DOROTHY RABINOWITZ: OUTSIDE ROMNEY’S COMFORT ZONE ****
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444017504577647282515841336.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_LEFTSecond
“But as events keep reminding us, there is the world outside Mr. Romney’s comfort zone—outside of the subject of the economy and the failures of the Obama administration to alleviate unemployment. In the debates ahead, and what’s left of the campaign, he’ll have to address matters like national security and foreign policy in depth, and do so with a conviction that shows a willingness to take a stand whatever the cost in votes from this group or that. That cost will be all the greater if he does not.”
Four American diplomats, including U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, were killed Tuesday (and several others were wounded) in the attacks on U.S. consular offices in Libya and Egypt, all at the hands of the devout mobs wreaking their vengeance over a U.S.- made film that they declared insulting to Mohammed.
At the U.S. embassy in Cairo, where the attackers scaled the walls unimpeded—while Egyptian police stood peacefully by doing nothing—the crowds tore down the American flag and chanted ominous warnings to “Worshippers of the Cross.” In a statement dazzling for its cravenness, the embassy denounced “the continuing effort by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims” and declared that the U.S. rejected “those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.”
With news of the attacks spreading last night, Mitt Romney issued a statement blasting the obsequious embassy response—no small relief to those supporters of his candidacy who have nearly given up all hope that they could hear a few words from Mr. Romney on national security and foreign policy. Words that would speak for his willingness to take a stand on issues that might cost him with those undecided voters he yearns to win. Issues, that is, other than the ones in the steel-rimmed comfort zone where he and his chief advisers have apparently decided he should remain for the duration. Thanks to such decisions, the Republican presidential candidate managed to avoid all mention of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the achievements of the U.S. military in the course of the convention in Tampa. As did the vice presidential candidate and virtually every speaker.
But as events keep reminding us, there is the world outside Mr. Romney’s comfort zone—outside of the subject of the economy and the failures of the Obama administration to alleviate unemployment. In the debates ahead, and what’s left of the campaign, he’ll have to address matters like national security and foreign policy in depth, and do so with a conviction that shows a willingness to take a stand whatever the cost in votes from this group or that. That cost will be all the greater if he does not.
Throughout Mr. Romney’s elaborately strategized campaign, his boundless caution has proved the riskiest path of all—a serious obstacle in his effort to connect with voters. He has till November to switch paths and make the connection.
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