In a recent statement at CBS’ Norah O’Donnell event on Monday, November 27, 2023, Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, expressed his strong opposition to Trump’s potential candidacy in the 2024 presidential race. Romney asserted that he would choose any Democratic candidate over Trump, deeming it “an upgrade” from the former president.
Romney, the sole Republican senator who voted to convict Trump in both of his impeachment trials, spoke about the upcoming 2024 election and the future of the Republican Party during the CBS event. Despite acknowledging Trump’s popularity within the Republican base and fundraising prowess, Romney firmly declared that he would not support Trump if he secured the GOP nomination.
“I’d be happy to support virtually any one of the Republicans — maybe not Vivek [Ramaswamy] — but the others that are running would be acceptable to me, and I’d be happy to vote for them. I’d be happy to vote for a number of the Democrats too. It would be an upgrade, in my opinion, from Donald Trump and perhaps also from Joe Biden,” Romney remarked.
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Romney, known for his clashes with Trump on issues ranging from foreign policy to trade and the 2020 election results, expressed concern about the direction of the Republican Party under Trump’s influence. He emphasized the need for the party to return to its core principles, advocating for a more “principled” and “inclusive” conservatism that can resonate with a broader coalition of voters.
“I think we have to get back to the principles that have guided our party for a long time, and that is a belief in the free market, a belief in individual liberty, a belief in a strong national defense, and a belief in the importance of our alliances around the world,” Romney stated.
Romney’s remarks elicited sharp criticism from Trump’s allies and supporters, accusing him of disloyalty to the party and being out of touch with grassroots sentiments. Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany took to Twitter, labeling Romney as “a RINO [Republican in name only] who consistently tries to appease the left.” Former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale dismissed Romney as “a loser” who “will never be president.”
A recent poll by USA Today/Suffolk University indicates Trump’s strong lead among potential Republican candidates for 2024, with 58% support. Former Vice President Mike Pence follows with 13%, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis holds 8% support.
