SPECIFICALLY HE IS VOTING ON THE
ABUSE OF POWER ARTICLE, NOT THE
ABUSE OF POWER ARTICLE, NOT THE
OBSTRUCTION ONE?
OBSTRUCTION ONE?
>> Chris: THAT’S RIGHT.
>> Chris: THAT’S RIGHT.
WE GOT A CALL FROM
WE GOT A CALL FROM
SENATOR ROMNEY’S OFFICE
SENATOR ROMNEY’S OFFICE
YESTERDAY SAYING THAT HE WANTED
YESTERDAY SAYING THAT HE WANTED
TO DO ONE INTERVIEW TO DISCUSS
TO DO ONE INTERVIEW TO DISCUSS
HIS DECISION AND THE BLOWBACK
HIS DECISION AND THE BLOWBACK
THAT HE KNOWS WILL FLOW FROM IT.
THAT HE KNOWS WILL FLOW FROM IT.
WE SAT DOWN WITH THE SENATOR
WE SAT DOWN WITH THE SENATOR
ABOUT 11:30 THIS MORNING.
ABOUT 11:30 THIS MORNING.
AS YOU WILL SEE FROM THE
AS YOU WILL SEE FROM THE
INTERVIEW THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO
INTERVIEW THAT WE ARE ABOUT TO
SHOW YOU, THE CONVERSATION
SHOW YOU, THE CONVERSATION
TURNED VERY SERIOUS VERY FAST.
TURNED VERY SERIOUS VERY FAST.
SENATOR ROMNEY, THANKS FOR
SENATOR ROMNEY, THANKS FOR
TALKING WITH US.
TALKING WITH US.
>> THANK YOU, CHRIS.
>> THANK YOU, CHRIS.
GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.
GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.
>> Chris: YOU DECIDED TO VOTE
>> Chris: YOU DECIDED TO VOTE
TO CONVICT THE PRESIDENT BUT YOU
TO CONVICT THE PRESIDENT BUT YOU
KNEW THAT IT WASN’T GOING TO
KNEW THAT IT WASN’T GOING TO
PASS.
PASS.
SO I GUESS THE DIRECT QUESTION
SO I GUESS THE DIRECT QUESTION
IS, DO YOU BELIEVE THE
IS, DO YOU BELIEVE THE
DONALD TRUMP IS UNFIT TO SERVE
DONALD TRUMP IS UNFIT TO SERVE
AS PRESIDENT AND SHOULD BE
AS PRESIDENT AND SHOULD BE
REMOVED FROM OFFICE?
REMOVED FROM OFFICE?
>> I BELIEVE THE ACT HE TOOK, AN
>> I BELIEVE THE ACT HE TOOK, AN
EFFORT TO CORRUPT AN ELECTION,
EFFORT TO CORRUPT AN ELECTION,
IS AS DESTRUCTIVE AN ATTACK ON
IS AS DESTRUCTIVE AN ATTACK ON
THE OATH OF OFFICE AND OUR
THE OATH OF OFFICE AND OUR
CONSTITUTION AS I CAN IMAGINE.
CONSTITUTION AS I CAN IMAGINE.
IT IS A HIGH CRIME AND
IT IS A HIGH CRIME AND
MISDEMEANOR WITHIN THE MEANING
MISDEMEANOR WITHIN THE MEANING
OF THE CONSTITUTION.
OF THE CONSTITUTION.
THAT’S NOT A DECISION I TAKE
THAT’S NOT A DECISION I TAKE
LIGHTLY.
LIGHTLY.
IT’S THE LAST DECISION I WANT TO
IT’S THE LAST DECISION I WANT TO
TAKE.
TAKE.
THE PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES, THE
THE PERSONAL CONSEQUENCES, THE
POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES THAT FALL
POLITICAL CONSEQUENCES THAT FALL
ON ME AS A RESULT OF THAT ARE
ON ME AS A RESULT OF THAT ARE
GOING TO BE EXTRAORDINARY.
GOING TO BE EXTRAORDINARY.
BUT I SWORE AN OATH BEFORE GOD
BUT I SWORE AN OATH BEFORE GOD
AND I AM A RELIGIOUS PERSON,
AND I AM A RELIGIOUS PERSON,
THAT I WOULD IMPLY IMPARTIAL
THAT I WOULD IMPLY IMPARTIAL
JUSTICE AND IMPLYING IMPARTIAL
JUSTICE AND IMPLYING IMPARTIAL
JUSTICE SAID WHAT THE PRESIDENT
JUSTICE SAID WHAT THE PRESIDENT
DID WAS GRIEVOUSLY WRONG.
DID WAS GRIEVOUSLY WRONG.
I HAD TO VOTE, IF I WAS GOING TO
I HAD TO VOTE, IF I WAS GOING TO
LIVE WITH MY OWN CONSCIENCE IN A
LIVE WITH MY OWN CONSCIENCE IN A
WAY THAT WAS CONSISTENT WITH
WAY THAT WAS CONSISTENT WITH
THAT OATH OF OFFICE.
THAT OATH OF OFFICE.
>> Chris: AGAIN, DO YOU
>> Chris: AGAIN, DO YOU
BELIEVE THAT DONALD TRUMP IS
BELIEVE THAT DONALD TRUMP IS
UNFIT TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND
UNFIT TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT AND
SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE?
SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE?
>> I DO BELIEVE HE SHOULD BE
>> I DO BELIEVE HE SHOULD BE
REMOVED FROM OFFICE.
REMOVED FROM OFFICE.
THAT’S THE VOTE THAT I WILL TAKE
THAT’S THE VOTE THAT I WILL TAKE
IN A WHILE.
IN A WHILE.
>> Chris: I WANT TO GO TO THE
>> Chris: I WANT TO GO TO THE
TWO MAIN ARGUMENTS.
TWO MAIN ARGUMENTS.
