Mitt Romney: Damage caused to Russia makes Ukraine investment worth it | Exclusive

Republican Senator Mitt Romney says he no longer recognises large parts of his party, because its “foundational principles” have changed under Donald Trump, who should not run for the presidency.
Mr Romney, who announced on Wednesday that he will not stand for re-election as Senator for Utah, sat down with the Telegraph in his Washington office for a wide ranging interview, discussing Mr Trump, Britain, Ukraine, China, and the Royal family.
The 76-year-old Republican grandee was his party’s nominee for president in the 2012 election, where he lost to Barack Obama. This week he said he wanted to step aside to allow for a younger generation of leaders and said that American politics would be better off if Joe Biden, 80, and Donald Trump, 77, did not run for the White House in 2024.
#china #russia #trump
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[@nicholasstephens1349]

How the heck is he 76 years old? He looks 56. Also I can’t imagine another senator saying it’s time for old folks to retire and for young people to step up. Incredible.

[@Disorder327]

That Mormon lifestyle hits different

[@NetTubeUser]

I don't think he looks like he's in his 50s. To me, he looks like he is in his mid-60s.

[@enkephalin07]

@Shinshocks555 I agree, but still wouldn't rule out cosmetic surgery.

[@nicholaslee4669]

If he stopped dying his hair black he would look much older

[@phillipdavidhaskett7513]

Three young wives will make any 76 yo look great. Just kidding, folks!

[@zacharyrobertson6944]

So refreshing to hear a republican speak with such clarity.

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@alexanderl9985]

@@nemisis4u Even if he did, he would still be the most well spoken and respected Republican..

[@MidnightSun009]

I think unfortunately that comes with when they're leaving office

[@snakeplisken4119]

@@nemisis4u He was trying to make a living back then.The joke is tRump

[@nemisis4u]

@@snakeplisken4119 amd who won the nomine and the president trump or dog abuser romney

[@cubajonesie]

Man, here's an intelligent conservative explaining things without insulting people or piling unearned compliments on himself. Refreshing.

[@danhove]

He's come a long way from the lying Mitty who denied saying Medicare is America's worst enemy. Thanks for growing up Senator. #Respect

[@dlariby]

I just with he could refrain in his other speeches about Trump, etc.

[@benignassassin]

He called himself the leader of the "wise wing"!😂

[@Whistlewalk]

Trump is a very dangerous joke.@@dlariby

[@dlariby]

@@Whistlewalk Why did he keep us out of war, unlike Bush and Biden, and even Obama?

[@justinmickatavage7838]

I always respect those who voluntary walk away from power.

[@EyesWideOpen61]

George Washington did it, he could’ve been king if he wanted. But the idea appalled him

[@southtexasprepper1837]

The only reason that Mitt "Mittens" Romney has walked "away from power" is because he realizes that if he runs again, he'll probably lose the Republican Primary in Utah. People like Mitt "Mittens" Romney are too full of hubris and don't want to be politically embarrassed. Don't fool yourself, "Justin."

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Exactly - those are strong men (or women) real strong persons

[@polarvortex3294]

Me too. But Romney would be no shoo-in to be re-elected in Utah. And to me this is just another attempt by Romney to sound oh-so-reasonable and moderate and avoid a potential humiliating defeat.

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

@@polarvortex3294 are there any recent polls? Without seeing them - Utah is a different demographic - I would guess that Romney would win easy

[@martinmclean4801]

Mitt, talks the way a President should talk!

[@A_massive_wog]

That's why he lost. Compared to Obama, he looked like a Build-a-Bear President.

[@martinmclean4801]

@@A_massive_wog, I agree, Obama was an incredible speaker, but the case of Mitt is, too little too late and it’s why he’s bailing on congress. It’s too bad because he can be a stand up and solid guy. He just doesn’t know it.

[@pksteffen]

I don’t agree with Mr. Romney on a number of issues but I respect the heck out of him. A man of integrity and character.

[@jamesgallivan4437]

fair enough....

[@mysticnovelbro]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@reboundrides8132]

@@mysticnovelbroI love how a clown emoji is the same thing as presenting an argument now. Very articulate, good point.

[@mysticnovelbro]

@@reboundrides8132 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@doricetimko5403]

Same

[@hamcheeselettucemayosandwich]

The decorum and standard of this interview it feels like the 90s and I love it

[@generalinformation2159]

Its a real shame we dont have more senators like Mitt.

[@User-rka_zykx76]

All fun an games until an EMP is detonated inside America.

[@brianbarefoot6574]

@@User-rka_zykx76 thanks for the stupidity

[@michaelf7093]

I'm glad we have him, but one is enough. He's a fine Senator, I am glad he never became President.

[@CollectiveWesterner]

One of the few 'sane' Republicans. It is disappointing to see him retire.

[@lsees5753]

This interview made me want to vote for mitt Romney, and I’m a democrat. I never vote Republican.

[@tomv3999]

Agree. Maybe there are ways for us liberals to team up with the Romney world and fix things. Or try.

