Mitt Romney Talks Inflation and the Economy

Utah Sen. Mitt Romney joins Steve for a discussion on the state of the economy ...

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Utah Sen. Mitt Romney joins Steve for a discussion on the state of the economy and how to rein in inflation. Plus, the senator answers questions about canceling student debt, the Supreme Court abortion leak, J.D. Vance’s victory in Ohio, and the latest from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Show Notes:

–Romney in the Wall Street Journal: “Biden’s Errors Worsen Inflation”

–Capitolism: “Is President Biden Trying to Boost Inflation?”

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  1. Avatar photo
    Ben Connelly

    Good interview. Senator Romney is one of the few serious politicians left in this country. A good man. I don’t always agree with him but he’s the kind of person we need in public life. Wish we had ten more of him.

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    Mary

    I couldn’t love this interview any more! I disagree with probably 99% of Senator Romney’s policy stances but what a pleasure it is to listen to him discuss all of these topics.

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    Dan Jett

    Wow, I love Mitt Romney. Thank you for offering this soothing audio gem.

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    Jeffrey B.

    Great to hear from Mitt, I’d like to hear more from him!!

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    Miriam Tucker

    What a nice, sensible politician. And what a topsy-turvey world we have where Senators like Romney are shunned in favor of performative jackanapes.

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  6. Zack Frank

    Gracious, humble, and stately. I love Mitt even when I disagree with him.

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    Todd T

    Would have liked to hear a bit more pushback regarding liberal arts education. As a PolSci major who became a remodeling contractor, I still see the value in higher Ed. And not just STEM/job training type Ed. I think this topic deserves more conversation.

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      JohnF

      I definitely see the value in a Liberal Arts education. However, the question is whether it's worth going $50K into debt to get that education.

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    Todd T

    Mitt Romney referring to The Princess Bride and using the term “self-own” makes me feel old.

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    Joe Delanis

    I hope he runs for President in 2024.

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      Narwhal

      Agreed. But, according to him in this interview he won’t be.

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      1. Andrewchida

        Also, the Republican base hates him so doubtful he would make it far

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          Narwhal

          A portion of them don’t like him. True enough. If the entirety of the Republican base hated him then he wouldn’t have won the primary or general election in 2018.

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          1. Andrewchida

            Fair enough, but I think Utah is distinctly different from a lot of other states, particularly less Trumpy than the base

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    Seth Higgins

    I have tremendous respect for Senator Romney but he stuttered and seemed reluctant to admit he was pro-life. He seemed ambivalent about the likely SCOTUS decision overturning Roe. However, he couldn't not have been more adamant about his unwillingness to support Vance in the general. When grassroots Republicans say they want a fighter, it is exactly this type of behavior they are rebelling against. If you're pro-life, say it unflinchingly and celebrate the likely overturning of Roe. Get behind your party or step into the fray and offer an alternative. I enjoyed this interview but the lack of self-awareness that plagued the Senator in 2012 broke through occasionally.

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      JohnF

      I think you're adding an extra layer of interpretation into his response on the Alito question. Steve began by asking him if he'd read the opinion and what he thought of the opinion (not what he thought about abortion). Given the sensitivity of the entire issue, I would far rather have someone in a leadership position provide a thoughtful and considered answer than to just blurt out a political talking point, even if it takes a few pauses.
      As for his views on Vance, as he pointed out no one is asking him to support Vance and his support probably wouldn't be welcome if he gave it. However, given the current low level of political discourse, I find it refreshing to see that some people are still willing to call out bad behavior. That takes a lot more courage and "fight" than to just shut up and get in line.

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      Narwhal

      He did say he is pro-life, he doesn’t believe that abortion is a right found in our constitution based on our history and tradition, and he supports returning the decision on abortion to the citizens and elected representatives.

      He also said he hadn’t read the entire leaked draft, so why would he endorse it in its entirety? We don’t even know if it will be the actual majority decision yet. It is a leaked first draft from one justice and it doesn’t feature any changes based on feedback from justices who may agree with him.

      You seem to be saying you want certitude not nuance and prudence, even if nuance or prudence are required in a given circumstance. Is that correct?

      And fwiw, Sen. Romney said he isn’t endorsing any individual candidate.

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      1. Avatar photo
        Seth Higgins

        Hi Narwhal, all great content and feedback. I'm talking about style and level of emphasis, which are subtle cues voters pick up on. I'm not suggesting Romney doesn't believe what he said, I'm sure he does. And don't confuse my post. I'm not referencing what I want, but how this stuff codes with many voters who clearly think far too many GOP leaders have struggled to bring courage to their convictions while being all too eager to criticize their own side.

        To get specific, when Stephen asked Romney "Will you support him [Vance]?" Romney immediately replied with an unflinching "Oh no" followed by some laughter and stumbling remarks, concluding with "You know, I would like to see a Republican Senate...but I, but I'm not endorsing candidates one by one," before pivoting to a joke about not many people asking for his endorsement.

        So I think a reasonable voter could conclude Romney brings nuance to the pro-life debate, has a knee jerk reaction to Vance's nomination, and would like to see a Republican Senate "BUT".

        Is it unreasonable for a voter to wonder what the Senator's priorities are and what fights he emphasizes? Again, I'm not trying to speak for myself, but rather - in the spirit of The Dispatch - steelman an argument about why so many in the GOP have rejected Romney style candidates.

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          KP

          Even back in 2008, commentators pointed out that Romney speaks conservatism like it’s a second language. Sometimes he would state a correctly conservative position, but his voice would pitch up at the end like he was looking for signals that he had said the right thing. I think he’s center-right with an emphasis on “center”, but he’s also competent and full of integrity- two things currently in short supply.

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            Narwhal

            Maybe he has a conservative temperament but he isn’t an ideological conservative?

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          Narwhal

          So, you aren’t speaking for yourself but instead you are speculating on the reaction others may or may not have based on your opinion of their thoughts and feelings? Is that correct?

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            Seth Higgins

            No exactly but you're on the right track. It is my speculation but it is based on my opinion of other's demonstrated behaviors, not their thoughts and feelings. Namely, voters have rejected Romney's style in favor of a more combative one, as demonstrated by recent elections. Why is that? I think I can understand based on this interview. Romney's style is gentle when it comes to cultural issues (his honest but patient take on abortion), quick to reject certain members of his party (Vance), but rather strident on economic issues (conversation on debt and entitlements). How does this come across to a culturally conservative, economically moderate or liberal American?

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