DONALD TRUMP WAS ELECTED BY
DONALD TRUMP WAS ELECTED BY
63 MILLION AMERICANS.
63 MILLION AMERICANS.
THERE IS ANOTHER ELECTION IN
THERE IS ANOTHER ELECTION IN
LESS THAN NINE MONTHS.
LESS THAN NINE MONTHS.
AS YOUR COLLEAGUE,
AS YOUR COLLEAGUE,
SENATOR LAMAR ALEXANDER SAID,
SENATOR LAMAR ALEXANDER SAID,
LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE.
LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE.
>> THAT’S A REFRAIN THAT I THINK
>> THAT’S A REFRAIN THAT I THINK
RINGS TRUE TO OUR DEMOCRATIC
RINGS TRUE TO OUR DEMOCRATIC
YEARS AND OUR NATIONAL AND
YEARS AND OUR NATIONAL AND
STICKS.
STICKS.
BUT THE CONSTITUTION DEMANDS
BUT THE CONSTITUTION DEMANDS
OTHERWISE.
OTHERWISE.
THE CONSTITUTION SAYS THE SENATE
THE CONSTITUTION SAYS THE SENATE
IS TO TRY IT PRESIDENT OR A
IS TO TRY IT PRESIDENT OR A
JUDGE THAT IS IMPEACHED BY THE
JUDGE THAT IS IMPEACHED BY THE
HOUSE.
HOUSE.
IT INDICATED THAT THE REASON THE
IT INDICATED THAT THE REASON THE
SENATE IS TO DO THIS IS BECAUSE
SENATE IS TO DO THIS IS BECAUSE
THE PEOPLE AT LARGE WOULD HAVE
THE PEOPLE AT LARGE WOULD HAVE
PARTISAN INSTINCTS AND THE SIZE
PARTISAN INSTINCTS AND THE SIZE
OF THOSE INSTINCTS ON THE SIZE
OF THOSE INSTINCTS ON THE SIZE
OF THOSE PARTIES WOULD DETERMINE
OF THOSE PARTIES WOULD DETERMINE
GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF THE
GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF THE
CHARGE, NOT TO PEOPLE WHO WERE
CHARGE, NOT TO PEOPLE WHO WERE
IMPARTIAL.
IMPARTIAL.
WE SWEAR AN OATH OF IMPARTIAL
WE SWEAR AN OATH OF IMPARTIAL
JUSTICE.
JUSTICE.
IT WAS NOT A RESPONSIBILITY.
IT WAS NOT A RESPONSIBILITY.
THAT I WAS WILLING TO SIMPLY
THAT I WAS WILLING TO SIMPLY
BRUSH OFF AND SAY I DIDN’T WANT
BRUSH OFF AND SAY I DIDN’T WANT
TO TAKE IT.
TO TAKE IT.
>> Chris: THE DEFENSE ALSO
>> Chris: THE DEFENSE ALSO
SAID THAT TO BE AN IMPEACHABLE
SAID THAT TO BE AN IMPEACHABLE
CRIME, TO REMOVE THE PRESIDENT,
CRIME, TO REMOVE THE PRESIDENT,
IT MUST BE AN ACTUAL CRIME OR AT
IT MUST BE AN ACTUAL CRIME OR AT
LEAST CRIMINAL-LIKE ACTIVITY.
LEAST CRIMINAL-LIKE ACTIVITY.
>> THE IDEA THAT IT HAD TO BE A
>> THE IDEA THAT IT HAD TO BE A
STATUTORY CRIME I THINK IS
STATUTORY CRIME I THINK IS
WRONG, SOMETHING BY LOOKING AT
WRONG, SOMETHING BY LOOKING AT
THE MEANING OF THOSE WORDS IN
THE MEANING OF THOSE WORDS IN
THE CONSTITUTION AT THE TIME
THE CONSTITUTION AT THE TIME
THEY WERE WRITTEN AS WELL AS THE
THEY WERE WRITTEN AS WELL AS THE
WRITINGS OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON
WRITINGS OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON
AND COMMON SENSE.
AND COMMON SENSE.
THERE’S NO LEGISLATURE IN THE
THERE’S NO LEGISLATURE IN THE
WORLD I COULD THINK OF ALL THE
WORLD I COULD THINK OF ALL THE
CONCEIVABLE ABUSES A PRESIDENT
CONCEIVABLE ABUSES A PRESIDENT
MIKE CONCEIVABLY MAKE ENTERING
MIKE CONCEIVABLY MAKE ENTERING
THEM ALL INTO STATUTES AND SAY
THEM ALL INTO STATUTES AND SAY
IT’S ILLEGAL TO DO THE FOLLOWING
IT’S ILLEGAL TO DO THE FOLLOWING
THINGS.
THINGS.
THIS IS A CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE
THIS IS A CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE
IT’S HARD FOR ME TO IMAGINE A
IT’S HARD FOR ME TO IMAGINE A
MORE SERIOUS ATTACK ON THE
MORE SERIOUS ATTACK ON THE
CONSTITUTION AND ON A REPUBLIC
CONSTITUTION AND ON A REPUBLIC
LIKE OURS AND SAYING THAT A
LIKE OURS AND SAYING THAT A
PRESIDENT WOULD BE ABLE TO
PRESIDENT WOULD BE ABLE TO
ENLIST A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT TO
ENLIST A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT TO
CORRUPT OUR ELECTIONS SO THAT
CORRUPT OUR ELECTIONS SO THAT
OUR PRESIDENT COULD KEEP IN
OUR PRESIDENT COULD KEEP IN
POWER, THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS IN
POWER, THAT’S WHAT HAPPENS IN
TEN HORNED AUTOCRACIES.
TEN HORNED AUTOCRACIES.