[@dabajabaza111]

It makes sense. He's essentially been tarred and feathered by the retards in his party. There's no sense in appealing to them and he realizes it.

[@TogoshiTanuki]

Agree! And the same here, I'm a democrat.

[@ravenspe]

Vote for candidates, not parties.

[@777mantikor]

​@@tomv3999"liberals" told all kinds of lies about him when he ran for president before, they would do so again.

[@JayDeeChannel]

A very youthful Romney. The best president the US never had.

[@tracevicente]

Yeah he is in great shape, unfortunately it was Jan 6 that showed how he can hustle. I just can’t let it go that he traveled cross country with his dog strapped in a crate outside his vehicle ☹️

[@aliancemd]

Maybe “best Republican US president” - it’s quite hard to beat the intelligence and respect that Obama commanded

[@Ridethebomb777]

Thank christ ..... the man is a deep state swamp donkey neo-con. If he is leaving, it's for profit and nothing else. The man is here talking about investment for gods sake !

[@thebased-capitalist9552]

@@WarsConflictsActually it’s Ron Paul

[@fidenful]

The second, first would have been Robert Kennedy, senior, junior is a joke.

[@davidl.7317]

Let's trade more with Mexico and South America than China. China is already made more investments and loans to South America and Africa than the U.S. or any other country. U.S. needs increaed trade with Mexico, Central and South America than China, Vietnam and the like.

[@cameronspence4977]

Ive been saying this for years. We need to stop acting like 5eyes, europe and japan are the only countries that exist. We have literally given africa to china and russia on a silver platter I mean we could not have done a worse job and more successfully ignored and been indifferent to almost every african country if we tried. Russia is literally walking into these countries and taking them over and installing their puppet governments and we are not only letting them get away with these egregious crimes, but doing absolutely, undeniably 100% nothing about it. South america, most of the middle east, the pacific nations and the other half of asia that wasnt already in their corner is headed straight that way because of these absolute reetard idiots we have had for the past 14 years its been an absolute disaster. In 10 years russia and china are going to have more sway in the UN than US which is absolutely absurd considering our position in the UN. People deserve to lose their heads over this but nobody will because the only people who know or care are people like this guy here.

[@That_Guy_Says_Hi]

Disagree on Vietnam. They are an amazingly spiritual people who are nationalist without, seemingly, any drift toward fascism. The people (by and large) have FORGIVEN us for despoiling their land. This is a culture with whom one can establish long-term trade and cultural relations. We can learn quite a lot from the Vietnamese people.And they, in turn will be grateful for the protective reach of US power to keep China at bay. Win-Win-Win.

[@eyeofthepyramid2596]

What about Africa ? If west had atleast treated them with trade like others, unlike China Africa would have helped west in the times of need. Now they say china is better than west

[@LeviBulger]

The vietnamese are great partners to have. And they, very ironically, actually like Americans.

[@That_Guy_Says_Hi]

@@LeviBulger I suspect they detect the utter lack of malice on the part of anyone who would make the journey to the place. The quality of everything I have ever found as a trade good coming from Vietnam has been excellent.

[@ianrundle5862]

As a person living elsewhere in the world; it was so nice to hear a sane, rational American politician. I am very interested by this Romney interview AND encouraged to hear such a balanced attitude to governance. Romney appears to be able to get his ego out of the way and and direct his concerns at "what is best for the USA and the greater liberal west"; unlike Trump who's sole concern is "Trump"

[@Pan_Z]

Romney complained about things America needs to do... conveniently ignoring Trump addressed them. Trump criticised NATO allies for not meeting their 2% of GDP military promises (which was successful, and seems prudent now that Russia has played her hand) and started a trade war with China (which was less successful). Romney has been a democratic crusader that has caused feckless wars, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands aboard, while burdening his own people with unconscionable debts and rampant inflation. There's a reason the Neoconservative wing of the GOP is declining. It's because of men like Romney.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

Looking at the good that Trump did is difficult when the political caste that arrayed against him in a character assassination spree that won't let off. Resident Biden is a laugh a minute to anybody who sees how weak, frail and feckless he is. The escalation of the war in Ukraine was supposed to happen when The Kremlin's bought and paid for stooge was in the oval office. Fortunately for Ukraine, they had a real ally in Trump who was sending weapons to Ukraine where both President Obama and Resident Biden stopped shipments as per their orders from the Kremlin. Resident Biden only restarted weapons shipments because of the Trump Russia Collusion Delusion that he and his party had to try to keep going.

[@Max-hw7xl]

@@Pan_Z Trump thinks climate change is a hoax, so he is not addressing the most crucial situation we as a species are facing. NATO spending should increase, but ruzzia is done and poses absolutely no conventional threat to even most individual European countries. The guy alienated long time allies in favor of autocrats. he supported if not started an insurrection for gods sake Im surprised to still see trumpistanis in the wild, didnt u all inject bleach when your mental gymnastics about Covid not existing failed?

[@michaelgj23]

Yeah, those kind of Republicans are long gone.

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

@@michaelgj23 The do nothing repubicans can rot in hell.

