GDANSK, Poland — It wasn’t supposed to be this way.
Mitt Romney outraged Palestinians on Monday, stirring fresh controversy on his visit to Israel just days after insulting the British on what was intended as a feel-good visit to the Olympics in London.
Whether or not the trip changes votes back home, the effect hasn’t seemed to be what Romney’s presidential campaign had in mind.
His first steps onto the world stage as President Barack Obama’s Republican challenger were carefully crafted to avoid political risk. He visited countries that are staunch U.S. allies, limited questions from the media and arranged made-for-TV appearances at symbolic venues in London and Jerusalem. It was intended to demonstrate he was ready to handle foreign affairs smoothly and lead during dangerous times.
Instead, as he made his final stop of a three-nation tour in Poland late Monday, Republicans and Democrats alike in the U.S. were shaking their heads. Though Republicans said they saw no lasting harm, Democrats raised questions about Romney’s ability to handle delicate topics with sensitivity on foreign soil, even under the friendliest conditions.
Romney’s latest trouble stemmed from a speech he gave to Jewish donors in which he suggested that their culture was part of what has allowed them to be more economically successful than the Palestinians. Kind words for Israel are standard for many American politicians, but Palestinian leaders suggested his specific comments were racist and out of touch with the realities of the Middle East.
He was speaking to about 40 donors at the King David Hotel, which is within sight of the Palestinian territory on the West Bank.
Comparing economic output per capita in Israel and “just across the areas managed by the Palestinian Authority,” he said that “you notice such a dramatically stark difference in economic vitality.”
He said some economic histories have theorized that “culture makes all the difference.”
“And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things,” Romney said, citing an innovative business climate, the Jewish history of thriving in difficult circumstances and the “hand of providence.” He said similar disparity exists between other neighboring countries, including Mexico and the United States.
Palestinian leaders objected.
“It seems to me this man lacks information, knowledge, vision and understanding of this region and its people,” said Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. “It is a racist statement, and this man doesn’t realize that the Palestinian economy cannot reach its potential because there is an Israeli occupation.”
Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said the comments “were grossly mischaracterized.”