IT DOESN’T HAPPEN IN THE
IT DOESN’T HAPPEN IN THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
I FELT WITHOUT QUESTION THAT I
I FELT WITHOUT QUESTION THAT I
HAD A RESPONSIBILITY IF I WAS
HAD A RESPONSIBILITY IF I WAS
GOING TO HONOR THE OATH I MADE
GOING TO HONOR THE OATH I MADE
BEFORE GOD TO VOTE WHAT I
BEFORE GOD TO VOTE WHAT I
BELIEVE IS RIGHT AND BY THE WAY,
BELIEVE IS RIGHT AND BY THE WAY,
I TRUST MY COLLEAGUES IN THE
I TRUST MY COLLEAGUES IN THE
SENATE DID THE SAME THING, THAT
SENATE DID THE SAME THING, THAT
THEY FOLLOW THEIR CONSCIENCE AS
THEY FOLLOW THEIR CONSCIENCE AS
THEY UNDERSTOOD IT.
THEY UNDERSTOOD IT.
I DON’T ARGUE WITH THEM.
I DON’T ARGUE WITH THEM.
I REACHED MY OWN DECISION
I REACHED MY OWN DECISION
WITHOUT DELIBERATION WITH THEM
WITHOUT DELIBERATION WITH THEM
BUT I’M CONVINCED THIS IS
BUT I’M CONVINCED THIS IS
EXACTLY RIGHT, AT LEAST IN MY
EXACTLY RIGHT, AT LEAST IN MY
HEART.
HEART.
>> Chris: WHY VOTE TO ACQUIT
>> Chris: WHY VOTE TO ACQUIT
ON THE SECOND ARTICLE, THE
ON THE SECOND ARTICLE, THE
OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS.
OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS.
CONGRESS SHOULD HAVE PURSUED ALL
CONGRESS SHOULD HAVE PURSUED ALL
LEGAL AVENUES TO RECEIVE THE
LEGAL AVENUES TO RECEIVE THE
DOCUMENTS ON THE TESTIMONY THAT
DOCUMENTS ON THE TESTIMONY THAT
THEY WANTED AND THEY DIDN’T
THEY WANTED AND THEY DIDN’T
PURSUE THAT.
PURSUE THAT.
THE PRESIDENT TOOK A LEGAL
THE PRESIDENT TOOK A LEGAL
RECOURSE AND I DON’T BELIEVE
RECOURSE AND I DON’T BELIEVE
THAT BY VIRTUE OF TAKING A LEGAL
THAT BY VIRTUE OF TAKING A LEGAL
RECOURSE THAT THAT’S AN
RECOURSE THAT THAT’S AN
IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE.
IMPEACHABLE OFFENSE.
LET ME NOTE, I WANTED TO HEAR
LET ME NOTE, I WANTED TO HEAR
MORE WITNESSES.
MORE WITNESSES.
I WANTED TO HEAR JOHN BOLTON AND
I WANTED TO HEAR JOHN BOLTON AND
MICK MULVANEY BECAUSE I HOPED
MICK MULVANEY BECAUSE I HOPED
THAT THEY WOULD SAY SOME OF
THAT THEY WOULD SAY SOME OF
WOULD RAISE A REASONABLE DOUBT
WOULD RAISE A REASONABLE DOUBT
THAT WOULD MAKE IT SO I WOULDN’T
THAT WOULD MAKE IT SO I WOULDN’T
HAVE TO VOTE TO CONVICT.
HAVE TO VOTE TO CONVICT.
IT WAS EXTRAORDINARILY IMPORTANT
IT WAS EXTRAORDINARILY IMPORTANT
TO ME.
TO ME.
I HOPED BEYOND HOPE AS YOU MIGHT
I HOPED BEYOND HOPE AS YOU MIGHT
IMAGINE THAT THERE WOULD BE
IMAGINE THAT THERE WOULD BE
EVIDENCE BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE
EVIDENCE BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE
WHITE HOUSE THAT WOULD SAY HE
WHITE HOUSE THAT WOULD SAY HE
DID NOT DO THE THINGS THAT WERE
DID NOT DO THE THINGS THAT WERE
ALLEGED.
ALLEGED.
UNFORTUNATELY THAT NEVER CAME
UNFORTUNATELY THAT NEVER CAME
FORWARD.
FORWARD.
>> Chris: YOU TALK ABOUT THE
>> Chris: YOU TALK ABOUT THE
CONSEQUENCES.
CONSEQUENCES.
YOU REALIZE THIS IS WAR.
YOU REALIZE THIS IS WAR.
DONALD TRUMP WILL NEVER FORGIVE
DONALD TRUMP WILL NEVER FORGIVE
YOU FOR THIS.
YOU FOR THIS.
>> THERE IS A HYMN, DO WHAT IS
>> THERE IS A HYMN, DO WHAT IS
RIGHT AND THAT THE CONSEQUENCE
RIGHT AND THAT THE CONSEQUENCE
FOLLOW.
FOLLOW.
I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT I’M
I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT I’M
DOING WHAT’S RIGHT.
DOING WHAT’S RIGHT.
I UNDERSTAND THERE’S GOING TO BE
I UNDERSTAND THERE’S GOING TO BE
ENORMOUS CONSEQUENCE.
ENORMOUS CONSEQUENCE.
I DON’T HAVE A CHOICE IN THAT
I DON’T HAVE A CHOICE IN THAT
REGARD.
REGARD.
THAT’S WHY I HAVEN’T BEEN
THAT’S WHY I HAVEN’T BEEN
ANXIOUS TO BE IN THE POSITION
ANXIOUS TO BE IN THE POSITION
I’M IN.
I’M IN.
WHEN I HEARD THERE WAS GOING TO
WHEN I HEARD THERE WAS GOING TO
BE AN IMPEACHMENT INVESTIGATION,
BE AN IMPEACHMENT INVESTIGATION,
AS I HEARD THE EVIDENCE COMING
AS I HEARD THE EVIDENCE COMING
FORWARD, I DREADED THE
FORWARD, I DREADED THE
RESPONSIBILITY I HAVE.