[@davidboskett5581]

I have never understood why the Republican party did not support Romneys bid for the presidency he was by far the best of the candidates.

[@777mantikor]

Well, the Democrats (Harry Reid) told all kinds of ridiculous lies about him (didn't pay his taxes; Russia isn't an adversary). They killed off the sane Republican to make way for the insane, former Democrat Republican.

[@islywynn7678]

Because the Christian right considers Mormons to be heretics.

[@mysticnovelbro]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@magicmerlin1]

@@mysticnovelbrotrump is the clown

[@thomassenbart]

He was supported by the Repo party. He lost the election because of the debate, during which he failed to follow up and exploit the vulnerabilities of Obama's flawed policies. He also failed at multiple levels during the campaign, despite the horrible results of Obama's first 4 years of governance. Romney was too restrained, unable to speak to the common man or relate, allowed the Demos to define him in foolish and petty ways and never exploited his obvious advantages, speaking to the possibilities that he would bring if elected i.e. Ronald Reagan.

[@bungalowjuice7225]

Actual conservative. Not the Trump mess

[@curses6166]

Conservative values just defend the elites and war hawks.

[@albirtarsha5370]

I can't remember the last time I heard so much reasonableness from a Republican.

[@EyesWideOpen61]

Probably 2012, last time this guy ran for president

[@paarthurnax8519]

This war wouldn't even be happening if Biden wasn't such a weak leader.

[@vladimirratputin]

The voice of reason

[@martf8233]

Ronald Reagan. :-)

[@EyesWideOpen61]

@@martf8233 I saw Reagan speak twice

[@tomv3999]

As a staunch liberal, I found it a bit startling that I watched this interview and agreed with him on most issues.

[@Djamonja]

He's always been a pretty level headed guy

[@Skipro]

That’s because both parties are so far to the right and to the left at this point

[@richardgittings1715]

He's a pretty reasonable guy when he's not running for office

[@danielculpepper9258]

@@Skiprothat’s because both parties are the same, really…The whole system is a joke!

[@jollypolly1686]

I'm not surprised a modern day "liberal" would agree with a warmongering neo-con responsible for the forever wars in the name of "freedom and democracy" and the devastation they have brought to the world (While being totally in favor of mass surveillance, censorship and authoritarian control at home) .

[@Paralyzer]

He’s absolutely right , that there are to many old people in the us congress and people,running for president, where are all the young people in their 30s and 40s ? More than half of us senators are over 60 and some are even in their late 70s and early 80s ! One senator turns 90! Next year! It’s unbelievable Romney is absolutely correct

[@martinchapman1038]

All the young people are hunting likes on social media 😢

[@davidl.7317]

He is 100% correct. I would vote for him, or Ben Hodges for President and I have usually voted Democratic. We need personal character as number 1 trait in our next President.

[@dabajabaza111]

There are people from all walks of life running for office. They just don't get recognition because they're not as popular.

[@robertginsburg8113]

I disagree. Sure there are people that are no longer capable of doing the job that should retire like Feinstein and Mitch but Bernie is as sharp as ever and one of the most important voices in American politics. Marjorie Taylor Green on the other hand passes the age test but fails on every other metric. She isn't even educated enough to be holding a seat.

[@fibber2u]

@@robertginsburg8113 With MTG it ain't education that is the issue. Life it's self is the best University. The problem is actually her intelligence. To be blunt she's thick.

[@qili3899]

The military aid to Ukraine is just about one week of war fund of US.

[@Hannan_1325]

150 Billion doesn't look like a 1 week worth of US military budget.

[@mp40submachinegun81]

@@Hannan_1325 the us has provided about 80 billion since the start of the war. about 45 billion is military aid. 1 week of us military budget is 16 billion.

[@TheScottEF]

​@@mp40submachinegun81 -- Also remember as of June, 2023, the US has given approximately $41.3 billion in military aid, over a period of approximately 1.3 years, or very roughly $32B/year [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_aid_to_Ukraine_during_the_Russo-Ukrainian_War]. In FY 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) has $2.04 Trillion distributed among its 6 sub-components [www.usaspending.gov/agency/department-of-defense]. By that calculation, 32/2040=5.7 days/years (less than one week) of the US DoD's available funding.

[@Djamonja]

@@Hannan_1325 The stuff the US has sent to Ukraine was never going to be used by the US anyway, it was just sitting around until it was going to be retired.

[@dwl3006]

the military aid we to Ukraine is more than we spent in 20 years in Afghanistan. It is insane, and it has to stop. The invasion was a result of NATO expansion.

[@davidl.7317]

100% Agree it is time for the next generation to step up, control their destiny.

[@andyharpist2938]

God help us if these naive 30 year olds are faced with the toughness of China and Russia.

[@tracevicente]

It’s true. Gen X needs to step up. Each of us able bodied people needs to volunteer somewhere we believe in that makes our communities better. Some need to get into politics.

[@andyharpist2938]

Maybe yes maybe no. But what about civil liberties; freedom of speech; gender reassigment without parental consent; the ukraine war; corruption in politics; the politicisation of the law and the excess power of elties? Is this ALL he has to say about that? 'Let old people move over, to allow the young to decide'....(but not him of course)!

