Airliners.net

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/b...ey-olympic-comments-103800909.html

Seems like Mitt is not winning over the British:

Quote: On day three of his overseas tour, Mitt Romney woke up to unfriendly headlines from the British media, who continue to trash him for telling NBC News that he found preparations for the Olympics here "disconcerting." "Mitt the Twit," declared The Sun tabloid, condemning Romney as a "wannabe president." The Independent headlined their take on Romney's trip, "Romneyshambles"—accusing him of not only committing a diplomatic gaffe but later "the cardinal sin of U.S. politics, flip-flopping" on his criticism. The Daily Telegraph suggested Romney's "Olympic gaffe" had overshadowed his trip to London. Meanwhile, the conservative Daily Mail slammed Romney as "devoid of charm, offensive and a wazzock."

Geez, that's what the conservatives are saying?

Next stop: Russia!

Onward and upward for "Mitt The Twit"!

Romney just really reminds me of Joe Biden. Silence can only help him.

I've heard of shooting yourself in the foot but Romney appears to be intent on unloading the whole magazine: http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/...land_that_makes_stuff_nobody_wants

Quoting incitatus (Reply 1): Romney just really reminds me of Joe Biden. Silence can only help him.

hahaha amazing

YOWza

Romney's wife Ann owns a ballet-dancing horse which is not helping his image with beer guzzling down home types either. But I must say he has made the election so much fun! I am hooked on what he has to say next, and am glued to the internet for his next pronouncement. Hop fully he doesn't go to Russia and say "Mr. Leader, the Wall must come down!" or something.

Isn't one reason he is in Europe is to ask banks for campaign money? I heard that a couple of places.

This is incredible: he sets out to make the impression that he will be the next commander in chief and to set up his reputation and it has all backfired. Wonder why FOX and the entire FOX cheerleading squad here have yet to speak about this and defend their infallible candidate.

Quoting Revelation (Thread starter): Seems like Mitt is not winning over the British

In way it won't matter because it's not the British who will elect the president. However, should a major conflict arise where the US needs UK assistance, perhaps the British will at least think about it before answering.

Quoting incitatus (Reply 1): Romney just really reminds me of Joe Biden. Silence can only help him.

Unfortunately for Romney, he must speak.

Quoting comorin (Reply 3): Hop fully he doesn't go to Russia and say "Mr. Leader, the Wall must come down!" or something.

He'll go to China and ask for the Great Wall to be torn down.

Quoting seb146 (Reply 4): Isn't one reason he is in Europe is to ask banks for campaign money? I heard that a couple of places.

This was in at least one of the papers over here yesterday (The Guardian) -

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/barcla...ost-romney-campaign-154226763.html

Quoting einsteinboricua (Reply 5): In way it won't matter because it's not the British who will elect the president.

Much of his core base will share that opinion, but it's the swing voters who matter, and I think Mitt's twitty behavior sends a negative message if not outright cringes to the swing voters.

Apart from his flat footedness, what surprises is that he's 'behind the news agenda'.
G4S screwed up - big surprise.
Troops - who are trained to do effective, rapid bag searches in far more difficult conditions - take their place.
Olympics become safer.

Had he cracked a wry joke followed by 'but I'm confident that it's all OK now', there would likely have been no response.

Quoting ATTart (Reply 9):

Shake that Etch-a-Sketch Mitt.

Not to defend Romney but he didn't say anything outrageous either, storm in a cup of tea it seems to me.

Quoting Aesma (Reply 11): Not to defend Romney but he didn't say anything outrageous either, storm in a cup of tea it seems to me.

Ditto. Much to do about nothing...Not even close to Obamas "you did not build it". They are still trying to make people forget about that one.

Quoting windy95 (Reply 12): Ditto. Much to do about nothing...Not even close to Obamas "you did not build it". They are still trying to make people forget about that one.

Please, we all know that line the Romney campaign keeps touting was taken completely out of context. Go look up what Thomas Paine had to say about the building of property.

I would say accidentally divulging a secret meeting and royally (hah pun) offending one of the country's biggest allies, on their own turf, is a slightly bigger faux pas.

Quoting akiss20 (Reply 13): Please, we all know that line the Romney campaign keeps touting was taken completely out of context.

Utter horsecrap. Such thinking is and always has been at the core of socialism and Obama had a brief moment of honesty.

Quoting Dreadnought (Reply 14): Utter horsecrap. Such thinking is and always has been at the core of socialism and Obama had a brief moment of honesty.

You so funny... Keep the lies coming, this crap you spew is what turns off the moderates and independents. So please keep these type of attacks coming, you will just help President Obama win. Sarah Palin tried this back in 2008, and see how well that worked for her and McCain.

