I think Romney’s treatment of the family pet is a big deal in that it demonstrates to me a lack of good judgment and a lack of empathy to the point of depraved indifference to the life and well-being of a living critter in his care. That he thought this was a funny story some years later that he felt demonstrated his ability to deal with crises emphasizes those disturbing qualities. I have a number of other reasons I would not vote for the man, but these are included in the list.