Will Romney's Response to Libya Attacks Affect the Election?

Mitt Romney made comments last week criticizing the president on the coattails of the attacks on Americans in Libya, and some observers have wondered if the remarks will have an impact on the November election.

Romney attacked a statement from the U.S. embassy in Cairo that criticized an anti-Islam video, saying it was "akin to apology" for a fatal attack that actually happened after the statement was issued.

"The comments were a big mistake, and the decision to double down on them was an even bigger mistake," CBS News quoted Steve Schmidt, a strategist to Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign, as saying. 

The New York Times reported that Romney "came under withering criticism for distorting the chain of events overseas and appearing to seek political advantage from an attack that claimed American lives."

And in a boldly headlined column on Salon.com, writer Joan Walsh said the incident shows why "Mitt Romney Will Never Be President." 

But on the other side, Fox News editor Chris Stirewalt said increasingly short news cycles and a focus on the political process means Romney would likely have been criticized no matter what.

"The press corps has an Obama lean and has already crafted a narrative about Romney bumbling," Stirewalt wrote. "Trying to appease the media beast won't work."

With about six campaign weeks remaining, do these recent statements have lasting implications on the minds of voters? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

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