"Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University," said Mitt Romney on March 3, speaking at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah.
The former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential nominee took the stage explicitly to criticize Donald Trump, blasting the businessman's politics and character. But he began his short speech recognizing the elephant in the room.
"I'm not here to announce my candidacy," he said, dispeling the hope of thousands of establishment Republicans.
Romney went on to cover myriad political issues, questioning Trump's fitness to speak on national security, economic issues, and foreign policy.
But he also honed in on Trump's character, calling for conservatives to return to their values.
"Dishonesty is Donald Trump's hallmark," he said.
"Think of Donald Trump's personal qualities," Romney continued, "the bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third-grade theatrics."
"Now imagine your children and grandchildren acting the way he does. Would you welcome that?"
Romney also seemed to suggest Trump's rise to power threatens the very foundations of democracy, echoing those who have seriously wondered how much we can associate Trump and fascism.
"Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide," said Romney, quoting John Adams.
America has proven these predictions wrong, according to Romney, in large part thanks to its great presidents.
Romney also called Republicans to denounce what he saw as "scapegoating" rhetoric from Trump.
"He creates scapegoats of Muslims and Mexican immigrants. He calls for the use of torture. He calls for killing 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 to the abyss."
Yet despite all his criticisms of Trump, Romney chose not to endorse Kasich, Cruz, or Rubio. Instead, he called for God's blessing on Americans to choose a better candidate.
See the full speech here.
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