Romney reveals private GOP conversations about Trump

CNN’s Jake Tapper discusses new excerpts from Atlantic journalist McKay Coppins’ biography “Romney: A Reckoning,” about what Republican Utah Sen. Mitt Romney saw during his time in office. #CNN #News

[@sootvilleaustin2995]

It is not what his party is becoming, it is what his party has become.

[@rosemarieroth1984]

Have always been an independent voter...re-thinking that these days...

[@MrCarloszeca]

But, constituents keep voting for idiots.

[@emaarredondo-librarian]

It isn't the Republican party anymore, it is the Trumpist party.

[@user-gy5zg6vd5y]

Thank God you have Biden representing you.

[@pipedown1246]

I never liked Paul Ryan but he's a smart guy he saw this coming and jumped ship early

[@Salvino110]

Who can ever forget seeing Josh Hawley on video running for his life?

[@tele68]

After holding his fist in the air earlier in the day.

[@melt4769]

Like an old Benny Hill episode

[@Salvino110]

lol @@melt4769

[@normastone1044]

Bye, Felicia

[@beckydoesit9331]

He didn't run down any hall. Stop exaggerating. 3:48 "...When bodies were taken out of the capital" And here goes CNN sensationalizing everything. Not that many bodies were taken out. I think only two people died at the capital and only one was inside, so really only one body was taken out of the capital, but CNN hopes you don't notice this.

[@doktarr]

"A spokesman for McConnel says he does not recall this conversation." Well... I believe that.

[@wncwaterfalls]

I sincerely doubt they asked him.

[@lucycan6363]

McConnell cannot recall many things these days. Even the things he said 60 seconds ago!😢

[@TheMrGazoline]

Of course, he doesn't. [sarcasm]

[@lordraydens]

it happened during a bluescreen

[@ayoolaajakaiye915]

😂

[@sks1258]

Someone said to Tim Scott if you can't stand up against Trump how do Americans think you could stand up to dictators. That goes for the entire GOP at this point.

[@PeteBooty-Juice]

*no need 2 worry. tRump will be in prison soon. jest vote 4 Biden so we can help more migrants in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and elsewhere. we need their future votes, even if it means that they will be da majority in the future and we have to learn Spanish. 4 now, we need 2 provide Wifi in da migrant shelters, offer them free Grub Hub & Postmates accounts so they can order food, and we need to give them permanent housing. homeless people can wait cus migrants actually work....and they work hard. Biden 2024!*

[@janicebernhardt6574]

Scott would still vote for trump-- coward

[@hebronharvester1487]

@@janicebernhardt6574 He just endorsed him. I know, he's a white supremacist and racist bigot now, too! :)

[@hebronharvester1487]

Tim Scott endorsed Trump 😂

[@utha2665]

The level of cowardice shown by the GOP is astounding, just think if those people that decided to vote no had shown even a small amount of courage, we wouldn't be going through all this turmoil right now.

[@TS-jj1wi]

They level of evil and PEDOS in congress, MIT, is disgusting to say the least.

[@pamelahomeyer748]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqqZiH9ppdKGrs0si=TKs02B2eeR3AEfJH

[@redrick8900]

Cowardice has always characterized the Republican party.

[@utha2665]

@@redrick8900 I have to show some respect for Mitt Romney for standing by his decision, but I have to say, I'm not a fan of using religion as a factor. Sure, use it to guide you in every day life, but when it comes to the law, religion should never be a factor. Some of these bigoted Republicans twist their religious beliefs fanatically to justify faux moral judgments where they see fit.

[@jeremiahbachmann3901]

They are getting richer and more powerful by following tRump. It has been happening for years. Why would they stop now? No consequences have been shown yet.

[@dmac7128]

It would have been nice if Romney offered up his testimony to the Jan 6th committee especially the part about being WARNED ABOUT IT COMING, rather leaving it for his book.

[@sabishili4614]

You are absolutely right! Romney was a coward too

[@Pizza-gb1ch]

Agreed. And the announcement that he won't seek reelection just a day before the book drops. 😕

[@T-M123]

@@Pizza-gb1chhe knew spilling the tea spelled game over

[@sylviewalker7560]

Sell a book...? Save a democracy...?

[@peppertree8244]

Good point.

[@itskarl7575]

"A spokesman for McConnell says he does not recall this conversation." Note that the spokesman did not say, "McConnell absolutely did not say anything of the kind, not then or at any other time".

