The mainstream media is scratching their collective heads about why Mitt Romney would publicly highlight his political/financial relationship with Donald Trump. They cite everything from his birther views to his mega wallet as reasons why this might not be a good idea.
However, what they fail to understand is that associating with Donald Trump gives Mitt Romney a way of being brash without being brash. Trump is popular with a certain portion of the GOP, the portion that Romney doesn’t connect with. Trump’s bravado is not necessarily a bad thing for Romney because it connects him to a flamethrower and his audience without having to throw the flames himself. Plus, Trump is considered a winner and successful and who doesn’t want to be associated with that?
Furthermore, more people know who Donald Trump is than Mitt Romney because of his brand name and NBC show. Therefore, the folks who couldn’t give a rip about politics but like Donald Trump may be inclined to look more favorably on Romney since they are seen together in a positive setting. Also, the last time I checked, Romney needs to raise tons of money to beat President Obama. You think Trump might help a little bit with that? C'mon.
Longtime conservative commentator George Will thinks Romney’s association with Trump will hurt his campaign. Trump shot back through Twitter saying, “George Will may be the dumbest (and most overrated) political commentator of all time. If the Republicans listen to him, they will lose.”
Let me ask you this: who do you think has more of a pulse on the Tea Party and the deeply conservative base of the Republican Party? Trump or George Will? Trump has spoken at Tea Party rallies and has direct ties to the grassroots. George Will is somewhere in Georgetown having tea at the Four Seasons.
To be sure, the Democrats will go after this Trump-Romney relationship as they flash birther references and dollar signs on the screen during web ads. And it will lead to some negative headlines at times. But as detailed above, a closer look reveals more of an upside than people think.
Don't underestimate the power of Donald Trump and it's not just money related.