With attacks in Middle East, campaign turns to foreign policy

Answer 1

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is facing significant backlash for targeting the president for a public statement made by the US embassy in the early stages of the attacks in Egypt and Libya.

The embassy's statement in Egypt, issued before crowds began to gather outside the compound, had referred to an inflammatory anti-Muslim video and said that it condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims and those of all religions.

Romney had sharply criticized the statement and accused the Obama administration of apologizing for America's values and issuing a weak response.

President Obama responding by saying that Romney spoke before knowing all the facts and was politicizing a tragedy.

As the presidential campaign turns to the issue of foreign policy, public opinion polls have consistently shown voters giving Obama higher marks on foreign policy than Romney. The latest CNN/ORC International survey showed Obama was favored over Romney, 54% to 42%.