His stance comes as a surprise.
Senator Mitt Romney, representing Utah, voiced his belief that President Joe Biden should have pardoned Donald Trump following the Justice Department’s indictment against the former president and the reported pressure on New York prosecutors to drop Trump’s ongoing hush money trial. Speaking exclusively on MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle,” Romney expressed his disappointment in fellow Republican lawmakers, including potential vice presidential contenders for the GOP, who rallied in support of Trump outside the Manhattan courthouse where the trial is underway.
When asked about his sentiments regarding Republicans’ actions, Romney criticized the attacks on the legal system and deemed it demeaning to witness individuals seemingly vying for vice presidential candidacy by associating with Trump outside the courthouse. He emphasized that Biden’s failure to pardon Trump was a significant error, suggesting that Biden should have intervened to prevent the prosecution from proceeding, drawing a comparison to former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s assertive approach in similar situations.
Romney underscored his support for the separation of powers between branches of government but expressed his hypothetical action as President Biden, suggesting he would have pardoned Trump immediately upon the Justice Department’s indictment. He argued that such a pardon would have elevated Biden’s stature while diminishing Trump’s, likening it to a symbolic assertion of power.
Regarding the upcoming general election debates between Biden and Trump, Romney reflected on the public’s varying expectations for the two candidates. He suggested that people anticipate lower performance standards for Biden compared to Trump, who is perceived as more competitive. Romney speculated on the potential dynamics of the debates, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding each candidate’s performance without the aid of a cheering crowd or teleprompters, which are typically present at campaign rallies.
In summary, Romney’s remarks underscore his critique of Biden’s handling of Trump’s legal situation, his observations on the behavior of fellow Republicans, and his reflections on the upcoming presidential debates between Biden and Trump.
