Barely 12 hours since leaving the country, Mitt Romney has already caused an entirely avoidable international public-relations crisis.

Romney, The New York Times reports, “called the British Olympic preparations ‘disconcerting’ and questioned whether Londoners would turn out to support the Games.” Sure. Why wouldn’t he do this? It’s the larger-scale equivalent of refusing a plate of cookies from an old lady because the snacks appear to be purchased at a 7-11.

In response to Romney’s dig, British prime minister David Cameron shot back by mocking Salt Lake City, the site of the Romney-produced 2002 Winter Games. “We are holding an Olympic Games in one of the busiest, most active, bustling cities anywhere in the world. Of course it’s easier if you hold an Olympic Games in the middle of nowhere,” Cameron said.

We can just imagine how Romney’s unparalleled diplomatic savvy will inform foreign relations during his presidency. . .

[Harp music and smoke]

Romney to French president François Hollande: “Your country’s a little. . . I don’t know, gay?”

Romney to German chancellor Angela Merkel: “It’s just odd. All the other Angelas I know are very attractive girls.”

Romney to South African president Jacob Zuma: “I know your country is in Africa but it’s not really in Africa. Not like Africa Africa, thank God.”