[@AdamBechtol]

Yeah

[@niweshlekhak9646]

@@tracevicente Gen X are in the private sector, the boomers had picked up all the seats.

[@adamchadwick81]

Wow a sensible Republican

[@GreenGoblinDK]

It is a wise investment but it is also the right investment.

[@Vsor]

This, 100x this.

[@deliafamatigan8764]

Slava Ukraine.

[@john_in_phoenix]

Let's face it, except for ammunition, pretty much all the aid we've given Ukraine was paid for in Reagan days. Hard to understand why people complain about the "cost" when it was paid 30 or 40 years ago. Certainly the equipment has been upgraded, but let it go do what it was designed to do.

[@mp40submachinegun81]

@@john_in_phoenix ammunition is very much included in that, most of the equipment being sent isnt the upgraded stuff, its the old stuff produced in that time that is about to be retired anyway. in alot of cases its cheaper to send the equipment to ukraine rather than pay for it to be demilitarized and scrapped.

[@curses6166]

Was Afghanistan the right investment?

[@zane4218]

Wonderfully articulate guy, glad his highest-level values are where they should be - maintaining democracy internally, preventing hostile action abroad, long-term American strength. I've listened to him long enough to know that I do not agree with his details on number 3, but I'm glad he is in the right place on the broader values. And his willingness to move aside when appropriate is appreciated by the younger, underrepresented generation. Not just in politics, but elsewhere in life, ending things before they inevitably sour is one of the best ways to be remembered fondly. Maybe that isn't the case for him at this point with the maga republicans, but it is the case for me and I appreciate his well intended service to the country. I hope he enjoys an earned peaceful retirement.

[@tomv3999]

Perhaps it is when politicians are willing to move on we see what they really truly stand for.

[@michaelnosal]

“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong.” - H.L. Mencken, that Romney quote in this interview somehow really explain the mind of the populist individual.

[@That_Guy_Says_Hi]

Exactly so. Well stated.

[@wardygrub]

“Freedom is hard to preserve”. People who live in democracies must never forget this. Brilliant interview, by the way, Francis. Absolutely top class Qs and As.

[@MrGreFunky]

And what freedom is that? The freedom to dominate and control other countries?

[@steveclemons8191]

Wow! I never thought I would say this, but I wish he was running for president right now. In spite of the fact that I’m sure he has plenty with which I would disagree, I feel considering the alternative (Trump or Biden) I would be willing to swallow that for 4 years (maybe longer) because we seem in such dire straits to me. A clear head like he displayed in this interview seems so hard to come by these days.

[@dejectedfrogcat2840]

When he first said that Russia is an adversary, Obama laughed at his face..... Nobody's laughing now.

[@DangGoodLuis]

I wish the same, but he is leaving the Senate, in part, because he is old. He would still be old if he ran for president.

[@polluxtroy1310]

Was watching UN assembly stuff. And most countries have presidents that arent geriatric and old

[@ahr355]

About time some good sense came out of that place. 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦

[@user-rb5il9zo5f]

Yea, then he say, Trump sending love letters to north korea? Was that really bad?

[@boardcertifiable]

​@@user-rb5il9zo5fyes, because he was paying respect to a murderous psychopath who starves his people. Trump should have spit on a paper and sent that to fatty Kim Jong Un.

[@user-gi5iy4kf7g]

One of the few good politicians is retiring. This while he still has something to give but highly values being able to make room for younger people. Honest and wise!

[@thetooginator153]

I don’t think that’s why Romney is retiring (or at least it’s only part of the reason). Romney is an old-school Republican like Eisenhower and Teddy Roosevelt - when being a Republican meant dealing with REAL problems, and doing so with dignity. The GOP has changed. When Romney first entered politics, a guy like Trump wouldn’t be elected dog catcher, and Lauren Boebert would be quietly pushed out of the party. Romney is too old to try to repair his party, so he’s leaving that to the next generation. I bet if Romney said what he would really like to say, he would say that he can’t be a member of a party that won’t accept electoral defeat like he had to - several times.

[@peanutButterJe11y]

Class act. I hope we can hang onto a vestige of an era where people could disagree but still respect each other. I respect that he wants younger people to step in and make themselves heard.

[@QQ-hp9ge]

Honest, decent, eloquent, dignified man… one of the few sane decent republican left, nothing but respect!

[@brotalnia]

One of the few remaining republicans that is not batshit crazy.

[@curses6166]

His message on old people is good but not the neocon bs

[@Pan_Z]

@@curses6166 Felt like I was the only person who bothered to watch the video. Neoconservatives have repeatedly been more interested spreading democracy around the globe than peace and their own people. It was men like Romney who voted for wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. It was men like Romney who burdened future generations with trillions of dollars in debt. Romney says some nice, one-off lines, but his policies have been insane. He's like the opposite of Trump.

[@CRUSTYCLAM1]

If I was an American and Mitt Romney was a candidate for president he’d get my vote.

