Romney Opens Mouth, Only to Make a Joke of Himself
Tanuja Masand

London, England

Mitt Romney could have come, seen and left without making much fuss. Instead, the US presidential hopeful made a big issue out of small things, questioning Britain's readiness for the start of the biggest show on earth.

The Republican challenger to President Barack Obama in November's American election, was quick to retract his comments after Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, expressed his displeasure. But the damage had already been done in some circles.

Many in the massive crowd, which had gathered to welcome the Olympic Torch, were not charitable either, booing the US visitor even as the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, received the Torch.

Mitt Romney, on a three-nation tour to portray himself as future president of the US, was the target of scorn in some circles, and sports legends, including American great Carl Lewis, were scathing in their criticism of Romney.

Speaking to a leading British newspaper, Lewis was quoted as saying that, "I swear, sometimes I think some Americans shouldn't leave the country … are you kidding me? Stay home if you don't know what to say."

Ironically, Romney, the man behind the successful organization of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, should have known the logistics required to manage an event of such magnitude --- that too in the busiest and most populous place in the world.

Romney had sparked the row when he said that there were 'disconcerting' reports about the city's ability to successfully stage the Games. He even went to the extent of saying that the city's denizens were not fully behind the Games, thus questioning the very ethos of the Londoners.

Speaking to a leading US channel, Romney 'clarified' that there was no intention to run anyone down. He said he had only expressed his concerns after hearing reports about the challenges being faced by the London Olympic Games Organizing Committee. "After being here a couple of days, it looks to me like London is ready," he told the channel.

The rabid British press went into overdrive flaying the comments, while Cameron, with an oblique reference to the Salt Lake City Winter Games, said, "Of course, it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere … it is hard to put on (the) games in a major metropolitan area and what they've (the Londoners) done that I find so impressive is they took the venues and put them right in the city."

With Romney stirring a hornet's nest, it's likely that his wife Ann, who has a steed competing in the Olympics equestrian event, too could be the target of the British media. All because of one "folly" committed by her hubby.

 

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney caused a stir in Britain by questioning whether the country is prepared to host the Olympic Games without a hitch. Prime Minister David Cameron offered a blunt retort to Romney and other doubters

Mitt Romney upsets Brits

 

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Romney Opens Mouth, Only to Make a Joke of Himself | Politics

 

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