THE RACE:
Romney weighs in on London Olympics

[July 27, 2012]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mitt Romney has been in London for a day and already he's causing a stir.

Credited with rescuing the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, he found himself weighing in on the London summer games that begin Friday.

"It's hard to know just how well it will turn out," Romney told NBC, referring to problems dogging final preparations. "There were a few things that were disconcerting."

Romney is on a three-country overseas trip, his first as prospective GOP presidential nominee.

He referred to a since-averted threatened strike and a security contractor's struggles to provide enough guards. "That obviously is not something which is encouraging."

His comments drew quick attention.

"Mitt Romney questions whether Britain is ready for Games," blared a headline in the Daily Telegraph. "Mitt Romney casts doubts on London 2012 preparations," said The Times of London.

British Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters Romney and others would soon "see beyond doubt that Britain can deliver."

Meeting Thursday with Cameron, Romney softened his remarks. "Of course there will be errors from time to time" but they'll soon be overshadowed by inspiring Olympic performances, he said.

Back home, a "super PAC" run by former aides to President Barack Obama taunted Romney in an ad showing him at the 2002 Olympics waving to passing athletes from China, India, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Switzerland and other places.

The ad recycles a campaign attack on Romney over outsourcing and offshore bank accounts.

Romney and Obama also sparred long-distance over gun control, with Obama suggesting stiffer regulations in a Wednesday night speech to the Urban League and Romney saying in the NBC interview that America needs no new gun laws.

Romney also attended a high-dollar London fundraiser while Obama met with his Cabinet and held private meetings at the White House.

[Associated Press; By TOM RAUM]

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