7/30/12 – Poland Day 1 – Mitt, Ann, and Josh visit Westerplatte Memorial
White House Says Romney’s Comments in Israel Have People “scratching their heads” – From ABC’s Mary Bruce – White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest took a stab at Romney’s comments in Israel, saying “it is clear that there are some people who have taken a look at those comments and are scratching their heads a little bit.”
“You know, one of the challenges of being an actor on the international stage, particularly when you’re traveling to such a sensitive part of the world, is that your comments are very closely scrutinized for meaning, for nuance, for motivation,” he said. “I would leave it to Governor Romney to further explain what he meant and what he intended when he said that.”
Asked if he was suggesting that Romney is failing that challenge as an actor on the world stage, Earnest said “I will leave it to you and others who are experienced observers of candidates and presidents and other world leaders who have gone onto the world stage and have faced that challenge. And it’s not — it wouldn’t be appropriate from my position to grade him from here.”
Remembering in Poland- 7:39 p.m. CET (12:39 a.m. EST) Mitt, Ann and son, Josh Romney lay a wreath in remembrance at the Westerplatte Memorial in Gdańsk, Poland. The memorial site is located where the first shots were fired in World War II. The memorial symbolizes the clash between Polish and German forces during the Invasion of Poland.
Memorial in Gdansk Poland. By David Muir
A Nobel Endorsement by former Polish President - 06:30 p.m.CET (11:30 a.m. EST) - Lech Walesa, the Nobel Prize winner and former Polish president, “has effectively endorsed Romney.”
“I wish you to be successful because this success is needed to the United States, of course, but to Europe and the rest of the world, too. Gov Romney, get your success – be successful,” Walesa told Romney, according to a translator.
Romney Greeted by Ron Paul Supporters – 03:35 p.m. CET (8:35 a.m. EST) - Mitt and Ann Romney were greeted upon arriving for a meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk by hundreds of people lining the narrow streets here, some of whom held signs for another U.S. presidential candidate, Ron Paul.
The large sign read “Polish Choice – R. Paul” with a photograph of Paul.
But not everyone is a Paul supporter. As Romney and his wife Ann arrived at Gdank’s Old Town Hall, the candidate shoot hands with well-wishers, one of whom told him, “I want you to be president of the United States.”
The Romneys admired the crowd before heading into the meeting, Ann comparing it to a rally stateside. “Wow, look at that,” said Mitt. “This is great.” “This is like a local rally in the U.S.,” said Ann.
Source: ABC News
