Voicing Doubts: Romney Angers British Over Olympic Comments

Mitt Romney, who helmed the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, is visiting England this week for the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

In the process, he’s raising a few eyebrows with some less than positive remarks about the initial preparations for the London games.

“It’s hard to know just how well it will turn out,” Romney said. “There are a few things that were disconcerting: the stories about the private security firm not having enough people, supposed strike of the immigration and customs officials, that obviously is not something which is encouraging.”

“Do they come together and celebrate the Olympic moment?” he said. “That’s something which we only find out once the Games actually begin.”

With the opening ceremonies just hours away, the British are not thrilled about the content of Romney’s remarks.

“We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world. Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere,” said Cameron when asked about the former Massachusetts governor’s comments. He assured the press he would talk directly to Romney about the preparations during their one-on-one meeting.

“You’re going to see beyond doubt that Britain can deliver,” Cameron told reporters. “We’ve delivered this incredible Olympic Park on time, on budget, and in real style.”