[@TheMarlinspike]

McConnell can barely remember the last time he soiled himself.

[@rl318]

When Mitt Romney has become a voice of reason, things have turned into Mad Max with these people.

[@joetaylor8687]

Shit Zombie is about as far from a "voice of reason" as you can possibly get.

[@judithmoore7892]

@@joetaylor8687. Why do you people think making up nicknames is clever? It makes you look immature, like a second grade bully on the playground.

[@joetaylor8687]

Sometimes they just more correctly describe or identify the subject matter . . . like in this case. @@judithmoore7892

[@jamescarter8699]

Because it suits their agenda to go along with the lies,false rethoric and disinformation. Even if is does damage to the nation.

[@Joooooooooooosh]

Remember when you guys said he was a homophobe who brutally bullied gays, animals, women, etc and even was responsible for a woman's death? Now he's your hero because he's anti trump lol.

[@niclewis9610]

"Tonight I say this to my Republican colleagues defending the indefensible. There will come a day when Trump is gone, but your dishonor will remain" - Republican Liz Cheney

[@andy_ppp]

She is a very impressive and brave person, much more so than 99% of the men in the Republican Party. “The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing” -Edmund Burke

[@patriziacasagrande3833]

liz Chaney, daughter of a long time war criminal .

[@JohnYoung-js1bl]

I'm still waiting to see this

[@niclewis9610]

@@andy_ppp 💯 agree and well said.

[@niclewis9610]

@@JohnYoung-js1bl Me too.

[@jenniferlastella210]

If you’re scared of your own party…you’re in the wrong party. Either do what is right, or get the hell out. It’s really that simple.

[@user-gy5zg6vd5y]

Romney, with his innate inability to be loyal, is definitely in the wrong party. That's why he couldn't beat Barrack.

[@PMitchell106]

You're assuming that the goal of an elected official is something other than making their own re-election as easy as possible. Doing what is right is often not the shortest path to a comfortable re-election. Ask Liz Cheney about the one time in her career that she stood up for something right instead of letting polls and focus groups dictate her narrative.

[@beckydoesit9331]

3:48 "...When bodies were taken out of the capital" And here goes CNN sensationalizing everything. Not that many bodies were taken out. I think only two people died at the capital and only one was inside, so really only one body was taken out of the capital, but CNN hopes you don't notice this.

[@SamuelJohnNowe]

He is retiring for a reason

[@kandaman304]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@t.d108]

Remember, Hawley’s home newspaper wrote a front page editorial stating their regret that they had endorsed him - and that they no longer supported him in any way!

[@joycechavez9027]

I love that he did a “McConnel “ voice when reading his quotes.

[@diablo55]

It’s crazy how scared GOP politicians are of their constituency

[@bobbierobinson6269]

😂 Why would they be scared? The dummies keep voting for RHINOS.

[@alvnphmn]

You notice its only the Bush republicans that are losing their jobs?

[@Herman47]

Sad too.

[@nicklindberg90]

More pathetic than anything

[@redsparks2025]

Another reason to make stricter gun laws. But that won't happen. Just beefed up 24/7 security for themselves (at tax payer's expense) and zero for the general public.

[@LasVegas68]

Well I guess it's safe to say that taking the Oath of Office is pretty much a joke for Republicans.

[@user-rl8mg2nw2s]

and they do it with hand on bible and "God"...lets you know how amoral they really are.

[@ericeandco]

It’s a joke for democrats too. There’s no shortage of disgraceful acts in government. Their not hard to find.

[@riverrat2350]

We laugh at people like you

[@scottbigler9182]

Is that why Bidens numbers are so low ?

[@MajorAnthonyNelson]

Nice rant. Briben still losing to Trump in 24

[@briannao9251]

That photo of Mitt Romney glaring at Josh hawley after congress returned to certify the 2020 election was epic 😂😂😂

[@thomasdesmond2233]

Romney is a coward. Private conversations? Oooooh...that's going to change things.

[@yurei8]

@@thomasdesmond2233 I disagree. Private conversations do change things sometimes. Plus, Romney earned my eternal respect when he knelt with Black Lives Matter. That said to me, that he at least understood the context. Seems to me that people like you are ready to move, just seeing a black person walking around the neighborhood.

[@vonsuthoff]

​@@thomasdesmond2233... How is Romney a coward. And if he is, what do you call these Republicans who curse Trump to his back and smile to his face?