RESPONSIBILITY I HAVE.
BUT I WAS NOT WILLING TO
BUT I WAS NOT WILLING TO
ABDICATE THE RESPONSIBILITY
ABDICATE THE RESPONSIBILITY
GIVEN TO ME BY THE CONSTITUTION,
GIVEN TO ME BY THE CONSTITUTION,
NOR TO IGNORE MY CONSCIENCE OUT
NOR TO IGNORE MY CONSCIENCE OUT
OF PERSONAL AND POLITICAL
OF PERSONAL AND POLITICAL
SIGNIFICANCE.
SIGNIFICANCE.
CONSIDERATIONS.
CONSIDERATIONS.
I HAD TO FOLLOW MY CONSCIENCE.
I HAD TO FOLLOW MY CONSCIENCE.
>> Chris: WHEN YOU SAID IN
>> Chris: WHEN YOU SAID IN
APRIL THAT YOU WERE SICKENED,
APRIL THAT YOU WERE SICKENED,
YOUR WORDS, BY THE MUELLER
YOUR WORDS, BY THE MUELLER
REPORT AND WHAT IT FOUND ABOUT
REPORT AND WHAT IT FOUND ABOUT
WHAT THE PRESIDENT HAD DONE, THE
WHAT THE PRESIDENT HAD DONE, THE
PRESIDENT TWEETED "IF
PRESIDENT TWEETED "IF
MITT ROMNEY SPENT THE SAME
MITT ROMNEY SPENT THE SAME
ENERGY FIGHTING BARACK OBAMA
ENERGY FIGHTING BARACK OBAMA
BACK IN 2012 AS HE DOES FIGHTING
BACK IN 2012 AS HE DOES FIGHTING
DONALD TRUMP, HE COULD HAVE WON
DONALD TRUMP, HE COULD HAVE WON
THE RACE MAY BE."
THE RACE MAY BE."
YOU’VE GOT TO KNOW THAT’S
YOU’VE GOT TO KNOW THAT’S
NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT HE’S
NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT HE’S
GOING TO SAY ABOUT YOU NOW.
GOING TO SAY ABOUT YOU NOW.
>> YEAH.
>> YEAH.
AGAIN, I CAN’T LET PERSONAL
AGAIN, I CAN’T LET PERSONAL
CONSIDERATIONS, IF YOU WILL,
CONSIDERATIONS, IF YOU WILL,
OVERWHELM MY CONSCIENCE AND
OVERWHELM MY CONSCIENCE AND
OVERWHELM MY OATH TO GOD.
OVERWHELM MY OATH TO GOD.
THIS FOR ME, IF YOU WELCOME OF
THIS FOR ME, IF YOU WELCOME OF
THE MOST DIFFICULT DECISION I’VE
THE MOST DIFFICULT DECISION I’VE
EVER MADE IN MY LIFE.
EVER MADE IN MY LIFE.
THERE’S BEEN NOTHING THAT
THERE’S BEEN NOTHING THAT
COMPARES TO THIS.
COMPARES TO THIS.
>> Chris: WHAT ABOUT THE
>> Chris: WHAT ABOUT THE
BLOWBACK FROM THE PRESIDENT?
BLOWBACK FROM THE PRESIDENT?
>> I UNDERSTAND IT WILL BE
>> I UNDERSTAND IT WILL BE
SUBSTANTIAL AND I HAVE TO
SUBSTANTIAL AND I HAVE TO
RECOGNIZE THAT IT WAS ONE OR THE
RECOGNIZE THAT IT WAS ONE OR THE
OTHER.
OTHER.
ONE IS TO SAY I DON’T WANT TO
ONE IS TO SAY I DON’T WANT TO
FACE THE BLOWBACK, NOT JUST FROM
FACE THE BLOWBACK, NOT JUST FROM
THE PRESIDENT BUT FOR MY PARTY,
THE PRESIDENT BUT FOR MY PARTY,
MY STATE, FROM REPUBLICAN
MY STATE, FROM REPUBLICAN
VOTERS.
VOTERS.
THEY WILL ASCRIBE ALL SORTS OF
THEY WILL ASCRIBE ALL SORTS OF
MOTIVES AND SO FORTH.
MOTIVES AND SO FORTH.
AND THOSE ARE ALL THE
AND THOSE ARE ALL THE
CONSEQUENCES.
CONSEQUENCES.
ON THE OTHER SIDE, THERE IS, DO
ON THE OTHER SIDE, THERE IS, DO
YOU DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT?
YOU DO WHAT YOU KNOW IS RIGHT?
DO YOU DO WHAT YOUR CONSCIENCE
DO YOU DO WHAT YOUR CONSCIENCE
IN YOUR HEART TELLS YOU?
IN YOUR HEART TELLS YOU?
DO YOU ABIDE BY THE OATH THAT
DO YOU ABIDE BY THE OATH THAT
YOU SWORE TO GOD?
YOU SWORE TO GOD?
I BELIEVE IN GOD AND I BELIEVE I
I BELIEVE IN GOD AND I BELIEVE I
HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PUT
HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO PUT
THAT FIRST WENT TO PUT ALL THE
THAT FIRST WENT TO PUT ALL THE
OTHER CONSEQUENCES BEHIND.
OTHER CONSEQUENCES BEHIND.
>> Chris: WE HAVE TOUCHED ON
>> Chris: WE HAVE TOUCHED ON
THIS BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR
THIS BUT LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR
EFFECTIVENESS IN WASHINGTON.
EFFECTIVENESS IN WASHINGTON.
