What Mitt Romney’s Senate Experience Revealed about Politics in America

What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate

Introduction

In an exclusive excerpt from the forthcoming biography of Senator Mitt Romney, author McKay Coppins delves into the reasons that led Romney to retire from the Senate. The excerpt sheds light on the senator’s fascination with death and premonitions, which have often followed him throughout his life. The piece also highlights a crucial conversation between Romney and Senator Angus King regarding the impending threats to the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 and the lack of response from fellow Republican lawmakers. This moment serves as a turning point for Romney, pushing him to reevaluate his role in the Senate and the state of American democracy.

The Senator’s Reflections

Romney’s life as a senator is portrayed as a mix of dedication to his duties and frustrations with the theatrics and posturing of his colleagues. He is shown as a workhorse, driven to accomplish his ambitious legislative goals, but disheartened by the lack of genuine progress and meaningful work in the Senate. The piece explores the empty speeches, performative debates, and political maneuvering that Romney encountered on a regular basis. It reveals his insights into the Senate ecosystem, with observations of his colleagues’ behaviors, such as their exercise routines, job preservation motivations, and age-related fears of retirement.

An Honest Evaluation

Romney’s evaluation of his Republican colleagues is highlighted, with many of them privately expressing their agreement with his view of Donald Trump but lacking the courage to speak out publicly. The piece unveils Romney’s disappointment with his party’s collective hesitation to hold Trump accountable and their disregard for the truth and the Constitution. It depicts his frustration with the parade of Republicans who cynically stoked distrust in democracy for political gain, betraying the principles of liberal democracy and the Constitution.

The Consequences of January 6th

The events of January 6th, 2021, serve as a pivotal moment for Romney. The piece details his experience that day, from receiving warnings about potential violence to witnessing the storming of the Capitol. It vividly portrays his shock, frustration, and anger as he confronted his Republican colleagues, including Senator Josh Hawley, whom he accused of playing a significant role in the attack on democracy. The piece emphasizes the lasting impact of this day on Romney, as he grapples with the cowardice and revisionism within his party in the aftermath of the insurrection.

The Reckoning with the GOP

Romney’s decision not to seek reelection emerges as a significant development in his political career. The piece reveals his concerns about the future of the Republican Party and his experiences with potential Republican candidates like J.D. Vance in Ohio, who shifted his views to align with Trump’s rhetoric. It explores Romney’s reflections on the need for a new political party, one that promotes centrist policies and stands against the toxic elements of Trumpism. The piece hints at Romney’s consideration of an independent run for president in order to challenge Trump directly on the debate stage, but ultimately, he abandons this idea, worried that he could unintentionally aid Trump’s reelection. In the end, Romney realizes that he no longer fits in the Republican Party and contemplates the possibility of leaving it altogether.

Conclusion

The excerpt provides valuable insights into Romney’s journey in the Senate, his frustrations with his colleagues, and his reflections on the state of American politics. It highlights his role as a principled statesman who grapples with the challenges of a party in crisis. The excerpt ends on a note of uncertainty, as Romney contemplates his future in politics and the continuation of his commitment to public service. Through Coppins’ careful and introspective writing, readers are left with a deeper understanding of Romney’s motivations and the personal turmoil he faces within a deeply divided political landscape.