“It’s not good for us as a country — it’s not good for him — but as a country to have somebody that’s nominated by one of the principal parties to go over and insult everybody,” Reid said.

Romney, who takes great pride in heading the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, caused a media sensation Thursday when he said there were “disconcerting” signals that the British might not be prepared for the coming games. …

“I think I would have thought up this on my own and not [have to rely] on the staff,” said Reid. “I would go there and I would say, ‘They have done a remarkably good job. I know how they have been hurt with the economy. But they have done this. I have done it myself. It’s so hard to do, and they have done a remarkably good job.’ That’s what they should have done. He would have been cheered and not have the mayor, before 60,000 people, belittle one of our major party nominees. And that’s what the mayor did.”