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

1:06 I was a contractor for years, a lot of deals are struck in bars and restraints on a hand shake, a lot of change orders as well. Which is why I carried a digital recorder where ever I go, and recorded all business conversations. Saved my ass more than once. Kind of wish Romney had such foresight. Would make for an interesting audio book.

[@speakthetruth5308]

The total absence of ethics,integrity and courage of most Republican politicians is absolutely astounding.

[@davidkottman3440]

If you want to earn the right to use your "speakthetruth" handle, you will edit that comment by erasing the word "Republican"

[@thefreestofspeech6951]

​@@lawnchair4474 He my be right. How many years and millions of dollars were spent on the Russia gate?

[@Chompchompyerded]

And of many of the MAGA Republicans too.

[@donkeyssuck]

Russia Russia Russia... Adam Schiffy should make you proud Hillary

[@Chompchompyerded]

@@davidkottman3440 Nah. He shouldn't go back on something that is true. Regardless of what you think of Democrats, the Republicans have run most of the honest and centrist good old fashioned Republicans out of the party. There are very few ethical stick to your guns type Republicans left. These days it's pretty much all MAGA Right wing folks who are pretty much authoritarian fascists. You have shown your authoritarian leanings by ordering him to edit his comment because it doesn't agree with your view of politics. Do you understand how bad that sounds? That's something that would have played well with the fascists of Mussolini's Italy, but it doesn't sound so good in a representative democracy.

[@Drangorooq27]

Prophetic words From Mitty. I dont agree with Romney most of the time, but I usually come away thinking he's mostly a principled man. He's a republican I respect because before all else, the constitution is paramount and for him it seems, what's right is right; even is a matter goes against his ideology, he does the right thing. I could be wrong but that's the impression I get.

[@rosemarieroth1984]

Romney was one of the few principled and respectful Congressional reps in our goverrnemt. Not a "me, me, me" like so many of our younger reps.

[@Chompchompyerded]

Yes, he's the old fashioned type of Republican who you can discuss things with, and then go and have dinner with and talk about non-political things. He's the kind of guy who has the country's interest at heart, even if he doesn't necessarily come to the same conclusions. With a lot of these MAGA guys (and more than a few Dems too) you feel as if their primary concern is themselves, and the country be damned. It's the selfishness that gets to me. It seems that not a whole lot of people have the country as their highest priority, and "by the way, if you don't agree I won't talk to you ever again" attitude. I don't get that vibe anymore that we're all Americans with a common interest of building on what we have anymore. Sad. Really sad. God I hope the Republicans can get back on the track again, but gosh I do not see it happening right now when a certain group of them seems dead set on shrinking the big tent.

[@Chompchompyerded]

@@rosemarieroth1984 There were a few of those guys, but they've all died or been marginalized by the MAGA wing. John Kasich, though not a senator, was another principled Republican. So was McCain (who the MAGA heads love to hate, even though he's dead). Didn't agree with him on much of anything, but I sure respected him. Going back a ways there were others. Howard Baker comes to mind. You have to be old like me to remember him though. Adam Kinzinger is on the list too. He, along with Liz Cheney, were willing to give their seats in Congress to do the right thing. History will judge them kindly, but judge the MAGA crowd harshly. The fact that MAGA heads are threatening people who are prosecuting, judging, and or being called for jury duty just shows who corrupt and brutish that movement is. They are straight up anti-representative democracy, and they have no respect for the legal system. They are selfish way beyond a fault. The crazy thing is that if they get what they're asking for, they'll be the first to whine when it doesn't work out the way they think it will.

[@mb-3faze]

He's even more spineless than I thought. Principled in words only. His voting record and actions reveal a sycophant. If he believes what he says (right at the end of this video) that he is not sure if cathedral of democracy will hold, then he's doing completely the wrong thing by quitting. He should stand and fight for the institution and be proud of the injuries he receives.

[@Drangorooq27]

@mb-3faze yeah, I know he's had his spinless moments and played the capital hill game however he's made a few good stands. That's why mostly principled was the operative phrase. I'd never vote for him bit in comparison to what's going on now he looks better. I agree with you as well. He still mostly votes down party line which is problematic

[@MrDogfish83]

Tapper's face after the Josh Hawley footage LOL

[@zren2023]

To be fair, McConnell doesn’t remember his own name nowadays

[@ronaldcole7415]

This slow death of the GOP is like watching a B movie when the monster keeps coming back to life over and over again until it dies. Bad acting included.

[@Bonjour-World]

The problem is that the process is too damned slow.

