The GOP’s standard-bearer in 2012 is preparing to dive into the 2016 melee later today, with a hard-hitting speech against Donald Trump that will call him out as a “phony” and a “fraud,” according to prepared remarks that were given to the press. “His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University,” he plans to thunder at at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. “He’s playing the American public for suckers,” the remarks continue. “He gets a free ride to the White House and all we get is a lousy hat.”
Donald Trump has responded in typical fashion, noting—not unreasonably!—that Romney sought his endorsement in 2012, when Trump was the leader of the birther movement.
Looks like two-time failed candidate Mitt Romney is going to be telling Republicans how to get elected. Not a good messenger!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2016
Why did Mitt Romney BEG me for my endorsement four years ago?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 3, 2016
We have noted before that Romney has a special aptitude for needling Trump. But the speech reads as if he’s going into full, high-horse, stentorian Republican establishment mode. Is this really going to convince any of Trump’s supporters? Or is Romney setting himself up to become the latest in a long line of establishment figures pushed into irrelevance by Trump’s movement? The safe bet, as usual this election season, is on Trump.