Romney: Bush Damaged U.S. Global Image

BEDFORD, N.H. — Mitt Romney yesterday jabbed at President Bush, saying the image of America has suffered globally based on the perception that it invaded Iraq unilaterally.

"I do think that we have suffered over the past several years for a number of reasons, and I think you probably know what they are," the former Massachusetts governor told civic and business leaders, citing the absence of strong international support in the lead-up to the war.

"There has been the perception that we have not been as open and participative with other nations as is our normal approach," he said.

The comments revived a theme from the debate Tuesday night in which Mr. Romney and others criticized the president on his management of the war, the immigration bill, and diplomacy.