[@user-st1hy6ql3j]

pretty much sums it up, I see the party gone in the next 10 years and some radical faction will be organized and a separate sane faction also being organized but the broken party will never be as large as they've made the Democrats and Independents that will hold all power in the government soon. They destroyed themselves and made a failed tv personality their king.

[@kesmg24]

While chipping away our representational democratic republic - one piece at a time

[@deek60819]

@@Bonjour-World the problem is the GOP is an inoperable tumor and US democracy is the host, they'll take the country with them

[@budman4224]

​@@user-st1hy6ql3ja recent Gallup polls suggest that both republican and democrat registered voters have fallen to as little as 25% of the total in our country and independents make up almost half. It's possible both parties could fade into oblivion

[@dandansen571]

OHH, so THAT'S what McConnel suddenly remembered when he froze.

[@1x4x93]

😂😂😂

[@kyzachi736]

Ooof, that was brutal! Best comment today! 😅

[@uudd369]

😂 good one

[@MelloPlayer947]

This is an increasingly rare example of good reporting on CNN. Thanks Jake.

[@MikeLawlorBarefoot]

Lol, thats a pretty good Mitch McConnell impersonation there Jake!

[@BS-hx5rj]

If they are too scared to stand up for what’s right they should not be making decisions to send our sons and daughters into combat

[@rosemarieroth1984]

Amen...and somehow our government officials find "interesting" ways to avoid military service...bruised toes, heel spurs...

[@mebeingU2]

No better indication that we, you/me, do not matter to them. They would have no issue sending your kids or mine to fight, but they can’t honor the oath they swore to. Trump told a gold star wife, “well, he knew what he was getting in to.” Disgusting. I’m fascinated by middle class Americans voting for republicans that continue to fleece the country and do nothing to better the average man or woman’s life.

[@MikeRyzhikov]

What combat and how does this relate to the topic of the video?

[@randal_gibbons]

No, they shouldn't be making decisions that affect the daily lives of more than 300,000,000 people.

[@BS-hx5rj]

@@MikeRyzhikov You do realize that Congress has that authority. An authority a coward who won’t stand up for the rule of law should not be able to exercise

[@laurawells3935]

Missouri citizen here. Harley is a disgrace. Can’t wait to vote for Lucas Kunce.

[@jenniferjean]

He seems to be a real man and not a coward who runs like a little girl. I'm so hoping Lucas wins 🏆

[@stormyweather9917]

And you think that surgical-mutilation-of children is a good thing???

[@priscillarobb647]

Lucas Kunce for us too here in MO.

[@jessikabat6200]

Man, Lucas Kunce would truly be amazing in the Senate. He’s an incredibly solid candidate. Well, I guess he is so long as you’re an average person and not making millions of dollars and trying to keep the status quo in place. He seems like a genuinely decent guy, and supports really great policies. He’s a real populist, not just a billionaire pretending to be one. An economic populist who deeply cares about working people, poor folks and marginalized groups of all kinds. And he’s aggressively hostile towards corruption, which isn’t exactly an easy thing going for you if you are heading for DC, which is why we need more people like him fighting against the special interests groups and massive lobbying groups! We have to fix our campaign finance system, which is just out of control. So to see that in a senate candidate is incredibly refreshing. Man I hope enough folks in Missouri are able to see through Hawley’s shtick. He has no respect for his constituents by pretending to be some working-class champion while being a literal caricature of what he pretends to be fighting against! He just drips insincerity and arrogance, just a smarmy elitist coward!

[@priscillarobb647]

@@jessikabat6200 thanks for saying that to our future senator here in MO. 🙏💙

[@pinetree909]

Good reporting!

[@EricGinsbergMusic]

That “47%“ is a direct dig at the line that may have cost Romney the 2012 election.

[@niclewis9610]

"If we nominate Trump we'll be destroyed and we will have deserved it" - Lindsey Graham

[@andrewvillegas2966]

That was when he still had sense. Before, overwhelming greed and cling to power got the best of him.

[@niclewis9610]

@@andrewvillegas2966 💯🎯 well said.

[@nicklindberg90]

First time he's been right about anything lol

[@riverrat2350]

Maga doesn't like Lindsey Graham so what's your point? We laugh at people like you

[@Airbrushkid]

@@riverrat2350 No you’ll be crying like little btchs when trump doesn’t get elected!

