Oooh, nuance!

Ah, Mitt, Mitt, Mitt. Remember when you thought you were going to be President?

BETTENDORF, Iowa — Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney on Wednesday defended his five sons' decision not to enlist in the military, saying they're showing their support for the country by "helping me get elected."

...

Romney noted that his middle son, 36-year-old Josh, was completing a recreational vehicle tour of all 99 Iowa counties on Wednesday and said, "I respect that and respect all those and the way they serve this great country."

The woman who asked the question, Rachel Griffiths, 41, of Milan, Ill., identified herself as a member of Quad City Progressive Action for the Common Good, as well as the sister of an Army major who had served in Iraq.

"Of course not," Griffiths said when asked if she was satisfied with Romney's answer. "He told me the way his son shows support for our military and our nation is to buy a Winnebago and ride across Iowa and help him get elected."

Look, Mitt's sons are aged 26-37, and obviously they are old enough to make their own decisions. What Mitt could have said was:

"My sons are adults and I support their decisions not to volunteer for military service, but if any of them decided to enlist, I would support that decision as well."

But being a deeply stupid and venal man, Romney had the gall to equate military service with political service. Yes, Governor, I'm sure that Winnebago (with the family dog tied to the roof?) is in grave danger of getting blown up by an IED while it toodles through the heartland in air-conditioned splendor.

Looks like broad shoulders and nice hair just aren't enough to carry you through an 18-month campaign, Mitt.