Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's overseas trip to England, Israel and now Poland hasn't been the foreign-policy showcase many supporters had hoped for. In London, politicians and the press were offended by comments that seemed to criticize their management of the Olympics. Then, in Jerusalem, he made comments about Jewish cultural exceptionalism that offended Palestinians.
And to his traveling press corps, Romney has said next to nothing. And reporters really want to ask him about the controversies or, in their words, gaffes and mishaps.
Their only real shot seemed to come Tuesday in a public plaza near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw, Poland. That's when the trouble began. Here's CNN's transcript, which fails to name the reporters but gives the name of Romney spokesman Rick Gorka (who in my experience with him is a decent, solid media handler):
NYT: "Governor Romney do you have a statement for the Palestinians?
Washington Post: "What about your gaffes?
NYT: "Governor Romney do you feel that your gaffes have overshadowed your foreign trip?"
CNN: "Governor Romney just a few questions sir, you haven't taken but three questions on this trip from the press!
Gorka: "Show some respect" NYT: "We haven't had another chance to ask a question..."
Gorka: "Kiss my ass. This is a Holy site for the Polish people. Show some respect."
Moments later, Gorka told Jonathan Martin, a reporter for Politico, to "shove it." About a half-hour later, the aide called reporters to apologize.
Normally, we don't post non-Florida goings on here, but this case stands out because it shows Romney's sometimes-contentious relationship with the D.C. press corps, which reports the day-to-day of the campaign. That reporting helps establishes the narrative through which the press views Romney. If Romney has a contentious relationship with the traveling press coprs, it's bad for his campaign. And it's probably not so good for the press, either. It's not like Romney didn't sit for interviews. He spoke to NBC's Brian Williams and Piers Morgan. He took only three questions from the travelling press corps. Most people would say: So what? Going on a trip to Israel, London and Poland beats roofing or ditch-digging in July. Still, the Romney campaign higher-ups need to consider whether it's wise to needlessly pick a fight with some reporters and put its spokesman in a situation where he'll lose his cool.
Ha! Finally, someone said what no doubt thousands before thought about saying but did not. I actually may like this guy.
Oh and for the record I am positive that not a single reporter has made a mistake, gaff or just misspoke before. Including the great (in his eyes)Mark Caputo.
Posted by: David | July 31, 2012 at 08:48 AM
Indeed. How dare the press do their job! Mitt doesn't need to answer questions. Reporters should just submit the press releases Gorka's office gives them to their editors for printing.
No one's talking about a single reporter making a mistake, gaffe, or misstatement, David, we're talking about a major party's candidate for the highest elected office in the country doing all of these things. But when we're ready to change the subject, let's make sure we get back to you for your thoughts.
Posted by: Robert | July 31, 2012 at 08:57 AM
Well, this is more than we will ever hear about the current Occupant.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/16/us/politics/latest-word-on-the-campaign-trail-i-take-it-back.html?_r=1
Posted by: No Bias Here Folks, Move Along | July 31, 2012 at 09:24 AM
The "press corps" with an insignificant number of exceptions are all working for the Obama Campaign, and they see "their job" as getting Obama re-elected.
Romney and his staff are smart enough to know it.
Posted by: JP Knight | July 31, 2012 at 09:41 AM
Ah yes JP Night, Greta van Susteren is working for Obama and is why she called Romney's press corp a "petting zoo". You have lost the last shred of reality to cling to and are now in right wing free fall.
Posted by: J Stark | July 31, 2012 at 11:30 AM
What the hell is Romney going on tour like he's actually SOMEBODY? He couldn't even run Massachusetts( I know because I had to suffer through his miserable term as governor!), so someone PLEASE tell Bloomingdales that they can have their store mannequin( Romney ) back as soon as possible! Once November 6th has come and gone, I'll never have to see his sorry face again, along with his snobby wife!!
Posted by: Edward | July 31, 2012 at 12:00 PM
It isn't reporters who are running for President.
Posted by: Doug Poretz | July 31, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Romney's handlers and campaign staff appear to be trying to lose the campaign.
Gorka's rebuke to the mosquitoes trying to sting Romney at the memorial would have worked much better if it had come after a several opportunities for him to address their questions.
As much as many of them aim to take out Romney, he should take them on directly. For example, when Romney talked about security at the Olympics and bruising the Brits feelings, he should simply say:
"That was not a gaffe. I do know about running an Olympics event. I spoke the truth. And our friendship with Britain is strong enough to handle the truth. Enemies lie to each other; but friends tell each other the truth. But I realize the press corps often has trouble with telling the whole truth. Next question ...."
Posted by: whasup | July 31, 2012 at 12:51 PM
I'm surprised that Romney, Inc. hasn't booted any but Faux News "reporters" from his entourage. Team Romney views the only job of reporters is to send glowing reports of what a genius Romney is and not to ever bother him with difficult questions. Good thing they aren't trying to get comments from Mrs. Romney. She is actively rude when asked a question not on the pre-approved script.
Posted by: Can't Take Anymore | July 31, 2012 at 01:05 PM
First, please state the "gaffes." There are none. Missing from the article are these so called controversial statements. But the "controversy" is the invention of liberal commentators and run with by the rest. What a prevarication merely to smear the man.
Romney is plagued by liberal biased journalists with questions like did you stop beating your wife? What a fiasco.
Posted by: corneliusvansant | July 31, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Finally! Someone tells the so called press how to have respect. How ridiculous that the Miami Herald is so worried about a Romney victory that you have report on made up nonsense. You better check with Dade County residence - ie your subscribers about how they see this race. btw - Miami is the Heart of conservative America!
Posted by: Michele | July 31, 2012 at 05:19 PM
I'm very proud of Rick Gorka! Thank you! I'm turning Republican as we speak!
Posted by: Sawicka | July 31, 2012 at 06:04 PM
I'm very proud of Rick Gorka! Thank you! I'm turning Republican as we speak!
Posted by: Sawicka | July 31, 2012 at 06:34 PM
Romney seems like a nice guy, I do wonder how smart he is???? He doesn't seem to be able to answer questions especially not the ones asked. I really would like him to give a good, well thought out answer without insulting anyone. He seems to just attack the current President and looks like a bully. I want him to show some class, but you cannot buy it, so he comes up short again, again, and again. I thinking about voting Democratic I want a smart, intelligent, well spoken person representing us all not just the rich
Posted by: Sherri | July 31, 2012 at 07:12 PM
It is a known fact that the media favors the liberal. Its been that way for years. The last unbiased reporter was Tim Russett.. a liberal but we never knew it by his reporting. Those days are all gone the media will unreport Obama negatives & over report any little item they feel will harm Romney.. Question... We will be the new Dan Rather & get fired along with the boss for false reporting.????
Posted by: 34nelson | July 31, 2012 at 10:17 PM