Romney’s Gaffe Diplomacy, Democrats’ Gay Marriage Platform, and More

Romney’s Latest Diplomatic Offense:

Mitt Romney’s overseas trip continues to be one woeful misstep after another. First, he came under fire for comments an anonymous campaign adviser made about Romney better understanding the “Anglo-Saxon heritage” than Obama. Next, British lawmakers criticized the GOP presidential candidate after he questioned how prepared London was to host the Olympics. And in his latest example of gaffe diplomacy, Romney has managed to insult Palestinians by suggesting that the discrepancy of wealth between Israelis and Palestinians is partly because of cultural differences. One top Palestinian called the analysis a “racist statement.” It seems as though Romney is not winning any friends abroad during a trip that was meant to boost — not hinder — his foreign policy credentials. Next stop on the Romney gaffe express: Poland. (Read more)

Mitt the Wimp: Like Romney doesn’t have enough troubles abroad, here’s one to add from home: Newsweek’s latest cover features him with the headline “The Wimp Factor,” then asks if the former Massachusetts governor is “too insecure to be president.” According to writer Michael Tomasky, “Romney is the genuine article: a true wimp.” Tomasky elaborates: “In some respects, he’s more weenie than wimp — socially inept; at times awkwardly ingratiating, at other times mocking those ‘below’ him, but almost always getting the situation a little wrong, and never in a sympathetic way.” It’s an unflattering portrait, to say the least. Then again, there’s not much Romney has done recently to warrant a flattering one. (Read more)

Democrats to Include Same-Sex Marriage in Platform: Gay marriage supporters (as well as proponents of equality) should have something to smile about during the Democratic National Convention in September. According to the Washington Blade, the Democratic Party platform drafting committee has approved language that will endorse same-sex marriage at the convention. Additionally, the platform will endorse other pro-LGBT positions. “There was a unanimous decision in the drafting committee to include it in the platform, which I supported, but everybody was for it,” said committee member and retiring Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., who is openly gay and recently became the first sitting congressman to enter into a same-sex marriage when he wed his longtime partner. First President Obama comes out in support of gay marriage, and then the Democrats make it part of their party platform. Now that’s progress. (Read more)

Former President to Speak at Democratic Convention: And speaking of the DNC, Bill Clinton has been given an important prime-time slot to deliver a major speech at the convention. Obama personally asked Clinton to speak at the DNC, and also requested that the former commander-in-chief put Obama’s name up for nomination. Clinton is expected to speak Sept. 5, the second to last day of the convention. He has spoken at every Democratic National Convention since 1988. (Read more)

Facepalm Fact of the Day: Only 40 percent of Americans know there are nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. I’m sure those of you reading this already knew that. (Read more)

Video of the Day: Either CNN was trying to be funny or someone was asleep in the control room when the network introduced a segment featuring Sarah Palin visiting a Chick-fil-A with singer Pink’s “Stupid Girls.”