(CNN) – Mitt Romney's harsh chiding of President Barack Obama's response to attacks in Libya and Egypt spurred a firestorm of backlash Wednesday from Democrats, who claim the GOP candidate is politicizing a tragedy that killed four, including the United States ambassador, in U.S. offices in Benghazi, Libya.
Following reports of the violence Tuesday, Romney's campaign released a statement calling the U.S. response "disgraceful." Romney delivered remarks Wednesday in Florida continuing his criticism.
– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker
– Check out the CNN Electoral Map and Calculator and game out your own strategy for November.
Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said Wednesday while departing an intelligence briefing that Romney's comments were "about as inappropriate as anything I've ever seen at this kind of moment" calling on the GOP candidate to apologize.
"They are flat wrong. They demonstrate an insensitivity and a lack of judgment about what is happening now," said Kerry. "To make those kinds of statements before you even know the facts, before families have even been notified, before things have played out, is really not just inexperienced, it's irresponsible, it's callous, it's reckless. And I think he ought to apologize and I don't think he knows what he's talking about frankly. It's that simple."
Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois called the comments "entirely inappropriate" adding "we should put the campaign aside" and support the men and women in harm's way.
"I'm sorry that the decision was made in the Romney campaign to make this a political issue. It's not. It is a tragic human issue and we should be together as a nation in condemning this terrible violence against our ambassador and those who work in the Libya embassy," said Durbin, adding that it is time for the Romney campaign to "tone down" their rhetoric.
Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg of New Jersey said he stands with the Obama administration in condemning the attacks and offering condolences to the affected families, but pointed to Romney's comments as undermining the country on an international stage.
"At a time when we should be standing together against these senseless acts of violence, Mitt Romney offered an atrocious political response that undermines our unity in the face of threats to Americans around the world," said Lautenberg in a statement about the attacks.
CNN's Ted Barrett and Paul Courson contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Mitt Romney.. UNFIT TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY! Obama 2012!
For such a supposedly smart man, he is a complete idiot! Romney is a total embarrassment to the Republican party.
IF Romney were to get elected we would be in to world war 3 before he could move into the White House .
I'm outraged that Willard has jeopardized our national security and has put our troops and American citizens at greater risk! The CIA and Homeland Security need to have a little chat with Willard.
"Really!!?? 'Well the one Shell you don't need to find in your backyard, is the 'Shell Obama'
She is under the thumb of Barack Obama! And just as likely to push the 'MUSLIM BUTTON' has her Idiot Husband
Mitt Romney is a little punk plain and simple and not only a punk, but a coward in the worst way. As usual, his attics will back fire on him and he will look like the loser he is!
"How about 'Setting Ablaze" to every Mulim-Mosque in the USA????? I say fight "FIGHT FIRE WITH MORE FIRE!!!!"
The Republican platform :
Lets go start MORE wars on top of the two we didn't finish or pay for.
Then blame those additional wars, along with the ensuing debt and defict to follow on the next democratic president.
You can't make this stuff up.
Give a CEO enough rope and take away his lawyers , they always hang themselves .
Romney did the right thing. He needs to be on the attack and this was so blatant he had to speak out on it.
When good judgment is replaced by knee jerk reaction, the resulting image is one of disoriented confusion. Someone needs to explain this to Mitt. He's making a fool out of himself, and for no good reason other than a desire for power.
If this incident does not prove that Romney is not ready to be president, nothing will to the far right. He is naive and truly dangerous.
Its certainly clear that CNN's are outraged too. Whats this, the 4th article since lunch? Meanwhile Rome burns....
My fellow Democrats: Don't be surprised by Romney's actions. I believe he would sell Ann to get into the White House. After this has all settled down, he will STILL have to reveal his plan for America. He's just using this tragedy to put off the inevitable. My condolences to the families of the dead.
And yet, Obama snubbing Netanyahu's meeting request with a phone call is no problem for these same democrats.
Politics before Patriotism, Thank You Mr. Romney
Romney`s failure to grasp even the most obvious facts, his reactionary rhetoric, his enthusiastic use of a tragedy for political purposes are all disgusting and sad. Good God, what an idiot.
Im outraged the inept one went on a world tour to apologize for being American. I am outraged that Pelosi said pass it than read it, (how stupid is that) im outraged Harry reid used the senate floor to insult Mitty, im outraged unemploy is still over 8%, im outraged the deficet has gone up.. I hope u dumbocraps are outraged, get in line, Americas Outraged with this inept non-leader.
This shows Romney for what he is – a sleazy politician. The mature leadership we've seen from President Obama is a strong contrast to the childish, spoiled preppy, chicken-hawk behavior we've learned to expect from Romney. I served as a Soldier under every CINC since Nixon – including President Obama. I never saw a better Commander-In-Chief than President Obama nor had to endure a weak leader like Mitt Romney. Our Soldiers deserve better.
Once again we have a politician that thinks our foreign policy should be a wild west cowboy diplomacy. Shoot (your mouth off) first and ask questions later (get the facts later).
dems are upset. this is murder. and obama says we'll seek justice. what a political hack.
i googled embassy security since 911. every single year Bush was pres..he had ALL Embassies fully staffed with extra troops and hosting countries' police, army etc. in place and ready one week ahead of the 911 anniversary and one week afterwards
obama did it this morning. super.
Not surprised – Romney comes across as cold and self-centered. He want to be president at any cost. Do not trust the man – watch his lips and eyes when he talks. He cares absolutely zero about most people in this country and has no respect for men and women who have and continue to put their life on the line for us. He has a selfish motive for everything he does. What is wrong with the GOP that could not give candidate choice. Honestly the Romney/Ryan tickets makes McCann/Palin look like the dream ticket. GOP did not move forward, but backward..
OH the SHOE IS ON THE "OTHER FOOT" now Huh...Truth Hurts...especially when it applies to absolute HYPOCRITS like the LEFT.
We need Mittens' boots on the ground-tomorrow would be great.
Let the fool keep digging a deeper hole. Romney is his own worst enemy and not fit to lead America.