[@macsmith2013]

Josh Hawley, who famously gave the white power fist salute to the "protesters" when entering the Capitol on Jan 6th, only to run from them a few hours later. Those clips should be played before and after every media appearance of him, just to give the viewers some context why he shouldn't be taken seriously and instead mocked for his cowardice until hell freezes over. Can you believe this guy wrote a book about masculinity? Yeah, neither can I.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

He is the very definition of light in the loafers.

[@danweyant4909]

Ah, hey there Jogging Josh, that wasn't a compliment when Mitt said that you knew what you were doing.

[@monicawallace-jn8tl]

Hawley’s & his ilk’s definition of masculinity is much different than civilized, honorable, responsible, mature masculinity is….

[@Robert-cb9dd]

🏃🏃🏃

[@barryharrison5252]

Let’s campaign that out to media outlets nationwide.

[@Up2Late]

Loved Tapper’s McConnell impression. Nice delivery choice.

[@tperki2322]

The closed captioning on the top of the screen are hilarious.

[@mycat2230]

I would sue McConnel for neglect if any of those police had been my children or spouse.

[@beckydoesit9331]

3:48 "...When bodies were taken out of the capital" And here goes CNN sensationalizing everything. Not that many bodies were taken out. I think only two people died at the capital and only one was inside, so really only one body was taken out of the capital, but CNN hopes you don't notice this.

[@AN-cy7xm]

I'm a normally peaceful old man, but I would STILL like to fight Josh Hawley. He is one truly hateful human being, and someone needs to put him in his place.

[@suezbell1]

There are a few people in Congress that give me an urge to flush a toilet. Hawley is one.

[@Monotremata]

Hawley does possess a unique face - one that begs for a hard punch be applied to it....

[@Mike_Jones281]

We should get a once-in-a-lifetime pass to fight anyone we want. If the other person accepts, it's on. We can then meet in a public square and make terms. Then, on the specified date, we fight. I know who I would fight, and it's not the guy down the block who drives too fast.

[@funkenstien1155]

You'd whip his ass, Pops!🙂

[@Bonjour-World]

Cancun Cruz would give a good run for top billing in that category.

[@healthfullivingify]

Very good reporting, CNN. Thanks.

[@johnd2058]

"Royalty?" -- dood, he's one of the few who still understand that "republican" means NO royalty.

[@budman4224]

I can already hear all the minions calling Mitt Romney a 'rino'

[@four4eyes]

Not a bad impersonation of McConnell, Jake .

[@KarlAltenburg]

I was thinking the same thing 😆

[@KevinAdams26]

But he didn't freeze up? /s

[@carolnelson8459]

And he quits instead of trying to fix it! If all,the good ones leave it’s bad!

[@kellyfarrar6639]

The Mitch McConnell act was perfection. Well done Jake

[@bwyou812]

They don't speak up because their plan is for a political career, not really working for the people but for themselves. Their districts they represent are gerrymandered to help keep them around for 40-50 years. It pays very well for really doing very little for their constituents.

[@melt4769]

Makes a strong case for term limits

[@rosemarieroth1984]

a good exercise is to look online for the amount of wealth each Congressional rep has...no matter the level of income a Congressional nominee has before being elected, they All come out with rather hefty financial portfolios.

[@babywah3290]

The modern GOP are nothing more than overpaid obstructionists. Can you think of any other profession where you are paid handsomely for not doing your job or sometimes doing the opposite??!!

[@lucycan6363]

If only voters would take that into consideration when they are hating their friends and neighbors because of their favorite politician. If only they would think about it when they stand in long lines on election day. Are they really thinking about what the candidate can do for them or their city or are they just voting to keep their favorite party in power. It is vain to continue doing the same thing and expecting a different result

[@parkerkills621]

I love it when they bring the receipts

[@user-vl7ys9nh1h]

I have a bumper sticker from 2012. It says "Romney Believe in America". It was left over from the previous owner. I am not a Republican, and I voted for Obama in 2012. I was going to remove it by then Trump became president. One of the only Republicans willing to publicly criticize him was Mitt Romney so I left it on. After he was the only one who voted to convict after the first impeachment I realized that he really does believe in America. The sticker is still there.

[@arturbello4213]

Romney/Cheney 2024. Save the USA.

[@user-vl7ys9nh1h]

@@arturbello4213 While I agree it's gonna take a Republican administration to heal the country, I don't see it happening any time soon. 2028 at the soonest and maybe never if Trump wins in November.

[@arturbello4213]

@@user-vl7ys9nh1h I agree. Mitt and Liz are the ones to do it.