[@southernbreeze3278]

he's a smooth talking phony. not a good guy

[@4700_Dk]

He lost his run in 2012 against Obama.

[@Canadian_Skeptical]

Well over Trump

[@magikclown]

He'd keep fighting in Ukraine and prolong the war. Trump is the only one out of 300 million with the sense, will and ability to end the war.

[@sammenter1]

Mine too

[@peterneale]

Romny is acting more presidential than Trump He should be the Republican nomination for the upcoming USA election He is by far the best diplomatic Republican with an estute world geopolitic view and the future direction of the USA And he has a clear understanding of economics, to boot A good man of character Excellent communication skill we can relate to, as well

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@user-cx5pl2tu2h]

A nursery school teacher would be more "presidential" than Trump.😅😅

[@michaelbruce3264]

"character is destiny" Mitt Romney.

[@Wartooth6]

well he was never president so maybe not.

[@raymondsmith4401]

Finally a politician with the balls to say it like it is. I believe it’s insanity for any democratic country to only have two political parties. Imagine F1 , world soccer, NFL, NHL, et al, only having two teams each

[@jimpad5608]

Unfortunately, as CGP Grey has documented, it is mathematically and psychologically impossible for a democracy to have more than two dominant parties. Voters will always have to choose the lesser of two evils.

[@johnteeter2857]

Romney is a liar

[@koltoncrane3099]

Romney helped create or further perpetuate the two Party system. There’s no way he’d promote a third party and potentially give up some power. Basically democrats and republicans are different wings of the same bird. Has either party really cut back the military budget? Even if it has gone down a little over the years the pentagon has lost trillions with democrats and republicans not caring at all.

[@DS9TREK]

Many football leagues do have only two teams that really capable of winning. The Scottish Premiership for example

[@eleftheriaithanatos1162]

Well, FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund are pretty much the only clubs with real chances in the Bundesliga.

[@matzpeters6753]

Very eloquent and precise information. What we need is for the 20, 30 and 40yr olds to listen to him. He was balanced with his views of all the political parties. Agree re respect amongst party members. Just view the Australian parliament in session and the boo's and stupid comments of people who demand our respect as leaders but look and sound like they are in a primary school playground. Ukraine has leaders who have clear direction and goals, saving lives and their country. Slava Ukraine and from your friends Australia

[@Cerceify]

Hopefully the younger generation aren't grabbing breasts or a mans crotch in public..

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

The most coherent, youngest looking 70 something politician stepping aside, citing age.

[@michaelhughes7668]

A great man

[@palemedes965]

Wow, what a great interview. I voted for him when he last ran for president and wish he was running again. We need a option against Trump. Right now I am leaning towards Nikki Haley.

[@zane4218]

I did not agree with his politics and don't agree with Nikki Haley's. That said, she is certainly more competent than most of the republican field like Romney is. However, she is also no Mitt Romney with her morals, and she has not been appropriately critical of trump and his coup attempt. Personally I find it wild that so few people are willing to criticize the person they are LITERALLY RUNNING AGAINST for the republican ticket. It just shows voters that they aren't actually running - they are running to be his VP.

[@Cerceify]

Romney is criticizing Biden on economics but that was why Biden went to Asia last week.@@zane4218

[@unowno123]

Just like they said in ww2: "they started it, and we will not let tyranny reign on our watch."

[@ua697]

Or as Trump and his MAGA cronies would say: "Peace for our time" 🙄

[@IRISHSALTMINER61]

Who started what?

[@IRISHSALTMINER61]

@@ua697MAGA is right on this conspiracy theory, just like all of the rest of the so called, theories… Bone head

[@raymondparnell439]

​@IRISHSALTMINER61 fair dinkum mate, your being what we call Ridonkilous...

[@charlesburgoyne-probyn6044]

Past performance is no guarantee of future results

[@user-ss5wp7oe4g]

Wow, Mitt Romney is a rare bird in the Republican Party! A smart, reasonable person. He will be sorely missed in the Senate. Just compare his interview with the telegraph with trumps interview with 60 Minutes! Night and day!

[@polarvortex3294]

Romney does his best to sound very calm and rational and reasonable. But by doing so he's displaying a clueless lack of perception regarding the dire perils that confront the American nation, and advertising an incapacity to take the strong action needed to turn our course away from the approaching shoals and rocks. I voted for him every chance I got but he's the wrong man to have in power now. I'm rather glad he's leaving the scene.

[@Pan_Z]

Romney is one of the reasons the US has become do divisive. He's a multi-millionaire more interested in democratic crusading around the world than addressing the ails of his own citizens. The fact that this numbskull complained about the debt, while voting for multiple trillion dollar spending bills and to raise the debt ceiling, shows just how much Romney is trying to gaslight people.

[@marco27c1]

The best Republican senator is leaving, so sad...

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@thomassenbart]

No, he is not even close to the best senator. Romney is a disappointment and has failed at critical levels during his tenure, which is why he is so despised. His antipathy towards Trump, for example, skewed his view during the ridiculous impeachments. He does not understand American society currently and this is why he cannot understand the populism changing the American political system currently. No, Harry and Meghan M. are horrific. It is best that he is leaving.

