Recall Kevin Bacon's early role in Animal House, when during a fraternity hazing ritual, he "assumed the position" and was literally spanked. His dutiful reply was, "Thank you sir, may I have another."
Mr. Bacon foreshadowed the Republican party establishment's response when getting spanked over the last thirty years. They reliably assume the position, get spanked by the media or Democrats and politely respond, "Thank you sir, may I have another." They never learn their lesson.
Senator Romney is surely correct that President Trump lacks the morals of a traditional leader. Many of us learned long ago not to seek moral leadership from political leaders (they are as flawed as the rest of us). Ignoring President Trump's many faults (and there are many), what makes him nevertheless popular is that he does not play the game the way the Republican party establishment does. He does not assume the position.