General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: G-dammit. Romney is NOT a hero. Stop praising him. Just stop! [View all]anamnua
(1,102 posts)for a politician, whether republican or democrat, to play to the gallery and tell the base what they want to hear. It takes real backbone to go against the grain. This is precisely what Romney did. In doing so he must have been fully aware that he was going to bring the full, hellish, wrath and vengeance of Trumpism down on top of his head. Yet he still acted. He must have been fully aware that he was consigning himself to permanent pariahdom in Republand. Yet he still acted.
Those who take action of this sort are invariably in a lose/lose situation: they are seen as a cross between Vidkung Quisling and Benedict Arnold by their own side (this has been more than borne out) while viewed with cynicism and suspicion by the other (more than borne out, unfortunately, by some of the postings here). Romney must have been aware of this. Yet he still acted.
You could take the cynical view and argue that he wrestled with his conscience and this time, atypically, his conscience won out.
I would give him the benefit of the doubt.
Who knows? The section of Romneyites who switch sides or stay at home following this episode could be outcome determinative in November.
From Tuscany, one cheer.