Senator Mitt Romney, a prominent Republican from Utah and the 2012 GOP presidential candidate, has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024 and plans to retire from the Senate when his current term concludes in January 2025. Romney, aged 76, cited his age as a significant factor in his decision, expressing the belief that younger Americans need to take a more active role in shaping their future.
In an interview with the Washington Post prior to his official announcement, Romney explained that he felt a second term in the Senate, which would extend into his 80s, would likely be less productive and satisfying. He attributed this assessment to the disarray he observed among House Republicans and his own lack of confidence in the leadership of both President Biden and former President Trump.
Romney was quoted as saying, “It’s very difficult for the House to operate, from what I can tell… and perhaps more importantly, we’re probably going to have either Trump or Biden as our next president. And Biden is unable to lead on important matters, and Trump is unwilling to lead on important matters.”
Following the publication of the Washington Post article, Romney released a video officially announcing his retirement from the Senate. In the video, he highlighted the achievements of his current term in office.
Mitt Romney’s political career has been distinguished by various roles, including serving as the governor of Massachusetts and making several runs for the presidency. He notably ran as the Republican nominee in the 2012 presidential election but was defeated by incumbent President Barack Obama. In 2018, Romney secured a Senate seat from Utah and made headlines by breaking with his party to vote in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump on two separate occasions. He was the sole GOP senator to vote for Trump’s removal from office during his first impeachment trial, making him the first U.S. Senator in history to take such a stance against a president from his own party.
Romney’s criticism of Donald Trump dates back to 2016, and in March of that year, he delivered a speech denouncing Trump’s perceived lack of moral character and coherent policy positions. He described Trump as a “phony” and a “fraud” and expressed concerns about his impact on the nation’s domestic and foreign policies. Romney’s public opposition to Trump continued throughout Trump’s presidency, making him a prominent figure in the intra-party conflict within the Republican Party.
Mr. Trump is directing our anger for less than noble purposes. He creates scapegoats of Muslims and Mexican immigrants, he calls for the use of torture and for killing the innocent children and family members of terrorists. He cheers assaults on protesters. He applauds the prospect of twisting the Constitution to limit first amendment freedom of the press. This is the very brand of anger that has led other nations into the abyss.
Here’s what I know. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. He’s playing the American public for suckers: He gets a free ride to the White House and all we get is a lousy hat.
His domestic policies would lead to recession. His foreign policies would make America and the world less safe. He has neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president. And his personal qualities would mean that America would cease to be a shining city on a hill.
