Mitt Romney Seems to Apologize – Condition of His Being Sec. State?

We have watched carefully during the past few weeks as President-elect Donald Trump selects members of his cabinet. But the biggest position – secretary of state – is still open. 

Former Trump critic and past GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney had dinner with Donald Trump this Tuesday, after which he praised Trump as “the very man who can lead us to that better future.” 

“He did something I tried to do and was unsuccessful in,” admits Romney. “He won the general election and he continues with a message of inclusion and bringing people together and his vision is something which obviously connected with the American people in a very powerful way.” 

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, whom Trump has selected as White House Chief of Staff, also attended the dinner meeting. 

The discussion was “enlightening” and “engaging,” said Romney. “I enjoyed it very much.” 

Mitt Romney was a vocal Trump critic during the primaries, calling the billionaire a “phony,” a “con man,” and a “fraud” less than one year ago. His change of heart, which many view as an apology, just might be enough to land him in the position of secretary of state  

Romney says he is “impressed” by the presidential transition effort, particularly noting Trump’s selection of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (another former Trump critic), Senator Jeff Sessions, and Georgia Representative Tom Price. They are all “impressive individuals,” said Romney. 

From what he’s seen of Trump’s decisions and leadership during the difficult transition phase, Romney predicts that “America’s best days are ahead of us.” 

Many Trump loyalists are understandably frustrated that Trump would consider Mitt Romney – a man who tried to undermine his presidential campaign – for the coveted position of secretary. Incoming Chief Strategist Steve Bannon has urged Trump not to choose Romney, insisting that the choice would make him appear weak. 

Others (myself included) commend Trump for reaching out to the men and women he believes are best for the job – instead of relying solely on those who backed him during the elections.

Other candidates for the position of secretary include retired general David Petraeus, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Senate Foreign Relations chair Bob Corker.

Corker, who met with Trump earlier on Tuesday, told the press that Trump must “choose someone that he’s very comfortable with and he knows there’s going to be no daylight between him and them. The world needs to know that the secretary of state is someone who speaks fully for the president and again, that’s a decision he’s going to have to make.”

Editor’s note: While I, like many, am angry with Romney for his remarks during the campaign, there is no doubting his abilities and gravitas. In my opinion, if he is controllable, he is the best in the field for Secretary of State. I now think that is likely, since he has essentially apologized and is now a Trump supporter.  I’m thinking 90% sure.

The best part about not being beholden to donors or political power is that Trump can pick the best people without reservation. So far it looks like he is doing just that.