[Edited 2012-07-27 13:52:26]

Just once, I would like to see an A.Net member run for office on either side. If they deem themselves so perfect, run for office! I guarantee you somebody will find your skeletons in your closet.

This applies to both sides. The political smear garbage is not just pathetic, but downright sad. It's all about smearing someone.

Yes, disagree with their policies and question their actions, but leave the man/woman alone, and I'm including Obama and Michelle.

Quoting windy95 (Reply 12): Quoting Aesma (Reply 11): Not to defend Romney but he didn't say anything outrageous either, storm in a cup of tea it seems to me. Ditto. Much to do about nothing...Not even close to Obamas "you did not build it". They are still trying to make people forget about that one.

You're right...let's not forget this one either:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8Yp9SVSWJU

Jump to 1:34...hey, just in time for the event as well.

Quoting Dreadnought (Reply 14): Utter horsecrap. Such thinking is and always has been at the core of socialism and Obama had a brief moment of honesty.

Utterly off-topic. That one was hashed out already.

Quoting Revelation (Reply 18): Utterly off-topic

Alright, back on topic:

Am I the only one that had to look up what a "wazzock" is?

Romney's comments in the UK and in a book a few years ago as to the UK, to me show a person who is narrow minded but also trying to boost the idea of 'American Exceptionalism', that Europe is too 'socialist' and the USA is superior to all others, and was for USA voters consumption.

His disclosure as to meeting with the head of MI 6 was intentional to show that he is to be considered the equal to the sitting President as to having privy to certain confidential and top secret information, especially as to terrorism.

His criticizing the way the Olympics in the UK was to make himself look like he was so great in his running the 2002 Winter Olympics, showing business leadership, that there were few problems. Of course only 5 months after 9/11/01, you probably had a lot of pressure on everyone to do well and you had huge Fedeal investment in security.

Of course I doubt he will be as mumbled mouth in Israel, he will just say yes and boost their right wing leaders, something he is comfortable with.

I wonder what boneheaded thing he will say in Poland...

Quoting ltbewr (Reply 20): trying to boost the idea of 'American Exceptionalism',

Well he can hardly help that, perhaps?
When his faith is an American Exceptionalism version of Christianity, whose founder was someone else a bit dubious around financial issues.

Well I hope Mitt enjoys the use of the telephone & the world wide web.

Let's not even get into the list of "game changing" things we've given to the world.

Quoting gingersnap (Reply 22): Well I hope Mitt enjoys the use of the telephone & the world wide web. Let's not even get into the list of "game changing" things we've given to the world.

The criticisms that Romney gave on the Olympics came straight from the Washington Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports...s/2012/07/12/gJQAhc5ofW_story.html

Don't bother clicking on the link - they have promptly sent it down the memory hole. But here is a screen capture of it:



And let's remember that Romney does know something about organizing an olympic games.

And also that it was not Romney that gave a bunch of NTSC DVDs to the Prime Minister as a gift, or an IPod full of his own speeches to the Queen.

Quoting jakeorion (Reply 16): This applies to both sides. The political smear garbage is not just pathetic, but downright sad. It's all about smearing someone.

There's an old saying that goes something like "better keep your mouth shut and let people think you're a fool, rather than opening it and removing all doubt!".

Unfortunately, Mitt opened his mouth and he did so in relation to something which the British establishment is very proud of and focused on making work (the Olympics); those comments won't be soon forgotten. It's often said that the Conservatives/Tories in the UK are closer to the Republicans, but I think that few in the current UK government would welcome Romney as President. So much for the special relationship, which Romney touted some weeks back.

Quoting comorin (Reply 3): Hop fully he doesn't go to Russia and say "Mr. Leader, the Wall must come down!" or something.

I hope he does not come to Germany and say that....  

Wouldn't Sarah Palin be the perfect running mate for Mitt? The educated world would be cracking up every day.

Romney's comments are extremely offensive on a subject Brits are very proud of. I haven't even seen what the left-wing press (Independent, Guardian, Mirror) have said about him, but the right-wing press (Telegraph, Times, Mail, Sun) have all passed extremely harsh judgement.

I think it's weird that Americans are trying to paint his offensive attitude to Britain as analogous to Obama rightly pointing out that "self-made" success stories couldn't thrive without government help in the form of infrastructure (roads, police, air traffic control, food standards, legal system, schools, etc).

