Romney answers reporters’ questions from his Washington, D.C. office after declaring he won’t run for another term, on September 13, 2023. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images.
As highlighted by CNN
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said that during the Biden administration he called the White House to request preemptive clemency for Donald Trump, at a time when Special Counsel Jack Smith was investigating his case. The story has sparked lively discussion about the political risks of using the judiciary in domestic political battles.
According to Romney, he reached out to one of President Biden’s top advisers and suggested that if charges were brought, the Department of Justice should immediately drop them and grant clemency. Why? First, to avoid anger, hatred, and hostility; second, not to turn political opponents into targets of persecution.
I called one of the White House’s staff members, one of President Biden’s senior advisers. And I said: if the Department of Justice decides to bring charges against President Trump, I hope President Biden will immediately drop them, and that he will grant clemency right away. Why? First, I don’t want anger, hatred, and hostility. But second: we simply cannot start persecuting political opponents.
Romney noted that clemency at that moment would be a clear signal of his stance on preventing political considerations in the justice system.
At that moment, clemency would be a way to make this extremely clear.
Dana Bash asked: “What did they tell you?”
What did they tell you?
“They didn’t do it,” Romney replied with a smile.
They didn’t do that.
Romney added that the idea of using the justice system to punish political opponents is a very dangerous path.
The idea that the justice system is used to punish political opponents is a very dangerous path.
“I don’t think that’s the right path. I would choose another path,” he noted.
I don’t think that’s the right path. I would choose another path.
Economy, Tariffs, and World Politics
As part of the discussion on the economy, Romney stated: “I’m not a tariff guy” and pointed to the futility of an aggressive tariff stance from Trump in the current situation.
I’m not a tariff guy.
He stressed that tariff policy should be aligned with allies to pressure the regime in China, and noted that Trump’s tariffs are fueling inflation.
Although China deserves high tariffs, they should be coordinated with allies to truly reduce the regime’s influence.
The former senator also admitted that he himself is acutely feeling the rising cost of living: “I am shocked by prices in stores – everything costs five dollars or more.”
Store prices are striking: everything costs five dollars or more.
Romney expressed confidence in the future of U.S. policy, noting that JD Vance has a chance to become the next Republican candidate and potentially lead the country in 2028.
He will not only be the Republican candidate in 2028, but he has a chance to become president.
“What is freedom if we cannot speak freely?” Romney asked, emphasizing the value of freedom of speech in a democratic society.
What is freedom if we cannot speak freely?
In conclusion, Romney highlighted attention to U.S. domestic politics and responsibility for international events, including supporting friends of Ukraine in the context of challenging global challenges.
Overall, the former senator’s and candidate’s statements demonstrate an understanding of the dilemma between using pardons as a political tool and preserving the rule of law, as well as the importance of tariffs as part of economic policy in the modern world.
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