[@dokasaku1233]

I remember him saying that America`s number one enemy is not China, but Russia several years ago. He was absolutely right

[@inGodtrust5hmkj4]

I don't think it makes a difference which one is number one or not, but both Russia and China for sure because they are always against everything the US believes in and against democracy as a whole.

[@curses6166]

I don't think it is good to make Russia and China our enemies

[@EvelynMaguire]

He's wrong. Has he looked at the GDP of Russia and China? Who is the real enemy?

[@esphilee]

America’s number one enemy is the deep state.

[@fbm9001]

But Russia never attacked 🇺🇸

[@carolbricker4434]

I'm sorry Romney has decided to not run for the Senate again. The GOP needs rational leadership.

[@laurentdrozin812]

He would have been soundly defeated by anyone with a MAGA hat, and he knows it. He had no future, unfortunately.

[@Youtuber-xs9cp]

Romney is more like a corrupt elitist not a rational leader.

[@Sorrycomrade]

The whole civilised world supports Ukraine 🇺🇦!!!! Слава Україні!

[@shanewilson2484]

Trump and Tucker ain't civilised

[@MO.Robribik]

I am civilised and I absolutely do not support Ukraine, in any way.

[@Benzknees]

If anyone civilised supports the illegal Maidan entity, filled with Banderite fascists, that brought this entirely on themselves by ignoring the Minsk Agreements & conducting a 8yr war on the Donbass, then they need a serious look in the mirror.

[@stavz777]

Civilized? We used to be. Now we don't know what a mother or a father is. "Apparently russia does."

[@mercurial382]

It has little to do with Ukraine, even though they're fighting a proxy war for the US. All these American politicians are war mongers (with few exceptions) and would be happy to wipe the whole world out, if it proved the only way to maintain American hegemony. These people care not a jot for the people of Ukraine. Please read up on the true history of the conflict, and understand that the sovereignty of Russia is at stake as much as that of Ukraine, and that NATO (ie America) are the real aggressors. Ukraine is like 2 different countries, with different viewpoints, and it could/should have remained neutral. Almost the entire southern hemisphere does not condemn Russia, because they know the truths that lie beneath.

[@davidb6576]

I'm not a fan of Mitt's religion, or the predatory nature of his business ventures, but I can't find much to argue with in this conversation.

[@john_in_phoenix]

Yes, surprisingly good. I am also a Reagan republican. Including JFK, Reagan was the best president in my lifetime. Why do two 80 year olds get "frontrunner" status?

[@dwl3006]

There is plenty to argue with, the Ukraine war is a fraudulent investment. Stop feeding Zelensky's embezzlement schemes.

[@thomassenbart]

His religion, really? Bigot much?

[@STEP107]

Its quiet interesting that people still treat mormons in 2023 like they used to treat catholics in 1950

[@danielculpepper9258]

@@STEP107a lie is a lie! His religion is a lie and he is a liar too! The US is engaged in a proxy war, for money and power, at the expense of dying Ukrainians …and he approves of it! He is much worse than any Catholic Jesuit really!…

[@john_in_phoenix]

Excellent interview.

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

I wish the President could hold conversation like this.

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@joythought]

​@@nemisis4uYOU are very LOUD.

[@user-cn8vb9hh5z]

@@nemisis4u I have no idea!

[@dabajabaza111]

Trump isn't president anymore.

[@stephenglover8828]

he's just another forever war NEOCON, that serves the US Defense Contractors, not the people, precisely the same as the Biden admin

[@chriszenko3598]

The republicans against funding Ukraine are a embarrassment to the party.

[@dandun30]

yeh keep funding, nato is getting demilitarised, love it

[@chriszenko3598]

We should have Funded NATO more Trump’s threats gave Putin the go ahead to invade Ukraine

[@ua697]

Reagan destroyed USSR, while Trump acts like a Russian lap dog.

[@stephenglover8828]

he's just another forever war NEOCON, that serves the US Defense Contractors, not the people, precisely the same as the Biden admin

[@dandun30]

@@Arnold_Slater1223 good joke, they've rang out of artillery shells Biden said it himself

[@user-px5qc6ek8o]

Mitt Romney should continue to stay to reshape the Republican party. Age is not a limit. He is wise and will not "fight" the Democrats for the sake of fighting. A wise man like him will fight only for the good of the American people. My thoughts.

[@laurie9557]

He is right to step down. It is our fault (the American people) if we are unable to produce more like him.

[@timothygibney159]

His party has moved on. It's a nutcase rivalry now. A third party with Cheney and Romney is the only hope

[@TheBlackIdentety]

So refreshing to see not everyone in the Republican party has went insane.

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

Mitt looks good for 76.

[@christinemcclymont269]

Not only looks good but his mental facility is sharp too...much better than Jo e and Donald.