[@lucycan6363]

McConnell can't recall the conversation. These days he can't seem to recall what he said 60 seconds ago. He's had so many brain freezes lately.

[@carolynbridgeman5981]

What he didn't say Josh Hawley, was that you were a good person, plenty of evil villains are wicked smart. Don't get your narcissistic tendencies get you so caught up in the compliment that you miss that he actually sees the horrible person you are.

[@bkanegson]

If Romney had spoken out in real time, instead of waiting to write a book, he could have changed the course of history. For the better.

[@budman4224]

It wouldn't have changed anything. Romney has always been a conservative's conservative. But yet the minions are now calling him a rino

[@peppertree8244]

​​@@budman4224 Well, then, lets say that if a lot of the Republicans who felt that way spoke up in real time, they would have changed the course of history. Ah, the lure of status and power.

[@deepblue523fl]

Fairness, he spoke out about Trump many years prior. Didn't make a difference at all. Then he decided to try and get in the Trump administration and get denied

[@budman4224]

@@peppertree8244 perhaps. But I'm not convinced. Trump has had a cult of personality following since first announced he was running. People voted for him precisely because he was unconventional and anti establishment. Republicans speaking out against him probably wouldn't have changed much. I think Trump, or someone like him, was inevitable

[@rosemarieroth1984]

Gives us something to really think about...@@peppertree8244

[@AllboroLCD]

Nothing wrong with a lil backbone, god bless u mitty

[@nisselarson3227]

This is the CNN OFFICIAL KZbin channel? Get your subtitles in order! Please. Not only people with hearing disabilities but people from another countries use and even need this for important news.

[@richardsimms251]

I am not a Republican but I think Senator Romney is a good guy and he should not retire now. He is needed. RS. Canada

[@tiffanythornock8159]

Unfortunately I don’t think he would be re-elected. Romney fans are outnumbered in Utah.

[@robmyckatyn]

and McConell isn't?

[@robmyckatyn]

@@marshmcclory487 i was replyting to the guy that said Romney is too old

[@chucklakeridge7944]

Romney is one of the few Republicans left who is not a total spineless coward. Once he's gone, there is not much integrity left in Republican office holders.

[@alanbourbeau24]

If Abraham Lincoln, the founder of the Republican party were alive today and saw what has become of his political party, he would be deeply disappointed.

[@chucklakeridge7944]

@@alanbourbeau24 Pretty sure Honest Abe would make good use of his axe, but not on the apple trees

[@craigb8228]

If Romney is the best of the bunch we should be asking why.

[@chucklakeridge7944]

@@craigb8228 Candidates and Nominees are reflective of the primary voters, who are usually the hardcore party members. Why is the GOP core so Authoritarian Populist? Usually, when one groups ideas are undesireable to the majority, they resort to implementation of ideology by force. Thus, the Authoritarian tendencies.

[@lymanmj]

If Romney was in possession of an actual spine, for what reason exactly did he wait so long to speak out about the toxic decay of the Rethuglicon party?

[@securityfirst8201]

Good job everyone 😀I'm very proud of you 😀keep up the good work 😀

[@2porangi]

Pretending that their family’s safety was at risk as a cover for their cowardice, shameful!

[@bryanmachin3738]

Wouldn't it be worse if it actually WAS at risk?

[@MrMusicbyMartin]

For progress, we need adversaries like Romney, those we might initially disagree with, but whom we have a great deal of respect for. It’s very sad to see the few Republicans who fit this pattern to be leaving office, I hope the GOP sheds the Hawleys and Taylor-Greens, and soon if democracy isotope survive in the US.

[@stormyweather9917]

And you respect the Bidens?

[@billpugh58]

@@stormyweather9917 yes, we do, the world does as well. The world laughed at trump!

[@raymondkidwell7135]

You mean Romney who got rich buying companies and gutting them and firing everyone and who wanted a position on the trump cabinet but trump wouldn’t give him one so he talks about how bad trump is.

[@patriciarouse16]

Naw the kiss and tell coward put his fears before his Civic Duty from a lacking of preparation for Civic Duty .

[@themikereda]

"The spokesman for McConnell says he does not remember anything before this afternoon."

[@appletech9535]

Lmao Jake reading in McConnell’s voice lol

[@carlosreyes207]

" HERE HE APPLIED HIMSELF TO THE STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES IN THE ORIGINAL TONGUES . . . "

[@tabithan2978]

Hope Romney makes videos daily laying out the hypocrisy and moral degeneracy of the GOP. Name names, quote them, call them out, each and every one! Be like Margaret Chase Smith.