Obama made a valid point that all "drown government in the bathtub" conservatives should listen to, and what's more, in a democracy, we respect the political viewpoints of our opponents. That "self-made" entrepreneurs benefited from being born in a country with good infrastructure and rule of law - thanks to government - is a valid viewpoint. Making unhelpful and undiplomatic remarks that have hurt the feelings of a nation that is supposed to be an ally is just boorish and rude.

Republicans can defend Romney all they like, but take it from me, here in Britain we all hope he goes home as soon as possible and never comes back.

PS and aren't the Republican party always claiming to be the party of national security - and this guy goes and blabs about a secret meeting with MI6? What a complete joke.

[Edited 2012-07-28 04:31:22]

Quoting cedarjet (Reply 26): I haven't even seen what the left-wing press (Independent, Guardian, Mirror) have said about him, but the right-wing press (Telegraph, Times, Mail, Sun) have all passed extremely harsh judgement.

I think it's been pretty much accepted across the (UK's) political spectrum that he's a bit of a prat:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012...-gaffe-strewn-london?newsfeed=true

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...-seize-on-Mitt-Romneys-gaffes.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/ti...-gulf-between-britain-and-america/

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...omney-republican-candidate-1174437

Quoting Dreadnought (Reply 23): The criticisms that Romney gave on the Olympics came straight from the Washington Post:

Which is irrelevant. Yes, there have been questions about the preparedness of London for the Olympics, even in the British press, but Rule 1 of foreign relations is that it's not a good idea to show up in a foreign country and start bashing the massive national event that the country is really proud of.

Fortunately for him, it's the UK, and that damage will be relatively easily repaired. Other countries (such as China), not so much.

-Mir

Quoting U2380 (Reply 27): I think it's been pretty much accepted across the (UK's) political spectrum that he's a bit of a prat:

Actually I think "Mitt The Twit" fits pretty well.

Quoting WestJet747 (Reply 19): Am I the only one that had to look up what a "wazzock" is?

No; I had to do it as well; this is from Dictionary.com:

World English Dictionary
wazzock (ˈwæzək)

— n
dialect ( English ) a foolish or annoying person

[C20: of unknown origin]

... which fits nicely with:

Quoting Revelation (Reply 29): Actually I think "Mitt The Twit" fits pretty well.

After eight years of Bush 2, the Brits generally dislike Republicans, particularly after the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, which were highly unpopular:

Obama, on the other hand, is highly popular in Europe, and not just because he's "not Bush". Europeans are somewhat aghast at some of the things that are said in US politics; anything that remotely smacks of "helping the little guy" or helping the poor or downtrodden in any way is immediately labelled "socialist" - Obamacare being a perfect example; someone who is on record as saying he'll cancel that on his first day in office is clearly not going to be well liked, admired or respected in Europe. In Europe, the concept of helping the downtrodden, the poor and the disadvantaged has another name; we call it "society".

Quoting incitatus (Reply 1): Romney just really reminds me of Joe Biden. Silence can only help him.

Hmm really? I don't know Mr Biden very well, but to me his gaffes seem to stem from too much honesty - he doesn't think before he sputters something out. Romney, on the other hand, appears like a badly programmed robot.  

It should be said that one government insider said he was worse than Sarah Palin. Surely that takes some going?

Quoting gingersnap (Reply 32): Surely that takes some going?

As was pointed out elsewhere, Romney is really having a bad day when he's even pissing off rich white folks!

...another candidate for Presidency who has no international experience, cannot spell diplomacy, has a backwoods view on things, just to mention a few.

He needs good advisors, should he become President. However, electing such a person is bad choice, whoever runs for that office nshould have the basic skills and knowledge on domestic and international affairs.

I am not an English nativ speaker, but adressing a high ranking politician "Mr. Leader" givs me the creeps, especially when I do the translation.

Quoting PanHAM (Reply 34): However, electing such a person is bad choice, whoever runs for that office nshould have the basic skills and knowledge on domestic and international affairs.

Personally, I think electing a President who is "devoid of charm" is also a bad choice. The man will need to be able to use personal charm, tact and charisma to get things done, and it seems he is guilty as charged of being devoid of them.

You guys are all wrong! Mitt went to Harvard Business School so he must be smart. Just like George Bush.

Carry On Mitt!

Quoting comorin (Reply 36): You guys are all wrong! Mitt went to Harvard Business School so he must be smart. Just like George Bush.

I'm sure he is very smart. I'm sure anyone that can get into Harvard is smart. What's the point of your post??? Sure they made some bad choices, but that doesn't make them dumb... probably smarter than most of us on this board

Quoting DeltaMD90 (Reply 37): I'm sure anyone that can get into Harvard is smart.

