Mitt Romney's trip to the UK has gone from bad to worse. It was revealed today that he described Britain as 'just a small island' that 'doesn't make things that people in the rest of the world want to buy'.
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Mitt Romney’s trip to the UK has gone from bad to worse as it was revealed today that he described Britain as ‘just a small island’ that ‘doesn’t make things that people in the rest of the world want to buy’.
The revelation makes a mockery of the racially motivated comments of a Romney advisor who claimed earlier this week that President Obama did not ‘fully appreciate’ the special relationship because he isn’t of ‘Anglo Saxon heritage’.
Romney’s trip to the UK has been blighted by a series of gaffes. A Parliamentary motions last week criticissed the role of Barclays executives in organising a $75,000 per head fundraising dinner, concerns were raised about the racial overtones of comments about Obama’s attitude towards the UK, and the presidential candidate today flip-flopped over the Olympics after previously questioning London’s preparedness.
But Foreign Policy have now revealed that in his 2010 book, No Apology, Romney wrote:
“England [sic] is just a small island. Its roads and houses are small. With few exceptions, it doesn’t make things that people in the rest of the world want to buy. And if it hadn’t been separated from the continent by water, it almost certainly would have been lost to Hitler’s ambitions. Yet only two lifetimes ago, Britain ruled the largest and wealthiest empire in the history of humankind. Britain controlled a quarter of the earth’s land and a quarter of the earth’s population.”
Is this series of gaffes the reason why tickets for tonights drinks reception have been slashed to just $1,000 per person?
• Romney, boss of corruption-laden Salt Lake City 02, questions our readiness to host Games 26 Jul 2012
• Romney’s ‘Anglo-Saxon’ dog whistle the latest in a string of attacks on Obama’s heritage 25 Jul 2012
• Parliamentary motion calls on Barclays’s senior staff to stop fundraising for Romney 17 Jul 2012
• Romney’s bankerlove extends as Barclays lobbyist raises $184k for Presidential campaign 16 Jul 2012
• Obscene: Romney to host $75,000 London fundraiser – hosted by a lobbyist for Barclays 11 Jul 2012
78 Responses to “Romney: ‘Britain is just a small island that doesn’t make things people want to buy’”
Chris Marshall
I’m pretty much fine with Mitt making a tit of himself anywhere.
What were the Reps thinking of?
Anonymous
David Cameron’s new best friend is turning out to be a bit of a turd in the punch bowl.
Stuart
I hope we all remember Romney and if he wins the US Presidency that he doesnt expect the UK to things we dont want to do. I just hope this dangerous man doesnt get into the White House.
Anonymous
Let him keep talking…..
Guy Halsall
I’m no fan of Mitt Romney – in any way shape or form – and that quote suggests a fair bit of ignorance. That said, it reeks of being taken out of context. Looks like he was trying to make some point about – what? – small countries punching above their weight? Can you clarify?