Romney made a statement criticizing Obama’s response to the protests and accused him of apologizing for American values and sympathizing with the rioters. Critics, including many Republicans, criticized his tone and timing, and questioned the accuracy of his accusations.
There was a sharp partisan divide in approval of how Romney and Obama each dealt with the assaults — only 5 percent of Democrats approved of Romney’s remarks, and only 11 percent of Republicans approved of Obama’s handling — but independents favored the president. Forty-four percent of them liked how Obama handled the events, with only 23 percent saying the same of the former Massachusetts governor.
MORE: Poll: Low approval of Mitt Romney’s remarks – Kevin Robillard – POLITICO.com.