Or if daddy was a GOP big cheese and governor, or the latest, most powerful yet of the Bush clan.

It's not much different over here, if at all.
Look at the current UK government for proof of that, it's almost regressive in numbers terms.
Maybe the difference is just that we are more honest about it.

Some say 'well that's the British being obsessed with class'.
Or just not in denial of it?

Quoting comorin (Reply 36): Mitt went to Harvard Business School so he must be smart.

So did Jeffrey Skilling and Rajat Gupta, what's your point?

Going to a reputable school doesn't make you smart. For every HBS grad you name, I'll name you a CEO who doesn't even have a day of post-grad education.

Quoting comorin (Reply 36): You guys are all wrong! Mitt went to Harvard Business School so he must be smart. Just like George Bush. Carry On Mitt!

Please tell me that was sarcasm?

Quoting U2380 (Reply 40): Please tell me that was sarcasm?

I hope so too.

Jimmy Carter was one of the smartest men to hold the Presidency, but I doubt many from either party would want to repeat the experience.

He-Who-Cannot-Be-Mentioned is a Harvard Law grad.

Bill Gates is a Harvard drop-out.

Quoting comorin (Reply 36): You guys are all wrong! Mitt went to Harvard Business School so he must be smart. Just like George Bush. Carry On Mitt!

I believe that you ARE employing sarcasm (being a Brit, I'm an expert at spotting it).

Good work old bean! And bonus points for getting others to ASK if you were being sarcastic!

And in response to the ongoing question: anyone who visits someone/where and then insults them is, indeed, a Wazzock.

Cheers!

Quoting fruitbat (Reply 42): I believe that you ARE employing sarcasm

I so do hope that you're wrong after saying that.  

You can never tell, sometimes it seems as if the noble art of sarcasm has not reached various parts of the US yet. I thought I'd check, it'll put all our minds at rest.  

Quoting fruitbat (Reply 42): And in response to the ongoing question: anyone who visits someone/where and then insults them is, indeed, a Wazzock.

Agreed.

[Edited 2012-07-28 13:50:26]

Quoting U2380 (Reply 43): You can never tell, sometimes it seems as if the noble art of sarcasm has not reached various parts of the US yet. I thought I'd check, it'll put all our minds at rest.

I'm willing to give lessons (for the right price   )

Quoting fruitbat (Reply 44): I'm willing to give lessons (for the right price   )

Naa, I should be fine, I've got the same qualifications as you  

Anyway, back on topic. I shouldn't imagine these series of gaffes will damage Romney's reputation in the US too much. Here on the other hand, it's in tatters.

Quoting Dreadnought (Reply 23): And also that it was not Romney that gave a bunch of NTSC DVDs to the Prime Minister as a gift, or an IPod full of his own speeches to the Queen.

Just as points of info:
Pretty much any TV and DVD player in the UK you get now can play multi-region DVDs.
And it looks like the 2 Obama speeches on the iPod were pretty much out-balanced by the other stuff:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2009/04/what-does-one-g/

Quoting Aesma (Reply 11): Not to defend Romney but he didn't say anything outrageous either, storm in a cup of tea it seems to me.

If he wants to strut around on the worlds stage, and make an ass himself, pissing people off, hardly seems like a way to win over international friends and allies now dose it ?

Quoting Dreadnought (Reply 23): The criticisms that Romney gave on the Olympics came straight from the Washington Post:

So what. It was completely tactless.

Have you ever heard of diplomacy, especially when visiting a foreign country..... whats that, sorry, what... foreign ????

Quoting Revelation (Reply 35): Personally, I think electing a President who is "devoid of charm" is also a bad choice. The man will need to be able to use personal charm, tact and charisma to get things done, and it seems he is guilty as charged of being devoid of them.

Exactly. Politics is all about deal making and if you annoy and irritate before you've even sat down at the table, then there goes any deal !

Quoting Revelation (Thread starter): Seems like Mitt is not winning over the British:

Hes had a "misunderstanding" with our foreign minister too, only last week.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-2...icise-us-in-romney-meeting/4148988

Not everyone who attended harvard Business School and made a lot of money in business is also an educated person. he can be smart but a complete twit at the same time.

I attended regular annual meetings of my US partner company in the 80s in the Virginia suburbs of DC. On one of these dinners the CEO (self made millionaire) talked about his recent triüp to Brussels and all the old buildings he saw there. These stupid Belgians should tear the down and build some new office buildings and appartments.

There are many of these running around, not only in the US.

Haven't we all seen people, either met, or in public life, and thought 'does MBA mean Major Bullshitter Approaching?'