Mitt Romney recently in Poland to try and build alliances said that Poland is an example of freedom, as he pledged his administration would stand in solidarity with the longtime U.S. ally. The GOP presidential hopeful finished up his four-day overseas trip, bringing an end to a tour where he and his advisory staff had some gaffes.
Romney insulted the British with his comments regarding their readiness for the 2012 Olympics and angered Palestinians with comments comparing their economy with that of Israel’s. The English tabloids roasted him with uncomplimentary headlines.
During the Israel leg of the trip Romney spoke at a big-money fundraiser with top Jewish donors at the King David Hotel.
Romney, in his Warsaw speech, repeatedly praised Poland. He spoke about the country’s opposition to a government-dominated economy, referring to Russia.
During the speech in the library of Warsaw University, Romney evoked Poland’s struggles two decades ago to bring down the Iron Curtain. He praised the Catholic country’s efforts to embrace small government and a market economy. “This is the same model that is needed to revive spluttering U.S. growth,” he said.
“In the 1980s, when other nations doubted that political tyranny could ever be faced down or overcome, the answer was, ‘Look to Poland’,” Romney said. “And today, as some wonder about the way forward out of economic recession and fiscal crisis, the answer is to ‘Look to Poland’ once again.” He concluded by saying, “Poland’s success is a reminder that free enterprise can propel an economy and transform a society.”
Romney hailed the contributions of former president Lech Walesa and Pope John Paul II to the fall of communism. “In a turbulent world, Poland stands as an example and defender of freedom,” Romney added.
Romney had separated meetings with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and former president Lech Walesa. Walesa said through an interpreter, “I wish you to be successful because this success is needed to the United States, of course, but to Europe and the rest of the world, too. Governor Romney, get your success, be successful,” added Walesa at the historic Artus Court setting in Gdansk.
In Warsaw, Romney’s press aide lost his cool and used vulgar language directed at reporters during a visit to Poland’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Before his speech, the candidate laid a wreath at the site and stopped to look at a new memorial to Pope John Paul II.
As Romney was walking away from Pilsudski Square toward his vehicle, reporters shouted out questions. One of Romney’s aides, Rick Gorka, had an exchange with reporters who tried to ask about missteps during the trip. Gorka told reporters to “show some respect” at the Polish holy site, and also he said “kiss my ass.”
Gorka then told a reporter to “shove it.” Gorka subsequently called some of the reporters to apologize, saying he lost his cool. “It was inappropriate,” Gorka said.
Romney’s visit to Poland could have an impact well beyond Eastern Europe because a large portion of Polish-American communities resides in critical swing states — especially Pennsylvania and Michigan and Wisconsin. Romney’s trip to Poland was aimed to secure votes in such states.
Rolco News Network
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