/0,4670,RomneyGays,00.html
  52. http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/02/11/romneys_stem_cell_view_may_upset_the_right/
  53. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/08/romney-hope-is-not-strategy-in-middle-east/
  54. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9168533/Mitt-Romney-Russia-is-Americas-number-one-geopolitical-foe.html
  55. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/13/romney-ryan-call-china-cheaters-in-global-economy-obama-soft-on-issue/
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  58. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/11/mitt-romney-president-candidate
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  62. http://www.re alclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/oh/ohio_romney_vs_obama-1860.html
  63. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/va/virginia_romney_vs_obama-1774.html
  64. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/wi/wisconsin_romney_vs_obama-1871.html
  65. http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/presidential-debate-drew-more-than-70-million-viewers/
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  67. Darrah, Nicole (May 30, 2018). Mitt Romney reveals who got his vote in 2016 presidential election. Fox News. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  68. Spiering, Charlie (November 30, 2016). Mitt Romney Flip-Flops: Donald Trump Won, Gives Me Hope For America’s Future. Breitbart News. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
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  71. Multiple references:
  72. Muñoz, Gabriella (July 6, 2018). Mitt Romney: 'Trade wars are a tax on Americans'. The Washington Times. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  73. Samuels, Brett (October 14, 2018). defends Trump’s policies as ‘effective,' disputes he led 'never Trump' movement. The Hill. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  74. O'Reilly, Andrew (October 14, 2018). Romney denies he led 'never Trump' movement, says president's policies 'pretty effective'. Fox News. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  75. Chasmar, Jessica (November 1, 2018). Romney defends media, attacks Trump: 'I cannot conceive' of calling press enemies of the people. The Washington Times. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
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  82. Multiple references:
  83. Multiple references:
  84. Multiple references: However, under heavy pressure, Anderson retracted his comments:
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  87. Multiple references:
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  95. Multiple references:
  96. Pollak, Joel B. (June 5, 2018). Mike Kennedy Blasts Mitt Romney for Carpetbagging, Flip-Flopping. Breitbart News. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
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  103. Multiple references: See also:
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  105. Multiple references: See also:
  106. Spiering, Charlie (January 2, 2019). Donald Trump: Mitt Romney Fights Me More than He Did Barack Obama. Breitbart News. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
    See also:
  107. Multiple references:
  108. Drucker, David M. (January 3, 2019). Even the Trump-hostile GOP establishment questions Romney's presidential tongue-lashing. Washington Examiner. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  109. Axelrod, Tal (January 2, 2019). Comey defends Romney for ‘calling out’ Trump. The Hill. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  110. Spiering, Charlie (January 11, 2019). Harry Reid Endorses Mitt Romney for 2020 Republican Nominee for President. Breitbart News. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  111. Concha, Joe (January 2, 2019). Romney attacks Trump, now he's a media darling. The Hill. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  112. Ferrechio, Susan (January 15, 2019). Despite Trump slam, Romney named to Senate GOP leadership team. Washington Examiner. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  113. Multiple references:
  114. Kuznicki, Jen (April 23, 2019). Romney the Pious. Conservative Review. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  115. Axelrod, Tal (May 14, 2019). Romney votes against Trump pick over comments attacking Obama. The Hill. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  116. Multiple references:
  117. Multiple references:
  118. Moran, Sean (May 31, 2019). Mitt Romney: Trump Challenger Bill Weld a ‘Terrific Guy’. Breitbart News. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  119. Carney, Jordain (June 4, 2019). Romney defends international alliances in first Senate floor speech. The Hill. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  120. Bleau, Hannah (July 12, 2019). Romney Opposes Trump Yet Again, Goes to Bat for Paul Ryan. Breitbart News. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  121. Caplan, Joshua (July 15, 2019). Mitt Romney: Trump’s ‘Go Back’ Comments ‘Destructive,’ Has ‘Failed Badly’ at Uniting U.S. Breitbart News. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  122. Multiple references: See also:
  123. Multiple references: See also:
  124. Caplan, Joshua (October 23, 2019). 63% of Likely GOP Voters Think Party Should Be More Like Trump than Mitt Romney. Breitbart News. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  125. Gonzalez, Oriana (October 20, 2020). Republican senators defend Fauci as Trump escalates attacks. Axios. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  126. Carney, Jourdain (January 26, 2021). Just five GOP senators vote Trump impeachment trial is constitutional. The Hill. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  127. https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/05/28/six-senate-republicans-voted-advance-january-6-bill/