[@asterixdogmatix1073]

@@christinemcclymont269 100%

[@kotkebi]

This is one of the smartest interviews I have watched in a while. Good job

[@chadhaire1711]

Romney is a fool and RINO...the sooner gone the better

[@StretchMedia]

One of the last few real Republicans. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR??? slava ukraine

[@thomassenbart]

@@nemisis4u Dumb comment

[@tarasbulba7476]

@@thomassenbart..enlighten us with your infinite wisdom..

[@Skipro]

One of the last sane republicans but he’s right that 80 year olds shouldn’t be making decisions on AI

[@solconcordia4315]

Even eighty-year-olds can still learn a trick or two from 做愛 (generative AI) for sure.

[@saydee7878]

I love this man and his solid ideas. He just makes sense!

[@teresathompson235]

I have always liked this guy. Could listen to him for hours. ❤

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@pierresaelen3097]

@@nemisis4u Troll

[@michaelkvetenadze1971]

He would have been such a good president

[@stevev238]

Very well said about the 5% of budget and the value for money in decimating Russian capability on the battlefield.

[@brobinson8614]

That sold me too!

[@Vatnik_tschistilka]

They raised the budget for 2024 by another 60%

[@jameswilson1363]

I`m not a Romney supporter, but I find his opinion in this interview interesting and for lack of a better word, outstanding, Francis.

[@midimusicforever]

Romney is right on this one! Too bad so many people in the US listen so much to grifters and vatniks.

[@Junior-cy7lv]

Please don’t leave. We need people with common sense in these positions!

[@PeterSedesse]

Just to add some math. In the last two days, ukraine sank a warship, a submarine and destroyed an S400. Combined cost of $1.6 billion dollars. I am a realist, the US could, but is not going to reduce our defense spending because the russian ground military has been neutered.. but at the least we will be able to shift money towards cyber and defeating china rather than a ground war in europe.

[@RandoBurner]

The big problem is China. If they attack Taiwan we are back in the 1990s for about 1-2 decades. They make almost every single cutting edge computer hardware there. Ram, gpus, cpus, all are getting made there.

[@PeterSedesse]

@@RandoBurner not really true anymore. The USA ( chips act) and Lithuania both built factories last year that moved some of that out of Taiwan. Still a problem though. But on the other hand, the biggest reason china wants Taiwan is exactly for that reason, and any invasion of Taiwan would result in the destruction of the tech and factories. There is no realistic way china can invade Taiwan without flattening it first..which means China gets nothing except a ton of sanctions and a probable blockade. China is more of a problem because of the incremental stuff they are doing in South China sea rather than an invasion of Taiwan, which I can't see them ever doing.

[@lsees5753]

I think India will be the Bully coming up after China. Actually, the country with the most sophisticated cyber-scammers per capita is going to be the Menace.

[@tironansunfrendlyskies5040]

The days of Empires adding territory should have been long over. Thanks to that creature in Russia, we are right back at it. We need to send a message to the world that we all need to stay in our borders.

[@mp40submachinegun81]

@@PeterSedesse even if factories are flattened they still get the ability to produce them. they get all the technical knowledge associated.

[@QuercusQuest]

good interview

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@mirfarrokhsalek2093]

On paper he is 76. But his brain is sharp

[@BMLynch]

Run Mitt, Run! Romney 2024!

[@cameronspence4977]

Yeah. Too bad he couldn't have won against obama, we even probably wouldnt be in this whole ukraine situation now.

[@ronsilva7394]

Yeah , that went well last time .

[@wlhjr77]

I always liked Mitt

[@magpiegirl3783]

Good interview. Impressed with what I see here with Romney and I reckon the interviewer was really professional. He didn't seem overawed, was obviously listening to the answers and asked his questions clearly, leaving time for Romney to respond.

[@CzettCzarron]

Simply the best Republican out there. 👍👌💪🇺🇸

[@VitalityMassage]

As someone born in Utah with a conservative family, I am absolutely ashamed of the majority of people there and elsewhere that support Donald Trump, the loser and liar. I thought people were a lot more honest but obviously they are not. If it weren't so cold in northern Europe, I'd move there where the people are much less materialistic.

[@laurie9557]

Yeah, I have Mormon cousins in Utah who adore Trump and detest Romney. Our grandfather was a Democrat. Sheriff of Provo County, and a delegate to the democratic national convention that nominated FDR for president. How most Mormons turned into MAGA people is a mystery to me. I've seen videos of Romney in the SLC airport being screamed at by his constituents because he doesn't support Trump.

[@clarkd1955]

I wouldn’t have voted for Romney when he lost to Obama but he sure is a thoughtful statesman. If only Romney instead of Trump! How much better would the world be today?

[@ropeburnsrussell]

I still cant believe we didnt elect him president when we had the chance.

[@ridestolenbmx100]

This is about the only republican I can actually listen to without cringing lol. If more republicans were like him, they would be so much more respectable on the world stage. I’ll stick to my democrat party tho. I use to be a republican when they were like him, but I just can’t ever trust the party again.

