Ever since the rise of Donald Trump, there has been much speculation about how we arrived at this point in politics. Many have reflected on whether anyone could have prevented Trump from becoming president. In this regard, three individuals stand out as the ones who may think about it the most: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Mitt Romney. These three were the last guardians at the gate, or obstacles, before Trump rose to power.
Barack Obama’s election as the first Black president unleashed forces in the country that were thought to be dormant. However, Obama has never publicly addressed his thoughts on Trump’s rise. We can only wonder if he made a miscalculation in endorsing Hillary Clinton or if his support was born out of loyalty. Hillary Clinton must also have had her own “what if” conversations. She may regret not running for president in 2004 and wonder if her last name and her husband’s scandals were what hindered her campaign.
While we can only speculate about Obama and Clinton’s thoughts, we have more insight into Mitt Romney’s view. Romney kept a journal, which he handed over to journalist McKay Coppins for the book “Romney: A Reckoning.” This book provides an honest portrayal of Romney’s thoughts throughout his political career. It chronicles the end of the modern Republican Party and Romney’s reflections on how it happened. He questions whether he and others could have done something differently to prevent Trump’s rise.
The book sheds light on key moments in Romney’s political life and explores the “ends justifies the means” mindset that led to the GOP’s alignment with Trump. Romney admits to making statements he didn’t fully understand during the 2008 campaign, merely because they aligned with what the GOP base wanted. He now sees the absurdity of it. In his 2012 campaign, Romney did whatever it took to win, including seeking Trump’s endorsement, a decision he now regrets.
What’s striking about the book is the introspection Romney had during his campaigns. He was frustrated with the lack of a clear message and the impact of out-of-context comments. The fallout from his “47%” remark during a fundraiser made him consider dropping out of the race. It’s interesting to compare his reaction to the leaked audio with Trump’s defiant response to the “Access Hollywood” tape.
One relationship that exemplifies the “ends justifies the means” mentality is Romney’s interactions with Mitch McConnell. Romney has mixed feelings about McConnell, appreciating his ability to manage the Senate while disagreeing with some of his actions. McConnell’s prioritization of protecting incumbents, regardless of his personal feelings, showcases this mindset.
Overall, “Romney: A Reckoning” provides a warning against “ends justifies the means” politicking. It offers insight into how the GOP became aligned with Trump and prompts us to consider the consequences of such tactics. This book allows us to understand a significant political figure while they are still alive and demonstrates Romney’s willingness to let a journalist portray him honestly.
