Romney returns home after gaffe-filled trip overseas

WARSAW, Poland (KGO) -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is on his way back to the United States, to Boston. This follows an overseas trip overshadowed by controversial comments.

The latest misstep was not by the former Massachusetts governor, but by a very vocal campaign aide. His name is Rick Gorka, he's Romney's traveling press secretary. Reporters were yelling questions at Romney as he left Poland's tomb of the unknown soldier. Gorka was telling them to back off, when he let a swear word fly:

Reporter: "Governor Romney, do you have anything to say to the Palestinians? What about your gaffe?"

Gorka: "Show some respect here."

Reporter: "We haven't had another chance to ask him questions."

Gorka: "Kiss my a**. This is a holy site for the Polish people. Show some respect"

A half hour after that exchange, Gorka apologized to reporters and Romney went on to give a foreign policy speech in Warsaw.

Poland was the third and final stop on Romney's three-nation tour; three nations and three supposed gaffes, two by the candidate himself.

In Israel on Monday, Romney said the reason for the economic inequality between the Palestinians and Israelis is culture, "Such racist statements do not serve those who are trying to protect and save lives in this region," said Saeb Erekat, senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Last week in London Romney said the city wasn't prepared to host the Olympics. Prime Minister David Cameron did not let that slide, saying, "We are holding an Olympic games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world. And of course, it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere."

Romney says his comments have been grossly mischaracterized. But at the same time, in an interview with ABC's David Muir, he stood behind them, "I tend to tell people what I actually believe."

On Tuesday Romney advisor Stuart Stevens said he thinks the trip was a "great success."

Also Tuesday from the Romney camp, they announced a new smartphone application called "Mitt's VP." If you download it, you'll be the first to know who Romney picks as his running mate. The announcement is expected any time between now and the GOP convention on August 27th.

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barack obama, mitt romney, 2012 presidential election, national/world, katie marzullo

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