Romney: Trump’s political sway will continue after election

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks during a news conference on Oct. 15, 2020, near Neffs Canyon, in Salt Lake City. President Donald Trump will likely continue to have influence in Republican politics, even after the presidential election was called for Democrat Joe Biden, his most vocal critic within the party said Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. Romney said Trump's significant presence on social media and his ability to turn out the vote among his political supporters mean he isn't going away. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — President Donald Trump will likely continue to have influence in Republican politics, even after the presidential election was called for Democrat Joe Biden, his most vocal critic within the party said Tuesday.

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney said Trump’s significant presence on social media and his ability to turn out the vote among his political supporters mean he isn’t going away.

“He continues in my view to have substantial influence within the party,” Romney said. “If he wants to continue to have a role in the party, he certainly will.”

Romney has criticized Trump several times before, most recently saying the president was “damaging the cause of freedom” and inflaming “destructive and dangerous passions.” Trump is claiming, without foundation, that the election was rigged and stolen from him.

Romney has also congratulated President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, something a number of his fellow Republicans have not done.

Romney said Trump is within his rights to call for recounts and investigations into any voting irregularities. But the 2012 Republican presidential nominee said any problems likely won’t change the outcome of the election.

While there’s no one factor that can explain the outcome of the race, Romney said Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic likely did not win over any new supporters.

Had we not had COVID at all, I think it would have been likely the president would have been re-elected,” Romney said.

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7 Comments

  • D November 10, 2020 at 10:51 pm Reply

    Mitt, please go back to MA ASAP. You have worn out your welcome!

  • KA November 11, 2020 at 9:43 am Reply

    Trashy, stupid people love Trump.

    • D November 11, 2020 at 12:20 pm Reply

      Mitt claimed to have, “Utah values” when he ran for office. However once he was elected his tune changed greatly.
      KA – We may not agree on Mitt or Trump, yet using the words, “Trashy” and “Stupid” is quite petty. Maybe you can find more civil words to describe your feelings.
      Best wishes

      • KA November 11, 2020 at 2:24 pm Reply

        Why? Trump never has. Thanks Sleepy D.

        • Blayne November 11, 2020 at 3:29 pm Reply

          Rioters, murderers, thugs love Biden. Name calling is fun.

          • KA November 11, 2020 at 5:01 pm

            Trump sure loves it. Sleepy Joe, Pocahontas. You lost. Suck it and go home.

        • Blayne November 13, 2020 at 8:11 pm Reply

          I forgot to mention the unemployed. They love Biden too

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