Yikes. I’m probably as surprised as anyone else to hear myself saying it, but the producers might want to start cranking up the music and offer a subtle hint to Mitt Romney that it’s time to get off the stage. We’re busy getting ready for the convention in Cleveland and the pieces are pretty much set up on the board, yet it seems that the winner of the 2012 GOP primary can’t bring himself to step back and let somebody else get on message. This pattern of behavior was on display yet again this week when Mitt let everyone know that he needed to keep attacking the presumptive GOP nominee so he can sleep better at night. (Politico)

For Mitt Romney, the decision to take on Donald Trump was a matter of personal integrity, the former Republican nominee suggested in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published Friday. “I know that some people are offended that someone who lost and is the former nominee continues to speak, but that’s how I can sleep at night,” Romney said. “And there are some people, though it’s a small number, who still value my opinion.” Recalling a conversation with his son Josh, the former Massachusetts governor said he was asked, “When the grandkids ask ‘What did you do to stop Donald Trump?’ what are you going to say?’” The Boston Globe reported the same account in March.

So Romney is having trouble sleeping? I’m a full decade younger than Mitt but I can appreciate the insomnia problems many of us encounter as we advance in years. Might I suggest some Sominex? Or if you don’t like taking pills, perhaps an ambient white noise generator in your bedroom and a glass of warm milk before retiring. But if you feel your only option is to continue your diatribes against this year’s nominee, there’s more going on here than a lack of REM sleep.

As I said, I have no desire to go around whacking Mitt Romney. In fact, I’ve tried to defend him and noted his admirable record, particularly when some of our friends like Erick Erickson keep up their relentless efforts to get him to change his mind and run. And I don’t deny that he’s earned a place as a prominent spokesperson in the GOP. Back when we still had an actual primary battle raging, Mitt was fully within his rights to pick a candidate other than Trump and stump for them vigorously or attack The Donald as he chose. Heck, I was supporting Ted Cruz myself so I can relate to the disappointment factor.

But if I might offer a gentle word of advice here, Mitt, the primary is over. Trump is going to be the nominee. If you are still trying to tear him down, what are you now offering as an alternative that will still allow us to stop Hillary Clinton? Are you planning to fight for a third party candidate, and if so, who? Not for nothing, but there were hordes of #NeverTrump people literally BEGGING you to run third party yourself. You chose not to. That’ on you, so stop complaining about the person who wound up winning. If you don’t want to lead the troops yourself, do us all a favor and step aside to let those with the stomach for the fight sharpen their weapons and head for the front lines.

I’m not saying Romney needs to endorse Trump. That’s up to each individual as their own priorities dictate. But what we don’t need is the loser of the last election drilling holes in the hull of the ship just as we’re trying to unfurl the sails on the Good Ship S.S. #NeverHillary.