Oops, Romney identifies a new terrorist leader

October 23, 2007 | 2:36 pm

How confining it must feel to be a presidential candidate on either side who knows that every single public word, gesture, roll of the eyes or glance is being recorded by someone waiting to pounce on the slightest mistake.

But nobody forced any of them to run. So here we are with today's gaffe from Mitt Romney. He was in South Carolina talking to a Chamber of Commerce meeting about terrorism, which Republicans tend to do a lot more than Democrats. He was apparently referring to an audiotape released yesterday, allegedly of Osama bin Laden calling on jihadists to assemble for the main fight in Iraq.

"Actually," Romney said, "just look at what Osam-- Barack Obama -- said yesterday. Barack Obama calling on radicals, jihadists of all different types, to come together in Iraq. That is the battlefield.... It's almost as if the Democratic contenders for president are living in fantasyland. Their idea for jihad is to retreat, and their idea for the economy is to also retreat. And in my view, both efforts are wrongheaded."

Romney went on to add, "It's my personal belief that having someone like John Edwards, a senator, who goes out and communicates that there is no global war on terror -- that it's just a Bush bumper sticker -- I think that is a position that is not consistent with the facts."

Romney spokesman Kevin Madden immediately admitted the mistake: "He misspoke. He was referring to the audiotape of Osama bin Laden and misspoke. It was just a mix-up."

However, mix-ups are also opposition opportunities. Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "Apparently, Mitt Romney can switch names just as casually as he switches positions."

And Edwards suggested that Romney apologize to Obama, simple mix-up or not.

Good thing bloggers never make misteaks.

-- Andrew Malcolm