Mitt Romney defends ‘very effective campaign’ amid Republican complaints

In an interview to be broadcast on Sunday at the end of his worst week so far, Romney rejected criticism of his handling of the campaign. His team has been repeatedly forced on the defensive, unable to gets its message out. Last week was dominated by reports of internal strife and a devastating secret video of a Romney speech dismissive of 47% of Americans as freeloaders.

Asked how he planned to turn things around, Romney told CBS 60 Minutes: “Well, it doesn’t need a turnaround.” He added: “I’ve got a very effective campaign. It’s doing a very good job.”

It is surprising that Romney opted for denial in the face of widespread criticism last week, in particular from Republicans.

The influential conservative commentator, Peggy Noonan, in her Wall Street Journal column, called for a change at the top of his team, describing the campaign as “a rolling calamity”.

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