Romney returns to CPAC, but don't call it a comeback

 

Mitt Romney has one term as governor, two presidential campaigns, three elite university degrees, decades of church leadership and 25 years in the private sector under his belt -- but at age 66, sources close to him say he’s trying to figure out what to do with his life.

But does a trip to the Washington, D.C. area to address the conservative CPAC conference on Friday mean that Romney is interested in waging a political comeback? 

“No, no. No,” said his son, Tagg emphatically. “He doesn’t want to be back… He’s done.”

Former campaign spokesman Ryan Williams says that while Romney is not seeking to be back in the public eye by addressing the crowd, there was a specific reason for choosing to make his first public speech since losing the election in front of this particular group.  “The CPAC speech is a chance for him to thank the activists who helped him during his presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.” 

“He took the appropriate amount of time off, and is returning now because of the personal significance this event has for him,” Williams added.

As First Read has pointed out, Romney finished either first or second in every CPAC straw poll since 2007. What’s more, he ended his 2008 presidential bid at the conservative conference. And Williams says he can still remember the disappointment in the air when Romney’s speech concluded in ‘08. 

But when he speaks on Friday, he will no longer do so as a current or potential presidential candidate. “He understands that there’s a new generation of Republican leaders now emerging to guide the party,” Williams said.  “He’s not a politician who craves the spotlight.”

Romney’s quiet exit from public life is reminiscent of another family member’s -- his father, former Michigan Gov. George Romney.  Both men went into politics in their mid-50s after lucrative careers in the private sector.  George Romney lost a bid for president in 1968 and served briefly in the Nixon administration and then went on to spend decades in charity work. 

"My dad wants to be involved in giving back as well, and he's still figuring out the best way to do that,” Tagg Romney said.  Romney has said he is planning on dedicating time to a foundation working with children, but he has also signed on as chairman of the executive committee of Solamere, Tagg’s investment firm based in Boston. Romney will serve in that role for one week a month, and spend the rest of his time continuing to float between Utah and California, where his other sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren live.

Discuss this post

“No, no. No,” said his son, Tagg emphatically. “He doesn’t want to be back… He’s done.”

Truer words were never spoken - of course, this was a quote following Romney's infamous 47% remarks...

  • 3 votes
Reply#1 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 10:16 AM EDT

And right after Romney failed:

Tagg said his father never wanted to run for office in the first place.

How many years did Romney run for office?

  • 3 votes
#1.1 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 11:51 AM EDT
Reply

If Mitt Romney wants to give back so badly, try building some businesses that actually CREATE jobs! Here, not in China!

  • 2 votes
Reply#2 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 10:22 AM EDT

Romney's just trying to find someone who likes him. After his lying campaign he lost all respect. If he had any to begin with. When will the tea people republicans learn. Media made politicians can't survive.

  • 1 vote
Reply#3 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 10:52 AM EDT

“No, no. No,” said his son, Tagg emphatically. “He doesn’t want to be back… He’s done.”

...because Conservatives are done with him.

  • 2 votes
Reply#4 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 11:21 AM EDT

I bet when the 47% video hit the news, the Mittster had to run home and change his magic underwear. We all know what a flip-flopper he was, but Im sure he wished that that flip never got flopped!

    Reply#5 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 12:37 PM EDT

    One question could Romney solve the US financial problems better than Obama?

    • 1 vote
    Reply#6 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 1:05 PM EDT

    Assuming this is a rhetorical question, what did he campaign on that made you think he could? All I ever saw was the schlub who had to build the stage from which the forthcoming loss of his job and benefits was announced.

      #6.1 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 2:18 PM EDT
      Reply

      i believe HE COULD HAVE solved the financial problems better than Obama. He would have worked on cutting spending rather than implement new taxes to dig ourself out of debt (which doesn't work by the way.) Instead we got a president that is going to continue to flood our country with brand new dollar bills to "stimulate" the economy by buying mortgage backed securities. team sequester here-i hope our republicans hold strong. WE NEED TO CUT SPENDING and not necessarily from the military. (this is coming from a guy thats a hard working conservative, republican, liberitarian that believes neither of our past presidency candidates entirely had what it takes to be in the white house.) Obama doesnt outright lie people- he hides the lies in sly words and you need to pick up your ears and listen and get this country back to what it should be: HARD WORKING, HONEST and FREE.

        Reply#7 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 1:57 PM EDT

        Babylon!!

        • 1 vote
        #7.1 - Fri Mar 15, 2013 2:19 PM EDT
        Reply
        You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead.
        As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.