This quote from Mitt Romney (published in The Hill) demonstrates that he has an understanding of human nature and how people often make decisions out of self-interest:
Asked why he was one of the only Senate Republican criticizing Trump, Romney also appeared to suggest that some of his colleagues were making a political calculation.
“There's such enormous power associated with being the party in power, both in the White House as well as in the Senate and the House. I think it’s very natural for people to look at circumstances and see them in the light that’s most amenable to their maintaining power and doing things to preserve that power.”
What he doesn’t elaborate on is when self interest must be put aside in favor of personal integrity. For example, in this case living up to the oath of office every member of Congress takes.
From The Hill, in addition to Mitt Romney, these are the GOP members of Congress who are not rushing to Trump’s defense.
- Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican on complain said that he didn’t “like seeing that.”
- Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) the phone call was "very concerning," and
- Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) "rushing to circle the wagons to say there's no there there when there's obviously lots that's very troubling there."
- Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) supports an impeachment inquiry, though he made it clear he does not back impeachment itself.
- Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) “I want to say to the president this is not OK. That conversation is not OK. And I think it's disappointing to the American public when they read the transcript”
- Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), pushed back on the president’s comments, calling them a “gross mischaracterization of whistleblowers.”
- Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a member of GOP leadership and the committee, “not ready to make any conclusions.”
How long do you think it will take for this number to double, triple?