WHEN YOU VOTED, IT SEEMED LIKE A
WHEN YOU VOTED, IT SEEMED LIKE A
BIG DEAL THEN AND IT DOESN’T
BIG DEAL THEN AND IT DOESN’T
NOW, JUST TO HEAR WITNESSES, YOU
NOW, JUST TO HEAR WITNESSES, YOU
WERE DISINVITED FROM THE
WERE DISINVITED FROM THE
CONFERENCE, THE NEW SENATOR FROM
CONFERENCE, THE NEW SENATOR FROM
GEORGIA, KELLY LEFFLER, WAS A
GEORGIA, KELLY LEFFLER, WAS A
BIG ROMNEY DONOR, SAID YOU WERE
BIG ROMNEY DONOR, SAID YOU WERE
TRYING TO APPEASE THE LEFT.
TRYING TO APPEASE THE LEFT.
NOW YOU’RE GOING TO BE THE ONLY
NOW YOU’RE GOING TO BE THE ONLY
REPUBLICAN SENATOR VOTING TO
REPUBLICAN SENATOR VOTING TO
CONVICT THE PRESIDENT.
CONVICT THE PRESIDENT.
IT’S GOING TO GET PRETTY LONELY
IT’S GOING TO GET PRETTY LONELY
IN THIS TOWN FOR YOU.
IN THIS TOWN FOR YOU.
>> YEAH IT’S GOING TO GET VERY
>> YEAH IT’S GOING TO GET VERY
LONELY.
LONELY.
THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SIGNIFICANT
THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SIGNIFICANT
SIGNIFICANT.
SIGNIFICANT.
THEY ARE ENOUGH THAT IT MADE IT
THEY ARE ENOUGH THAT IT MADE IT
VERY DIFFICULT PROCESS FOR ME.
VERY DIFFICULT PROCESS FOR ME.
THERE’S NOT BEEN A MORNING SINCE
THERE’S NOT BEEN A MORNING SINCE
THIS PROCESS BEGAN THAT I SLEPT
THIS PROCESS BEGAN THAT I SLEPT
BEYOND 4:00.
BEYOND 4:00.
I HAVE STUDIED.
I HAVE STUDIED.
I HAVE LOOKED AT THE TESTIMONY
I HAVE LOOKED AT THE TESTIMONY
IN DETAIL, I’VE ATTEMPTED TO GET
IN DETAIL, I’VE ATTEMPTED TO GET
EVERY PIECE OF INFORMATION I
EVERY PIECE OF INFORMATION I
COULD.
COULD.
I EVEN CONTACTED THE WHITE HOUSE
I EVEN CONTACTED THE WHITE HOUSE
THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON BEFORE
THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON BEFORE
THE TRIAL BEGAN THAT SAID PLEASE
THE TRIAL BEGAN THAT SAID PLEASE
PROVIDE AFFIDAVITS.
PROVIDE AFFIDAVITS.
PLEASE LET MICK MULVANEY AND
PLEASE LET MICK MULVANEY AND
JOHN BOLTON AND OTHERS PROVIDE
JOHN BOLTON AND OTHERS PROVIDE
AFFIDAVIT SO YOU CAN RAISE
AFFIDAVIT SO YOU CAN RAISE
REASONABLE DOUBT, SO THAT YOU
REASONABLE DOUBT, SO THAT YOU
CAN PREVENT SOMEONE FROM HAVING
CAN PREVENT SOMEONE FROM HAVING
TO VOTE IN A WAY THAT WILL BE
TO VOTE IN A WAY THAT WILL BE
AWFUL FOR THEM AND AWFUL FOR THE
AWFUL FOR THEM AND AWFUL FOR THE
PRESIDENT.
PRESIDENT.
THEY DIDN’T DO THAT.
THEY DIDN’T DO THAT.
THEY COULD HAVE PROVIDED THOSE
THEY COULD HAVE PROVIDED THOSE
THINGS.
THINGS.
THAT WAS NOT PROVIDED.
THAT WAS NOT PROVIDED.
>> Chris: YOU HAVE TALKED
>> Chris: YOU HAVE TALKED
ABOUT THE OATH.
ABOUT THE OATH.
I KNOW YOU ARE A MAN OF DEEP
I KNOW YOU ARE A MAN OF DEEP
FAITH IN YOU RAISED YOUR RIGHT
FAITH IN YOU RAISED YOUR RIGHT
HAND ALONG WITH 99 OTHER
HAND ALONG WITH 99 OTHER
SENATORS AND SWORE TO DO
SENATORS AND SWORE TO DO
IMPARTIAL JUSTICE.
IMPARTIAL JUSTICE.
HOW LITERALLY DID YOU TAKE THAT?
HOW LITERALLY DID YOU TAKE THAT?
>> I TAKE IT VERY LITERALLY.
>> I TAKE IT VERY LITERALLY.
I TAKE IT AS LITERALLY AS WE
I TAKE IT AS LITERALLY AS WE
EXPECT FROM EVERY JUROR THAT
EXPECT FROM EVERY JUROR THAT
SITS IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL.
SITS IN A CRIMINAL TRIAL.
JURORS AND THOSE CRIMINAL
JURORS AND THOSE CRIMINAL
TRIALS, WE DON’T EXPECT THEM TO
TRIALS, WE DON’T EXPECT THEM TO
SAY WELL, THE DEFENDANT’S OF MY
SAY WELL, THE DEFENDANT’S OF MY
RACE OR MY RELIGION OR MY
RACE OR MY RELIGION OR MY
NATIONAL ORIGIN AND THEREFORE
NATIONAL ORIGIN AND THEREFORE
I’M GOING TO VOTE WITH THEM.
I’M GOING TO VOTE WITH THEM.
GOING TO VOTE WITH THE TEAM, IF
GOING TO VOTE WITH THE TEAM, IF
YOU WILL COME I’M GOING TO VOTE
YOU WILL COME I’M GOING TO VOTE
WITH MY GROUP.
WITH MY GROUP.
WE DON’T EXPECT THAT.
WE DON’T EXPECT THAT.
WE EXPECT THEY WILL HONOR THEIR
WE EXPECT THEY WILL HONOR THEIR
OATH TO GOD THAT THEY WILL APPLY
OATH TO GOD THAT THEY WILL APPLY
JUSTICE.
