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Mitt Romney's London Olympics Gaffe Sparks Outpouring Of Reaction (SLIDESHOW)

Romney's Olympics Gaffe Sparks Outpouring Of Reaction

Mitt Romney's first trip abroad as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee got off to a rough start when he offended his British hosts by questioning London's preparation for the Olympics.

"The stories about the private security firm not having enough people, the supposed strike of the immigration and customs officials -- that obviously is not something which is encouraging," Romney said during an interview with NBC News that aired on Wednesday evening, stating that he found some of these potential issues "disconcerting."

British Prime Minister David Cameron hit back at Romney's remarks on Thursday, taking a shot at the former governor's leadership during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

"We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world," Cameron said. "Of course, it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere."

According to The Huffington Post UK, Romney sparked further amusement after meeting with Cameron on Thursday and attempting to backtrack his earlier comments:

Speaking on the steps of Downing Street on Thursday afternoon, Romney attempted to make up for his earlier comments by saying he "applauded the work of the organising committee" of the Games.

However he raised some eyebrows when his comments that he had enjoyed looking "out the backside of Downing Street" were lost in translation.

Below, a look at some of the reaction to Romney's remarks:

Mitt Romney's Shambles Reactions
Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-La.)(01 of09)
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"We're not worried about overseas headlines. We're worried aboutvoters back here at home in America," Jindal said on a conference call with reporters Thursday. (credit:AP)
Channel 4 News in London (02 of09)
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Felicity Spector of Channel 4 News in London writes that Romney has undertaken "a charm offensive, that has proved rather more offensive, than charming." (credit:AP)
UK Prime Minister David Cameron(03 of09)
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In response to Romney questioning whether London could handle the security issues ahead of the summer games, Cameron retorted that he had no doubt "Britain can deliver." "We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world," Cameron said. "Of course it's easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere." (credit:AP)
The Sun(04 of09)
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The tabloid said Romney's visit was "not a great day at the office." (credit:AP)
The Times of London(05 of09)
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The daily paper called Cameron's comment an "Olympic putdown" in an above-the-scroll headline online. (credit:AP)
The Telegraph(06 of09)
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"If Mitt Romney doesn't like us, we shouldn't care," writes the paper. (credit:AP)
The Daily Mail(07 of09)
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The newspaper called the start of Romney's trip "humiliating." (credit:AP)
The London Evening Standard(08 of09)
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The newspaper wrote "David Cameron slaps down US presidential hopeful Mitt Romney over Games gaffe." (credit:AP)
BBC(09 of09)
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"Mr Romney is credited with rescuing the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, now he's appeared to question London's readiness to host a successful olympics," host George Alagiah said, adding "If (Romney's) here to make friends, he's got a funny way of showing it."

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