The Romney pundits are spinning like tops trying to minimize his gaffe. From Barnett:
The thing about calling the lawyers wasn’t his best moment. When you run for president, there are times that call for macho bluster and at least a feigned fondness for cowboy diplomacy. The only reaction to any question on Iran is something like, “Iran will not become a nuclear power on my watch. Period.” How much of a mark will this gaffe leave? Probably none, maybe a small one. If the issue lingers, Romney can always seize the high ground and say as president he’ll be compelled to obey the constitutional limits of his office, and that’s an obligation that he’ll take seriously.From Hewitt:
...he miffed the Iran question. As I discussed on the show with Rick Santorum, most of Romney's answer on whether military action against Iraq required Congressional approval, was very good. The talk of lawyers --probably a fumbled reference to when and if the War Powers Act applies, but you couldn't really tell-- was not his finest hour, but also not the huge deal that some want to make it out to be.When I first heard it, you know what word came to my mind? Clinton! Didn't we have to go through this with him? I don't want another president who needs the help of lawyers to do what's necessary. If we elect Thompson or Giuliani, they will know exactly what to do because they know the law.
You know you've blown it when Ron Paul makes more sense than you do:
In Tuesday's debate, Romney was immediately taken to task for suggesting that he would hand over important decisions to a bunch of lawyers. Long-shot candidate Ron Paul blasted Romney, saying "This idea of going and talking to attorneys totally baffles me. Why don't we just open up the Constitution and read it? You're not allowed to go to war without a declaration of war."
And the post-debate reaction wasn't much kinder. Politico columnist Roger Simon declared that Romney "fell on his face" because of the comment. "Yeah, because you can never go wrong letting lawyers make your decisions for you, right?" Simon wrote sarcastically.
