Mitt Romney channels Jon Lovitz as Michael Dukakis?

Matt K. Lewis Senior Contributor
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This morning, I wrote that the renewed emphasis on foreign policy would likely help Mitt Romney, adding the caveat: “He should be careful, of course, in how he proceeds.”

It appears that was good advice not taken.

During his press conference this morning, Romney began by saying, the attacks were “outrageous” and “disgusting” — but he didn’t really sound outraged or disgusted.

It reminded me of the classic 1988 SNL skit, when Jon Lovitz (playing Michael Dukakis) was asked if he would support the death penalty if his wife was raped? Lovitz came back with what can only be described as “the most cerebral, weak and passionless, ‘I’m outraged’ response.”

There is something to be said about being calm under fire, but today, Romney’s calm voice and demeanor didn’t match his strong words.

This criticism is, of course, in many ways superficial. But elections are in many ways about perceptions. Romney can’t implement his foreign policy goals unless he wins. The problem with Mitt Romney continues to be Mitt Romney.

As I tweeted earlier today,  Obama looks a little more like Jimmy Carter today, but the problem is that Romney doesn’t look more like Ronald Reagan.

Matt K. Lewis