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

He's not running for office, he's running for forgiveness for Bane Capital. And doing a really good job of it too. I'm not a republican but it was very interesting to hear what a senator actually thinks when there is no election left to run for and he is free to say anything he actually thinks. I respect him for this, and from reading other comments, I see a lot of other people do too. I'd vote to forgive, but I didn't work for a company he crushed, so maybe those people should decide.

[@Chicago48]

He's been saying what he thinks even while in the Senate. Go back and look at his quotes.

[@Thriall]

Great Senator

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@hoagybob]

If Mitt or Liz was running for prez instead of Donald I might very well lean over the fence and cast a favorable mark.

[@luongv427]

By the way, excellent interview. Great intelligent questions.

[@pierresaelen3097]

Agreed

[@karlkelly9005]

Mitt Romney could be a good President

[@haythamal-dokanji9547]

Romney has always been reasoned and a gentleman. I am surprised he cited the weakening of the "unions" as one of the sources for the polarization in the country. This is more "radical" for a conservative than advocating climate change action.

[@carlosreyes207]

" HE NOW ENTERED BOLDLY UPON HIS WORK AS A CHAMPION OF THE TRUTH . . . "

[@JoonBeh]

I wish Mitt Romney ran for president again. Good man with integrity and trust. Those are 3 important areas to work on and I hope he will be able to make progress in those areas in the next 1.5 years.

[@timothydavenport974]

Fantastic interview, Francis

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@robm.4512]

I don’t agree with much that Romney’s party stands for but have enormous respect for his integrity and willingness to call it like it is. Hard to believe his calendar age, I wish him many more good years to come. Bravo to him. 👏

[@dima9171]

I would vote 4 Romney

[@WestOfEarth]

A sane, rational Republican. Not many of them remain.

[@candyhotlips1338]

A real gentleman. Great interview.

[@imyourdad2458]

For once I thought there's not a single sane person in the republican party, but oh thank goodness, here he is, senator Romney.

[@GeigerFarm]

Ben Sasse😉

[@enoughisenough2556]

This guy is a real American. Bold and wise !

[@reallife4879]

Excellent interview. Makes me realize what this country lost by not electing him to the Presidency. So much wisdom there. I wish he would have been this relaxed and eloquent on the debate stage a decade ago. I did vote for him, but Obama looked so much more comfortable during the debate and especially with the crowd afterwards, that I wasn't surprised that Romney was defeated. My respect for Romney has only grown over the years, though. I think, sadly, that that was the last presidential election where I actually voted in support of a candidate. Since then is been trying to pick the lesser of two evils (or at least the lesser of two bad choices) I am sickened to think that my choices in 2024 may come down to Biden and Trump again.

[@brucegoodwin634]

Excellent questions asked. Kudos to The Telegraph.

[@neilmorgan7578]

With his experience, he should channel his insight to advise foreign policy. Very wise man

[@davidjones6389]

What happened? Propaganda and stupid people happened!

[@cratecruncher4974]

Excellent interviewer with some thought provoking questions. I can tell Romney was enjoying it. But I'd remind Mitt that (at 9:45) American businesses were all too willing to move their operations to China over the last thirty years enabling China's dramatic economic growth. Who would have thought all those Chinese mandatory business partners would turn on them as direct competition. I hope we can learn from the "free trade" mistake that hollowed out our manufacturing base. Tim Cook (Apple CEO) said recently they don't look at China as lower cost anymore. They go there for the expertise and dense supply chain. That is a critical industry we gave China.

[@twoninetwosevenone]

""" Who would have thought all ... """ Well plenty of people , the working class ((( blue and white ))) who actually perform the work in this country ((( to quote George Bailey , """ the people who do most of the living and dying ... """ ))). Plenty of monied elites , running and owning the economy , also realized this ,,, but they sure were not going to give up the bonanza of treasure at the end of the outsourcing rainbow.

[@kanya1998]

Mitt is the last standing real republican!

[@thomassenbart]

Not even close to reality.

[@tracevicente]

Well done interview with thoughtful questions.

[@frankfischer1281]

America, not to mention Americas’ allies, need more Republicans to step forward and ‘Be Like Mitt’! Sen. Romneys’ departure from Congress is going to be a big loss.

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@ndavies8]

I would vote for Mitt Romney versus whatever they have going on now in the Republican party

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@braydeny]

Mitt is the man, let's go real conservative values, let's conserve the environment, conserve democracy etc etc

[@nemisis4u]

MICK ROMNEY A TOTAL JOKE DID HE NOT DRIVE AROUND WITH HIS TWO DOGS STRAPPED TO THE ROOF OF HIS CAR???

[@curses6166]

Conserve Israel

[@asteinarts4316]

Kudos to Francis for getting this interview. Excellent job. I live in Utah, and the coverage here has not been robust. I actually cried when I heard he will not seek reelection. Our other Senators are abysmal, cowtowing to Trump. And due to gerrymandering only right-wing nuts have voting power. Thanks for airing and sharing. Listen to Ukraine the Latest daily.

[@Max-rw8nc]

Very respectful to walk away from power and allow the next generation to have their time in the sun. A lot of politicians could learn from this guy! Enjoy your retirement Mr. Romney!