“Romney: A Reckoning” by McKay Coppins
I recently read Romney: A Reckoning, a 2023 biography of Mitt Romney by McKay Coppins. The strength of the book is the access provided to the author by Mr. Romney. He interviewed Senator Romney 45 times and was provided a complete set of Romney's daily diaries, as well as voluminous emails and texts. The diaries and media posts are unvarnished Romney and the most provocative part of the book. The interviews are less illuminating since Romney reverts to his cautious and careful politician mode. He is more politically correct in the interviews. The diary discloses his true thinking on many personalities an issues.
First, some general comments on Romney himself. I've always respected him. He's an intelligent man, a good husband and father and a responsible public servant. He did an outstanding job saving the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, was an honest and creative Governor of Massachusetts and is a beacon of integrity in the current Republican Senate caucus. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment proceedings. He spoke up very early on the character deficiencies which make Trump unfit and qualified for public office. He was right! He made a fortune in private equity and the political criticisms he received for some of those transactions never truly resonated with me. However, I thought he was a bad candidate for President in 2008 and as the Republican general election candidate in 2012. His private character never convinced me that he had the capacity for a great public leader ship. He was bland-he flip-flopped-his policy positions were frequently adjusted in response to polling data. His essential narrative and message never came through in any material way. His campaign was dull with the exception of a very good performance at the first debate with President Obama- a good night for Romney greatly assisted by Obamas' almost aggressive dis-interest in being there! He lost the 2012 election to President Obama and I was not surprised or disappointed.
The book essentially confirms my perspective. He's serious about public policy and a very good United States Senator. He shows a level of introspection and self evaluation which I didn't anticipate and ultimately appreciated. He deserves respect, although he still appears to be a little in "off-center" to me. He has the appearance of a man who could be on Mount Rushmore, but is surprisingly insecure. He would have served honorably as President and the stunning decline of the GOP represented by the rejection of men like McCain and Romney and the rise of the Trump “cult” is genuinely nauseating and distressing. Recent polling shows the illness is spreading rather than contracting. God help us !
The book is best when documenting his utter distaste for the leader ship of today's Republican Party. He despises Trump. He hates Gingrich and the cultural warriors and social media clowns in the Republican caucus in the House of Representatives. He disses Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley with vigor –sadly really- because he respects their intelligence and is mystified why they would sell their public souls to the crazies. Good question – Excellent observation!
His wife and is a very cool person and his descriptions of his life as a young Mormon missionary in Europe are engaging. Overall, there are not many lighthearted moments in the book. He document a nations moment of "reckoning" and ultimately it is another depressing addition to the Trump era political literature.
I didn't love the book, but would not discourage you from giving it a read.
