And many West Bank Palestinians would like the freedom to vote for or against the Israeli governments that have imposed these and other conditions on them. That would be a manifestation of freedom known as "democracy."

I realize Mitt Romney doesn't care what Palestinians think of him, since they have no real constituency in America. But what is alarming--and I mean alarming from the point of view of Americans who might wind up being governed by this guy--is that he probably has no awareness of the stunning irony of going to Jerusalem, having a lovefest with Bibi Netanyahu, defender-in-chief of the Israeli occupation, and then preaching to Palestinians that they'd be better off if only they'd get themselves some freedom!

I mean, leave aside the left-right argument about whether Israeli or Palestinian leaders are more responsible for the failure to reach a two-state solution back when that was still possible. Do you have any idea how offensive Romney sounds to the vast majority of Palestinians who definitely can't be blamed for this failure to seize past moments?

I used to think the Democratic rap on Romney--that he's one of these rich people who just can't see the way life looks to less rich people--was just a clever and not wholly implausible talking point. But I'm starting to take it much more seriously. I think his gaffes abroad do bespeak an inability to put himself in the shoes of other people, whether Brits who are proud of their Olympic preparations or Palestinians who live under occupation.

I mean, gosh, why didn't those Palestinians have the wisdom to be born into a nice Mormon family--with nice Mormon culture--whose patriarch was head of American Motors? And, come to think of it, why didn't all those unemployed Americans exhibit similar foresight?

Mitt's a pretty smart guy, but there's one thing he just can't seem to wrap his mind around: not being Mitt. For the millions of American voters who aren't Mitt, that's something to think about.