Romney deserves a fair shake in Trump cabinet consideration

In 2012, the Star-Telegram Editorial Board recommended Republican Mitt Romney for president.

We did so because Romney proved his qualifications, both by business experience and public service.

Four years later, Romney’s qualifications for federal leadership remain unchanged.

So it is fitting that the former Massachusetts governor should be considered for a Cabinet position, perhaps as secretary of state.

Yes, Romney was an outspoken critic of President-elect Donald Trump during the election season.

He went so far as to deliver a speech harshly criticizing Trump’s business ventures, leadership style and character, questioned his qualifications, and encouraged fellow Republicans to unite against him in the primary.

Of course, Trump fired back with his characteristic insults, mocking Romney’s devastating loss to President Barack Obama.

To be fair, Romney wasn’t completely out of touch with his own party. Many conservatives supported Romney and joined the “Never Trump” movement.

And just as in 2012, they lost.

But as has been the case with dozens of other political rivals, everything changes after the election.

Once-sworn political enemies become allies; opponents become colleagues.

We need only to look to the example of Obama, who appointed Hillary Clinton — his biggest primary rival — to his cabinet.

But Obama, in selecting Clinton to head the State Department, received nothing like the pushback Trump is drawing from supporters who claim that choosing Romney to lead his administration’s policy abroad is nothing short of a betrayal.

The president-elect’s backers need to get over it.

It sure seems like Trump has.

Building a coalition government, a team of rivals, is not only smart, it’s an indication that the incoming administration is one of inclusiveness and cooperation.

That’s a message Trump needs to send to all Americans. Having Romney in his cabinet as his secretary of state would be a good way to start.

This story was originally published November 28, 2016 at 3:17 PM with the headline "Romney deserves a fair shake in Trump cabinet consideration."