Robert Gibbs criticises GOP challenger's blunders but Romney campaign says gaffes will not make or break US election
A key adviser to President Barack Obama reignited the debate over Mitt Romney's gaffe-strewn London trip on Sunday, suggesting that it showed Romney was not "ready for the world".
With Romney in Israel on the second leg of a three-country tour, Robert Gibbs, a former press secretary to President Obama, sought to keep alive the controversy arising from his earlier UK visit.
"Mitt Romney wondered aloud whether London was ready for the Olympics, and I think it's clear that voters in this country wonder aloud whether Mitt Romney is ready for the world," Gibbs told ABC's This Week.
"I think the world is not yet ready for Mitt Romney," he added.
The comments came three days after Romney pricked the sensitivities of his British hosts by suggesting that there were "disconcerting" signs that London was not prepared for the Olympic Games.
"To go overseas, stand in the country of our strongest ally, in an Olympics they've been preparing for years for, and question whether or not they're ready does make you wonder whether or not he's ready to be commander-in-chief," Gibbs said.
The incident – alongside a series of other blunders – saw the Republican presidential nod christened "Mitt the twit" in the British press and ridiculed by London mayor Boris Johnson before a crowd of 60,000 people.
It also caused some commentators in the US to wonder if it displayed a degree of political naivety on the world stage.
But speaking on ABC, Romney adviser Kevin Madden suggested that the incident was being blown out of proportion.
"I think this is an election, again, that the the public viewing around big things. I don't think that a gaffe or a YouTube moment is really going to make or break this particular election," he said.
Meanwhile, first lady Michelle Obama continued her charm offensive in London on Sunday, hugging the US men's basketball team after their win against France.
Ms Obama, who is leading the US delegation at the games, had earlier described the London event as "awe-inspiring" and "humbling".