[@thomasdesmond2233]

I wish he'd had the integrity to do this when it mattered. He's a coward and as guilty as any of those he covered for.

[@Amick44]

​@@thomasdesmond2233He has spoken out at times. Which is far more than most Repubs have done.

[@N.a.n.c.y]

4:40 Jake Tapper’s face after Hawley made a stupid joke 😂I’m dying 😂🤣

[@ajenks9]

At least there’s at least one member of the senate GOP that hasn’t been compromised

[@Smackwater587]

Thanks Mitt and thanks for your service and reaching across the aisle.

[@guywihn1658]

He didn't know that all of his GOP senate colleagues were hardwired from birth to be two-faced? LoL

[@Jason-yh1de]

“One Republican congressman confided to Romney that he wanted to vote for Trump’s second impeachment, but chose not to out of fear for his family’s safety…”

[@jeffdeprey6279]

I would still call that person a traitor and coward! Don't take a oath to protect the country to serve if you are that much of a coward, people have died many times over to protect this country, have some balls!

[@peppertree8244]

Amazing, isn't it? So types like him chose to prolong the whole horrible 'Trump thing', infiltrating their lives, and everyone elses, by being cowards. Nipping it in the bud would have been better.

[@kybed]

the thing is if the congressman voted for impeachment, he may have lost his seat and a 'deplorable' person would probably replace him

[@OSnoopySnoop1]

MAGA MAGA MAGA 😂😂😂

[@bkanegson]

@@OSnoopySnoop1 My Ass Got Arrested

[@mysticmapleaf7368]

The fact that you called him royalty is the precise problem we have

[@krisdrotning2985]

Who ever is doing the closed caption should be fired 😕

[@nickb2912]

Romney was one of the few real republicans in the senate

[@Bonjour-World]

Romney was one of the few real "Statesman" left in the senate (Democratic or Republican).

[@MRick-cd1kr]

WOW you are to clueless Democrats called him a Nazi in 2012@@Bonjour-World

[@Bonjour-World]

@@MRick-cd1kr You are less creditable than Fox Fake News

[@MajorAnthonyNelson]

You libs hated him vs Obummer. What changed?

[@Ulysses.S.Grant.For.The.Union.]

@@MRick-cd1kr I never called him such things. My only issue was that he was Mormon which means he’s partially insane.

[@daveharris2884]

Ironic that he helped create these monsters.

[@jag1963]

Terrible how the only time in their careers they are ever truthful and open is when they are have made the decision to walk away.

[@paulplack490]

As one of his constituents in Utah, I can tell you he's been open about Trump and the election deniers since the start. It's just that his decision not to run again is drawing media coverage, so you're finally hearing about it. He's been saying these things for years, despite knowing it would cost him his seat.

[@MyJaxJingles]

Jake Tapper with the Mitch McConnell imitation!

[@notyourroad]

If only he said this during the jan 6 committee.

[@rebeccaknell2368]

How do you know he didn’t? The J6 Committee conducted lots of interviews behind closed doors that we didn’t see. Or maybe he offered, but didn’t have anything more than second-hand information.

[@julianchiu8893]

My only takeaway from all this is that Jake Tapper has a pretty good McConnell impression.

[@deek60819]

oh god, that's your only takeaway

[@redrick8900]

@@deek60819 To be fair nobody with any sense thought the conversations behind the scenes were any different and this is the first report like this.

[@kimaletta8943]

I agree with everything 😂😂😂Except Ted Cruz being smart 😂😂

[@ButcherSevenActual]

So instead of saying this at the time, when it mattered, he keeps it to himself to sell a book. What a patriot.

[@James-zl9jb]

Ah yes, more book releases that tell us what we already have known. Politicians (most of them) are spineless cowards.

[@catmo3462]

Cha-Ching!!

[@beebuzz959]

Romney spoke out against t-tump in the very beginning. He gave a speech on how horrific he was, and he never supported him. He's spoken out against him since many times as well, and other POS GQP members as well, sometimes to their faces on the floor.

[@Osman-ei8tz]

Hawley's line at 4:37 sounded like a dig at Romney's leaked "47%" quote from his failed 2012 bid.

[@dextersmithbsee]

I thought Mitch McConnell was catatonic.😂😂

[@lorrmurrcoch]

Never, ever will I vote Republican with those in office we currently have!