JUSTICE.
I CAN EXPECT NOTHING MORE OF
I CAN EXPECT NOTHING MORE OF
MYSELF THAN I EXPECTED THEM.
MYSELF THAN I EXPECTED THEM.
>> Chris: YOU SAY THIS IS THE
>> Chris: YOU SAY THIS IS THE
TOUGHEST DECISION YOU’VE EVER
TOUGHEST DECISION YOU’VE EVER
HAD TO MAKE IN YOUR PUBLIC LIFE.
HAD TO MAKE IN YOUR PUBLIC LIFE.
GIVE US A SENSE, AND YOU HAVE,
GIVE US A SENSE, AND YOU HAVE,
TALKING ABOUT GETTING UP AT FOUR
TALKING ABOUT GETTING UP AT FOUR
IN THE MORNING, HOW TOUGH A
IN THE MORNING, HOW TOUGH A
DECISION THIS IS.
DECISION THIS IS.
THE INNER TURMOIL YOU HAVE FELT,
THE INNER TURMOIL YOU HAVE FELT,
THE STRESS, FRANKLY THE NERVES
THE STRESS, FRANKLY THE NERVES
AND ARRIVING WHERE YOU HAVE
AND ARRIVING WHERE YOU HAVE
TODAY.
TODAY.
>> AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, I’VE
>> AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, I’VE
SPOKEN A GOOD DEAL WITH MY
SPOKEN A GOOD DEAL WITH MY
FAMILY BECAUSE THIS WILL HAVE
FAMILY BECAUSE THIS WILL HAVE
CONSEQUENCE, THE BLOWBACK WILL
CONSEQUENCE, THE BLOWBACK WILL
HAVE CONSEQUENCES NOT JUST FOR
HAVE CONSEQUENCES NOT JUST FOR
ME BUT FOR MY FAMILY.
ME BUT FOR MY FAMILY.
MY WIFE, MY SONS, MY
MY WIFE, MY SONS, MY
DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW AND MY 24
DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW AND MY 24
GRANDKIDS.
GRANDKIDS.
I HAVEN’T SPOKE WITH THE
I HAVEN’T SPOKE WITH THE
GRANDKIDS BUT I’VE SPOKE WITH MY
GRANDKIDS BUT I’VE SPOKE WITH MY
SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN LAW AND
SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN LAW AND
WIFE EXTENSIVELY.
WIFE EXTENSIVELY.
WE RECOGNIZE THE EXTENT OF THE
WE RECOGNIZE THE EXTENT OF THE
CONSEQUENCE.
CONSEQUENCE.
THAT’S WHY THE BURDEN HAS BEEN
THAT’S WHY THE BURDEN HAS BEEN
SO SUBSTANTIAL.
SO SUBSTANTIAL.
THEY ALL SAID YOU’VE GOT TO DO
THEY ALL SAID YOU’VE GOT TO DO
WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT.
WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT.
THERE WAS NO CALL TO PULL BACK
THERE WAS NO CALL TO PULL BACK
OR GEE, THIS IS GOING TO BE
OR GEE, THIS IS GOING TO BE
TOUGH.
TOUGH.
THEY SAID DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS
THEY SAID DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS
RIGHT.
RIGHT.
DURING THIS PROCESS, I SPENT A
DURING THIS PROCESS, I SPENT A
LOT OF TIME MAKING SURE IT WAS
LOT OF TIME MAKING SURE IT WAS
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON THE EVIDENCE
ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON THE EVIDENCE
ON WHAT WE HEARD THAT THE
ON WHAT WE HEARD THAT THE
PRESIDENT DID WHAT WAS ALLEGED.
PRESIDENT DID WHAT WAS ALLEGED.
MOST OF THE PEOPLE EVEN AMONG MY
MOST OF THE PEOPLE EVEN AMONG MY
COLLEAGUES SAID YEAH, HE DID
COLLEAGUES SAID YEAH, HE DID
SOMETHING THAT WAS WRONG.
SOMETHING THAT WAS WRONG.
I ALSO LOOKED TO SEE WHETHER THE
I ALSO LOOKED TO SEE WHETHER THE
OTHER DEFENSES, LEAVE IT TO THE
OTHER DEFENSES, LEAVE IT TO THE
VOTERS OR IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE
VOTERS OR IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE
BIDENS ARE THOSE THINGS, IT’S
BIDENS ARE THOSE THINGS, IT’S
LIKE WERE THOSE EXCULPATORY?
LIKE WERE THOSE EXCULPATORY?
UNFORTUNATELY IN THE WORK THAT I
UNFORTUNATELY IN THE WORK THAT I
DID COMING CONCLUDED THEY WERE
DID COMING CONCLUDED THEY WERE
NOT.
NOT.
>> Chris: FINALLY, IF THIS
>> Chris: FINALLY, IF THIS
MEANS THE END OF YOUR POLITICAL
MEANS THE END OF YOUR POLITICAL
CAREER.
CAREER.
>> WELL, FRIEND OF MINE ONCE
>> WELL, FRIEND OF MINE ONCE
SAID THAT THE WORST THING THAT
SAID THAT THE WORST THING THAT
EVER HAPPENED TO THEM
EVER HAPPENED TO THEM
POLITICALLY HAD ALREADY
POLITICALLY HAD ALREADY
HAPPENED.
HAPPENED.
THE WORST THING THAT ALREADY
THE WORST THING THAT ALREADY
HAPPENED ME POLITICALLY WAS
HAPPENED ME POLITICALLY WAS
LOSING THE PRESIDENCY IN 2012.
LOSING THE PRESIDENCY IN 2012.
I HAVE BROUGHT ENOUGH SHOULDERS
I HAVE BROUGHT ENOUGH SHOULDERS
TO BE ABLE TO WEATHER PERSONAL
TO BE ABLE TO WEATHER PERSONAL
CHANGES IN MY CAREER, POLITICAL
CHANGES IN MY CAREER, POLITICAL
OR OTHERWISE.
