What do Romney’s comments mean for the party?

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney slammed Donald Trump today calling him a phony and a fraud. Trump fired back hours later saying Romney is a failed candidate and a choke artist. But will this feud impact the election?

“It really does show the strong divide within the republican party right now between the establishment and the anti-establishment,” said UNCW Assistant Professor of Public International Affairs Aaron King.

According to King, Romney represents the Republican establishment while Trump is on the side of the anti-establishment.

“This is probably the strongest signal to date, at least in terms of someone that has come out and really opposed the nomination of Donald Trump,” said King.

So what does that mean for the election?

“It does really put the establishment, and this is really sort of an anti-establishment election, in a tough spot because even when Romney comes out and says these things and as more establishment people come out that really fuels the fire of Trump and his supporters,” King said.

And what are voters saying? Will these comments slow Trump’s campaign?

“Trump has a large lead right now but to be honest, I’m hoping that it do because just listening to some of the comments he made toward women and other people, you know I don’t think he will make a good president,” said Wilmington voter Roger Smith.

King said there is a chance that this will help some of the other candidates, but only the votes will tell.