[@Michelle-rdz17]

At this point just be an independent lmao

[@99_Planet]

3:18 they wouldn’t think of giving up their children (politicians on either side of the aisle) yet they will gladly give up yours. Trumpies remember that when he’s telling your loved ones to go fight his battles.

[@Unclemoparman]

Bush 43 attacked 4 countries Obama attacked 7.

[@supernova19805]

I read the excerpt. All too little, too late but I'm glad, he's finally telling the truth about his own party.

Jack did pretty nice job as McConnell impersonator. He reads all the other quotes in his own voice, except when he quotes McConnell. He does McConnell in character.

[@catsupchutney]

Josh's ability to sprint is also pretty darn good.

[@jinoziniosti5633]

At this point if TRaitor tot wins, you KNOW its rigged.

[@riverrat2350]

You're not an American

[@emilyfeagin2673]

I will always be uncertain about 2016

[@andiman45]

In Mitch's defence, he was drooling and having his diaper changed again...

[@SithPackAbs]

McConnell doesn't recall the conversation?! No way! At this point, he seems to not be able to recall where he is standing in the present moment.

[@kennedyreid2504]

Sad.... to see the United States come to this.... VERY SAD...

[@pauldiamond9219]

Well if anyone knows more about an "existential brand of cowardice" than Mittens, I would hate to meet them. That said, I guess now that he is leaving politics for good, he is trying on his long disused spine...if only he had been brave and principled during his time in the Senate and spoken up more forcefully.

[@JonJaramillo]

All the politicians that are hiding their alarmed concern for the survival of Democracy need to come forward, have faith in the function the media serves to help distribute information for viewers receive. There is too much fear among the party members that the power of that fear needs to be toppled. Revealing the details of what happened on January 6th is paramount to its survival.

[@edwardwilliams5970]

Thank GOD he is going to go lay down and help the American people once and for all.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@lordraydens]

they say govt should be afraid of the people but this is ridiculous

[@knightress5760]

I am more than sure, that most of the non ass kissers, want to be done with Trump, but are too afraid to say so.

[@RAWGRIP54]

His is a honorable man. A man of faith.

[@arturbello4213]

Romney/Cheney 2024. Save the USA.

[@sm87112]

Romney, you walked AWAY before any Reckoning could occur.

[@lymanmj]

McConnell: "Naw, ah don' 'member no massage frum Rom-knee". 🙄

[@fletchdavidson6079]

If ever there was a time for Mitt Romney to run for president, this is the time. His party is in shambles.

[@randal_gibbons]

If you vote for any Republican you are voting for the party not the candidate. They will almost always do what's best for the party, and what's not best for the country. Their hatred towards democracy is that strong.

[@annalee1971]

His party is in shambles but too little too late..

[@tiffanythornock8159]

He did remember, the people didn’t want him. Too bad for us.

[@elainejohnstone1968]

I respect Romney! He’s a good guy.

[@MarkWendland]

Even if he was on the wrong side of some issues, he was a good-faith actor who supported democracy.

[@viscountslappy5085]

Mitch "not recalling" a conversation seems like a defense that's losing its heft every day.

[@vikitheviki]

They are the kind of people on the combat field that screams: Attack! And then runs the other way 😅😂

[@susanback9127]

Romey is getting out he can see the crazies are running the asylum.

[@Youvegotredonyou-BeckyChase]

I love how brave they all get when they know they are not running again. Usually, with a book, still all about the money!

[@mellocello187]

Sometimes the good ones stay because they think they can do some good. Romney tried, he sees now he cannot overcome the stupidity, so he is out. I don’t agree with him unusually, but he does not need money. He wrote the book as exposé, and to try to embarrass the GOP, although they don’t really seem to feel embarrassment.

[@beebuzz959]

Though I don't agree with Romney's politics, he spoke out against t-rump on day one. He gave a speech against him and everything. He's voted almost completely down the line with the rest of the pubes, but he is one. Though he was the only one to vote against him and for impeachment. He's also spoken out against him publicly, and the rest of the POS GQP as well. He's been publicly heckled, and I'd be shocked if not threatened.

[@beebuzz959]

@@mellocello187 Maybe he's retiring because he's old and doesn't need the money?

[@dsiepiela6449]

Politicians are like toddlers. You can’t take your eyes off them for a second.

[@DOMINICK-rx3kk]

we need to find the rich people who give these people money to run for office those are the real criminals!