OR OTHERWISE.
WHAT I DON’T HAVE IS THE
WHAT I DON’T HAVE IS THE
CAPACITY TO IGNORE MY
CAPACITY TO IGNORE MY
CONSCIENCE.
CONSCIENCE.
I DON’T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO SAY
I DON’T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO SAY
THAT WHAT WAS WRONG WAS NOT
THAT WHAT WAS WRONG WAS NOT
WRONG.
WRONG.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT DID WAS
WHAT THE PRESIDENT DID WAS
GRIEVOUSLY WRONG.
GRIEVOUSLY WRONG.
BY THE WAY, I SAY THAT AT A TIME
BY THE WAY, I SAY THAT AT A TIME
WHEN I APPLAUD WHAT’S HAPPENING
WHEN I APPLAUD WHAT’S HAPPENING
WITH THE ECONOMY.
WITH THE ECONOMY.
I AGREE WITH HIM 80% OF THE
I AGREE WITH HIM 80% OF THE
TIME.
TIME.
I DON’T DISLIKE THE PRESIDENT.
I DON’T DISLIKE THE PRESIDENT.
WE GET ALONG FINE.
WE GET ALONG FINE.
I’VE KNOWN HIM FOR YEARS AND
I’VE KNOWN HIM FOR YEARS AND
YEARS, WELL BEFORE EITHER ONE OF
YEARS, WELL BEFORE EITHER ONE OF
US WAS IN POLITICS.
US WAS IN POLITICS.
BUT I BELIEVE HE MADE A VERY
BUT I BELIEVE HE MADE A VERY
SERIOUS MISCALCULATION OF
SERIOUS MISCALCULATION OF
JUDGMENT.
JUDGMENT.
ONE THAT STRIKES AT THE VERY
ONE THAT STRIKES AT THE VERY
CORE OF OUR CONSTITUTION.
CORE OF OUR CONSTITUTION.
IN A SETTING LIKE THAT, NOT TO
IN A SETTING LIKE THAT, NOT TO
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WOULD PLACE A
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WOULD PLACE A
GREATER BURDEN ON MY CONSCIENCE
GREATER BURDEN ON MY CONSCIENCE
THAN ON HIS.
THAN ON HIS.
>> Chris: SENATOR ROMNEY,
>> Chris: SENATOR ROMNEY,
THINK YOU.
THINK YOU.
>> THANKS, CHRIS.
>> THANKS, CHRIS.
GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.
GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.
>> Chris: MITT ROMNEY SAYS HE
>> Chris: MITT ROMNEY SAYS HE
UNDERSTANDS THAT SOME PEOPLE
UNDERSTANDS THAT SOME PEOPLE
WILL APPLAUD HIS DECISION TO
WILL APPLAUD HIS DECISION TO
CONVICT THE PRESIDENT AND SOME
CONVICT THE PRESIDENT AND SOME
PEOPLE WILL CONDEMN HIM.
PEOPLE WILL CONDEMN HIM.
HE SAID THAT HE WRESTLED WITH
HE SAID THAT HE WRESTLED WITH
HIS CONSCIENCE AND HIS FAITH AND
HIS CONSCIENCE AND HIS FAITH AND
THIS WAS THE ONLY DECISION HE
THIS WAS THE ONLY DECISION HE
CAN MAKE AND HE’S AT PEACE WITH
CAN MAKE AND HE’S AT PEACE WITH
IT.
IT.
AS HE SAID IN THE INTERVIEW, HE
AS HE SAID IN THE INTERVIEW, HE
UNDERSTANDS WASHINGTON IS NOW
UNDERSTANDS WASHINGTON IS NOW
GOING TO BE A LONELY PLACE FOR
GOING TO BE A LONELY PLACE FOR
HIM.
HIM.
>> Dana: SO INTERESTING, THE
>> Dana: SO INTERESTING, THE
WHOLE THING IS INTERESTING.
WHOLE THING IS INTERESTING.
HE SAYS IT’S GRIEVOUSLY WRONG.
HE SAYS IT’S GRIEVOUSLY WRONG.
THE TONE AND THE DEMEANOR WAS
THE TONE AND THE DEMEANOR WAS
QUITE SOMBER.
QUITE SOMBER.
WE’RE GOING TO TRY TO TURN IT
WE’RE GOING TO TRY TO TURN IT
AROUND FOR A LITTLE BIT LATER
AROUND FOR A LITTLE BIT LATER
BUT WHEN WE WENT TO GIVE HIS
BUT WHEN WE WENT TO GIVE HIS
FLOOR SPEECH, THERE WAS A
FLOOR SPEECH, THERE WAS A
SILENCE THERE, I THOUGHT WE
SILENCE THERE, I THOUGHT WE
DROPPED THE AUDIO.
DROPPED THE AUDIO.
HE SEEMS LIKE HE WAS GETTING
HE SEEMS LIKE HE WAS GETTING
CHOKED UP, KNOWING THAT HE WAS
CHOKED UP, KNOWING THAT HE WAS
ABOUT TO ANNOUNCE WHAT HE SAYS.
ABOUT TO ANNOUNCE WHAT HE SAYS.
HE SAID IT WAS THE TOUGHEST
HE SAID IT WAS THE TOUGHEST
DECISION OF HIS LIFE.
DECISION OF HIS LIFE.
>> Chris: YES, HE DID.
>> Chris: YES, HE DID.
IT WAS INTERESTING.
IT WAS INTERESTING.
HE CAME IN AND WE WERE TALKING
HE CAME IN AND WE WERE TALKING
ABOUT, I HAVE KNOWN THE ROMNEYS
ABOUT, I HAVE KNOWN THE ROMNEYS
FOR A LONG TIME.
FOR A LONG TIME.
