Romney: This is who I’d vote for between Trump and Biden

Summary

The transcript covers Republican perspectives on foreign policy and support for Ukraine. Vance worries about overcommitting to Ukraine at the expense of domestic priorities and NATO allies. He believes Putin is an aggressor who will keep invading other countries if not stopped. Romney argues America must lead and support Ukraine and NATO to defend freedom and democracy globally, warning that if isolationist views prevail, China and Russia will fill the power vacuum. There is also discussion around Trump's controversial stances, including embracing Putin and disparaging NATO and the US.

Takeaways

• 😕 Romney believes the US should support Ukraine militarily but also worries about distancing from NATO allies
• 😟 Romney is concerned about isolationist foreign policy views gaining traction in the Republican party
• 🤨 Romney warns that lack of US support for Ukraine could embolden Putin to threaten other Eastern European countries
• 😠 Romney sharply criticizes Putin's actions of killing and kidnapping as morally reprehensible
• 😤 Romney argues that coddling authoritarian leaders like Putin damages US global leadership and harms democracy worldwide
• 🙂 Romney believes Trump sometimes makes reasonable points about US foreign policy missteps
• 😞 Romney agrees that Trump's comments have diminished US global standing and isolated the country
• 🧐 Romney feels economic conditions for average Americans have stagnated over the past 20 years
• 😌 Romney says he weighs both policy and moral character when deciding which leaders to support
• 🤔 Romney suggests the US president should exemplify the country's highest moral ideals

Q & A

What are Romney's views on America's role in supporting Ukraine?

Romney believes the US should provide weapons and other support to Ukraine to help defend itself against Russian aggression, though he doesn't think the US should get directly involved militarily.

What are Romney's concerns about some Republicans' isolationist foreign policy views?

Romney worries that some Republicans are advocating an isolationist foreign policy that would weaken US alliances like NATO. He believes this would embolden leaders like Putin to further threaten and invade other nations.

What does Romney think the consequences could be if the US abandons support for Ukraine?

Romney believes Russia and other authoritarian nations like China would see it as a sign of US weakness and it could lead to further aggression. He thinks it would also damage US credibility with allies.

What is Romney's view on Trump's comments about Putin and Ukraine?

While acknowledging some of Trump's domestic policy strengths, Romney finds Trump's comments praising Putin and critical of support for Ukraine to be embarrassing and worrying in terms of global leadership.

Does Romney think Trump's views have hurt Republican support?

Yes, Romney agrees that Trump's isolationist perspectives and praise of Putin have likely hurt Republican support both globally and within the US.

How does Romney contrast his view of US leadership with Trump's?

Romney believes the US should be the 'shining city on a hill' - an inspirational example of democracy and freedom. He sees Trump's isolationism and praise of dictators as damaging to this ideal.

What role does foreign policy play in Romney's view of presidential leadership?

Romney sees foreign policy and upholding democratic values globally as a key component of the moral leadership required from a president, alongside domestic policies.

What specific concerns does Romney raise about Putin's actions?

Romney highlights Putin's repressive tactics like murdering opponents, kidnapping Ukrainian children, and threatening invasion of neighboring democracies.

Does Romney think Trump can offer moral leadership as president?

No, Romney argues that praise of dictators and embarrassment on the global stage undermines Trump's ability to be a moral leader and role model as president.

What does Romney say are the two most important factors in presidential leadership?

Romney says policy/political views and moral character are the two critical factors that determine presidential leadership and fitness to serve as a role model.