Romneyshambles
It's official: Britain doesn't like Mitt Romney. His visit has been christened by our media the "Romneyshambles" ("omnishambles" being a coinage of Armando Ianucci - writer of the political sitcoms The Thick Of It and its US variation Veep, much used of late to describe the incompetence of the Cameron administration).
Personally, I can forgive those of Romney's gaffes which had to do with protocol (such as mentioning he'd had a briefing from our security services; getting the proper title of the leader of the Opposition wrong), but what really didn't impress me was his total lack of diplomacy regarding our Olympics.
Look, I yield to no one in my detestation of the Olympics. It feels like being occupied by a foreign power - in this case, the International Olympic Committee. I deeply resent the needless expense and inconvenience it has caused Londoners. And yes, it is an embarrassing sign of just what a third-world country Britain has become that we couldn't get our security right and we can't get our transport system to work.
But while it's fine for a Brit to mention this stuff - self-deprecation is our national sport and if it were in the Olympics we'd win gold - it is not OK for a visiting US politician to drag it up. It's just plain rude. I thought Mitt Romney came from a good family. I thought he'd had an expensive education. Did no one ever teach him any manners?
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Comments:
Nov '10
Re: Romneyshambles
I'm not a Romney fan.
However, the reaction to Romney's measured comments in the British press is a clear instance of prejudice against him.
It reflects an eagerness to think ill of him without good reason.
I think he struck a nerve. Some people in the UK evidently didn't like someone even noticing their shortcomings (as well as their strengths) and voicing concern (not disapproval).
It shows a lack of fortitude and charity, to throw a hissy fit over this non-issue.
Romney sucks for plenty of reasons. But not rudeness.
Edited on July 28, 2012 at 12:37pmMay '11
Re: Romneyshambles
When did the Olympics become a strictly British event, not subject to comment or scrutiny by the rest of the world? I don't really pay that much attention to the Olympics, but I think I recall that there used to be some sort of international aspect to the whole thing.
Nov '11
Re: Romneyshambles
It is awfully culturally intolerant of Mitt to not respect the English inability to properly run the Olympics. At least he didn't express any reservations about, say, the Abortion Act. Thank God for small blessings.
Mar '11
Re: Romneyshambles
Wait, so, let me get this straight. A security firm that was hired for a major international event with press from every corner of the globe covering it ran disastrously over budget (the latest estimate is circa $80 million US) and failed to deliver the services it stipulated it could in its contract (to the tune of some 4,000 UK servicemen now having to cover the gaps), and you're indignant that--after all of these facts had been revealed by both British and international press--someone may have inartfully expressed some reservations?
Sheesh.
Sep '10
Re: Romneyshambles
I supposed the Brits would have much preferred Romney apologize for kicking their collective backsides not just once (Revolution), but twice (Battle of New Orleans).
Apr '11
Re: Romneyshambles
Who listens to Cameron anyway? Certainly not Parliament . Certainly not America. Since Mitt actually has some experience making money with the Olympics, and Britain has trouble making money with most anything (with a few exceptions), would listening be a viable option?
Ahhhhhhh......So sorry....................Did the truth hurt Mr. Cameron?
Sep '10
Re: Romneyshambles
Stephen Bishop: As far as I know Nigel Farage has no blood connection with the US whereas Churchill's mother tongue was American. · 4 hours ago
I think a constitutional amendment is in order to remedy this situation.
May '10
Re: Romneyshambles
You know what? Even if Romney speaking about security weaknesses was a gaffe, the net effect is more. free. publicity for Romney, and a net positive.
Jan '12
Re: Romneyshambles
Gee Richard your history needs a bit of revision.
The Battle of Yorktown was won by the French (10/19/1781). Independence came not because of any great US military initiative but because the Brits were horrifed that the colonials could actually support the enemy (the French). It was then that the Brits took the whole affair seriously, changed their government and enabled the US to spend lots of time and effort working on the Constitution etc. before the mother country let their children loose on the world (Evacuation Day 11/25/1783).
The Battle of New Orleans was fought during a time of peace. This, of course, doesn't say much for American hospitality at the time. Now if you want to talk about battles which took place during the War of 1812 I'm sure you will find the scales were hugely weighted in favor of the Brits.
Apr '12
Re: Romneyshambles
I thought Boris was very rude to mention Romney in his speech. The Canadians were highly offended by the British media onslaught during the Winter Olympics. They have been waiting with great anticipation for the opening of the summer Olympics and i have had an enjoyable weekend reading the Canadian papers with headlines such as - Ugliest Olympic opening ceremony ever. The Canadians are usually bland and polite but They went to town. Boris might think about repairing the relationship with the Vancouver mayor before he carries on upsetting the SLC mayor. The English are seen by the Canadians to be hypocrites for getting upset by Romney. Boris made the English look like fragile little pansies with his sulking. What has happened to the stiff upper lip! We love you though, James! Here is one of the Canadian headlines. http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Worst+Olympics+Ever+London+Games+look+ugly+literally/7008429/story.html