WE WERE TALKING ABOUT HIS WIFE
WE WERE TALKING ABOUT HIS WIFE
AND KIDS AND GRANDKIDS.
AND KIDS AND GRANDKIDS.
WE BEGAN THE CONVERSATION, AS I
WE BEGAN THE CONVERSATION, AS I
SAT AT THE BEGINNING, IT GOT
SAT AT THE BEGINNING, IT GOT
REALLY SERIOUS.
REALLY SERIOUS.
EVEN SOME OF HIS STAFF SAID WE
EVEN SOME OF HIS STAFF SAID WE
KNEW THIS WAS IN THE WORKS FOR
KNEW THIS WAS IN THE WORKS FOR
SOME PERIOD OF TIME.
SOME PERIOD OF TIME.
HE HAD WORKED ON HIS SPEECH AND
HE HAD WORKED ON HIS SPEECH AND
WE ALL THOUGHT BUT AS HE
WE ALL THOUGHT BUT AS HE
DISCUSSED IT WITH US IN THE ROOM
DISCUSSED IT WITH US IN THE ROOM
AT AROUND 11:30 THIS MORNING, HE
AT AROUND 11:30 THIS MORNING, HE
SAID SOMEHOW THE GRAVITY OF WHAT
SAID SOMEHOW THE GRAVITY OF WHAT
HE WAS DOING BOTH IN TERMS OF
HE WAS DOING BOTH IN TERMS OF
THE PRESIDENT, VOTING TO CONVICT
THE PRESIDENT, VOTING TO CONVICT
HIM, TO REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE,
HIM, TO REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE,
ALTHOUGH THAT’S NOT GOING TO
ALTHOUGH THAT’S NOT GOING TO
HAPPEN, AND ALSO WHAT IT MEANS
HAPPEN, AND ALSO WHAT IT MEANS
FOR ROMNEY’S OWN PERSONAL
FOR ROMNEY’S OWN PERSONAL
CAREER.
CAREER.
THE GRAVITY OF ALL OF THAT
THE GRAVITY OF ALL OF THAT
REALLY HIT HOME.
REALLY HIT HOME.
>> Dana: WE HAVE, THIS IS THE
>> Dana: WE HAVE, THIS IS THE
BEGINNING OF ROMNEY’S FLOOR
BEGINNING OF ROMNEY’S FLOOR
SPEECH WHEN HE JUST BEGAN.
SPEECH WHEN HE JUST BEGAN.
LOOK AT THE EMOTION.
LOOK AT THE EMOTION.
>> I AM PROFOUNDLY RELIGIOUS.
>> I AM PROFOUNDLY RELIGIOUS.
MY FAITH IS AT THE HEART OF WHO
MY FAITH IS AT THE HEART OF WHO
I AM.
I AM.
I TAKE AN OATH BEFORE GOD AS
I TAKE AN OATH BEFORE GOD AS
ENORMOUSLY CONSEQUENTIAL.
ENORMOUSLY CONSEQUENTIAL.
>> Dana: HE SAID HE WAS A VERY
>> Dana: HE SAID HE WAS A VERY
RELIGIOUS PERSON.
RELIGIOUS PERSON.
HE’S GOING TO BE EATING ALONE AT
HE’S GOING TO BE EATING ALONE AT
THE LUNCH TABLE.
THE LUNCH TABLE.
BECAUSE THE LEFT, THEY ARE NOT
BECAUSE THE LEFT, THEY ARE NOT
GOING TO BE YOUR NEW BEST
GOING TO BE YOUR NEW BEST
FRIENDS, THE DEMOCRATS.
FRIENDS, THE DEMOCRATS.
HE KNOWS AND HE’S VERY OPEN, HE
HE KNOWS AND HE’S VERY OPEN, HE
KNOWS THAT THE PRESIDENT, AS YOU
KNOWS THAT THE PRESIDENT, AS YOU
SAID, CHRIS, WILL NEVER FORGIVE
SAID, CHRIS, WILL NEVER FORGIVE
HIM FOR IT.
HIM FOR IT.
HE’S BEEN DISINVITED FROM CPAC
HE’S BEEN DISINVITED FROM CPAC
AND YET HE DID SEEM VERY MUCH AT
AND YET HE DID SEEM VERY MUCH AT
PEACE WITH THE DECISION.
PEACE WITH THE DECISION.
>> Chris: YEAH, I THINK HE WAS
>> Chris: YEAH, I THINK HE WAS
AT PEACE.
AT PEACE.
I THINK THE EMOTION THAT YOU SAW
I THINK THE EMOTION THAT YOU SAW
WAS ABSOLUTELY GENUINE.
WAS ABSOLUTELY GENUINE.
YOU CANNOT OVERSTATE THE DEPTH
YOU CANNOT OVERSTATE THE DEPTH
OF MITT ROMNEY’S FAITH.
OF MITT ROMNEY’S FAITH.
THE DEGREE TO WHICH THIS WAS A
THE DEGREE TO WHICH THIS WAS A
REAL CHALLENGE TO HIS FAITH INTO
REAL CHALLENGE TO HIS FAITH INTO
HIS CONSCIENCE.
HIS CONSCIENCE.
HE COULD ONLY SEE ONE WAY
HE COULD ONLY SEE ONE WAY
THROUGH IT, ONLY ONE WAY HE
THROUGH IT, ONLY ONE WAY HE
COULD LIVE WITH HIMSELF.
COULD LIVE WITH HIMSELF.
HIM IT WAS A TOUGH PATH, A TOUGH
HIM IT WAS A TOUGH PATH, A TOUGH
DECISION.
DECISION.
AS I SAY, SOME PEOPLE ARE GOING
AS I SAY, SOME PEOPLE ARE GOING
TO APPLAUD HIM.
TO APPLAUD HIM.
SOME PEOPLE WILL CONDEMN HIM.
SOME PEOPLE WILL CONDEMN HIM.
THE ONE THING I DON’T THINK
