Even before Mitt Romney was wheels-up for London, the presidential challenger’s overseas trip was drawing comparisons to the one taken by Barack Obama in 2008.
Both were candidates looking to appear presidential and polish up their foreign policy credentials.
But where the Democrat’s trip was smooth sailing (save a kerfuffle about a canceled visit with wounded troops), the Republican’s voyage has been laden with cringe-inducing gaffes.
So, what’s the difference — other than four years and two vastly different politicians? Here’s one big distinction: The Obama campaign loaded up on staff firepower while the Romney camp had a relative skeleton crew.
Our colleague Philip Rucker noted the disparity in his story on Friday (in which he reported that Romney was looking for a “breakout moment” in Israel that would salvage the trip — a hope that wasn’t borne out this week when the GOP candidate managed to infuriate Palestinians).
“When Barack Obama traveled overseas as a candidate in 2008, it was an all-hands-on-deck event. .
Both were candidates looking to appear presidential and polish up their foreign policy credentials.
But where the Democrat’s trip was smooth sailing (save a kerfuffle about a canceled visit with wounded troops), the Republican’s voyage has been laden with cringe-inducing gaffes.
So, what’s the difference — other than four years and two vastly different politicians? Here’s one big distinction: The Obama campaign loaded up on staff firepower while the Romney camp had a relative skeleton crew.
Our colleague Philip Rucker noted the disparity in his story on Friday (in which he reported that Romney was looking for a “breakout moment” in Israel that would salvage the trip — a hope that wasn’t borne out this week when the GOP candidate managed to infuriate Palestinians).
“When Barack Obama traveled overseas as a candidate in 2008, it was an all-hands-on-deck event. .