Why We Need Mitt
“The world is weary of statesmen whom democracy has degraded into politicians.” -Benjamin Disraeli
Reports were leaked that during his search for a running-mate, Donald Trump made an offer to Ohio Governor and primary opponent John Kasich. Our current President-Elect assured Kasich he would be the most influential Vice President in American history — in charge of foreign and domestic policy.
With Kasich in charge of both foreign and domestic policy as VP, what did Trump plan on doing with his time? When asked, Don Jr. apparently responded — without a hint of irony — “Well, make America great again.”
As ridiculous as that exchange must have been, it also highlights how important Trump’s cabinet selections are; he has no interest in actually governing. It is very likely that whoever Trump chooses will have an unprecedented amount of independent sovereignty over his or her departments. Mitt Romney, therefore, must be chosen as Secretary of State.
Romney’s appointment would not go without controversy. After all, the 2012 GOP nominee went out of his way to oppose Trump during the Republican primaries, calling him a “con-man” and a “phony.” But it’s not as if his comments were inappropriate or inaccurate. Venturing outside this post-truth universe, and setting aside the President-elect’s moderating positions, we cannot forget what Trump did to win. As Romney said:
“Mr. Trump is directing our anger for less than noble purposes. He creates scapegoats of Muslims and Mexican immigrants. He calls for the use of torture. He calls for killing the innocent children and family members of terrorists. He cheers assaults on protesters. He applauds the prospect of twisting the Constitution to limit First Amendment freedom of the press.
This is the very brand of anger that has led other nations into the abyss.”
The previous confrontations between Romney and Trump are exactly what make his appointment to the State Department so appealing. On the one hand, we can rest assured that a measured, capable statesmen is directing our diplomacy abroad. On the other hand, nominating a former opponent like Romney could indicate that maybe President Trump won’t be as small and pathetic a man as candidate Trump was.
Many on the left are quick to cry “hypocrite;” unfortunately, their outlook remains distorted by the shock of Hillary Clinton’s loss. Resentment put aside, someone will have to serve as Secretary of State. Someone will have to represent American interests abroad. That person should not be Rudy Giuliani, unhinged and entangled in conflicts-of-interest overseas. That person should be Mitt Romney.
Many within Trump’s own camp are opposed to Romney at State. First and foremost, they would prefer Trump reward one of the C-list Republicans that stayed loyal to the GOP nominee despite the many shameful things he said and did. Second, alt-right Trumpers would prefer the next Secretary of State be more aligned to their anti-globalization, pro-Russian views; Romney would not be. This is why many, like Kellyanne Conway, are insisting Romney make a public apology to Trump before taking the position — something Romney should never do.
Some have questioned Romney’s foreign policy experience. This is odd, considering that it was not an issue when he was running for President in 2012. In fact, Romney proved to be prophetic in his assertion that Russia would be a major antagonist for the world stability; since that 2012 presidential debate, Russia has invaded Crimea, is propping up Assad by indiscriminately bombing all rebel-fighters in Syria, and is building up forces on the border of Lithuania. Putin is trying to restore the old Soviet Union, and Romney understands the implications far better than any Trump loyalist.
Fareed Zakaria put it well in his Washington Post article this week:
“I know that many people who opposed Trump’s election want him to fail. I don’t. It’s much better for the country and the world if Trump does well in the White House. That is not “normalizing” him, as some worry, but recognizing that the situation is what it is and trying to hope for the best. When Trump does things I disagree with, I will loudly protest…But if he ends up doing things that are sensible, I will cheer.”
Romney as Secretary of State is a sensible decision. As far as it pertains to Romney, serving in the Trump administration would not be a moral betrayal as some have suggested; it would be an act of supreme patriotism — when his nation needed him, Romney was there.
