Mitt Romney is heading home after a disastrous overseas tour.
The presumptive GOP presidential nominee’s plane left Poland this afternoon and is headed for Boston, concluding a seven-day gaffe-prone foreign visit.
Romney had hoped the tour would showcase his diplomatic talents and readiness as a leader.
Instead, he drew massive attention for insulting Britain over its preparation for the London Olympics and angered Palestinians during his visit to Israel.
And the strain was showing on the trip's final day in Poland.
Romney's travelling press secretary Rick Gorka told reporters today to "shove it" and "kiss my ass" when asked why Romney had taken just three questions from American reporters.
Gorka subsequently called a pair of reporters to apologize, saying he lost his cool.
"It was inappropriate," Gorka said.
Romney had ignored shouted questions from reporters about his comments attributing Israel's strong economy to Jewish culture, with no mention of Israel's harsh restrictions on the Palestinians. Palestinian officials accused Romney of racism.
And who's to blame for this mess?
Before leaving Poland, Romney downplayed his perceived missteps and blamed the media in an interview with Fox News. He said reporters are more interested in "finding something to write" than in reporting on the economy and national security threats.
But as he returns to the U.S. 98 days before the general election, speculation is already turning toward Romney's choice of a running mate.
His campaign released a statement suggesting the announcement would come "soon," although experts doubt it will come before the Olympics end on Aug. 12.