“I’m not sure Mitt Romney would have made that decision,” Axelrod told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week.” “It was a very courageous decision.”

The comment came as Axelrod was ticking off what he described as Obama’s accomplishments over the last three years on matters of national security.

“I think when you look at the record — ending the war in Iraq, bringing Osama bin Laden to justice, destroying the leadership of al Qaeda … He’s made some very tough calls,” Axelrod said. “I know Gov. Romney said, ‘Oh, well, anyone would’ve given the order on Osama bin Laden.’ [Then-Defense Secretary] Bob Gates said it was the most courageous decision he’s seen a president make in his 30 years in Washington.”