White House photo

Obama says Romney shoots first, aims later

In 60 Minutes interview, president says his challenger lacks caution.

In an interview with 60 Minutes' Steve Kroft on Wednesday, President Obama said Republican challenger Mitt Romney’s condemnation of his administration’s response to violence against American embassy workers in Libya and protests in Cairo showed a lack of necessary caution.

“Governor Romney seems to have a tendency to shoot first and aim later,” Obama said. “And as president, one of the things I’ve learned is you can’t do that — that it’s important for you to make sure that the statements you make are backed up by the facts, and that you’ve thought through the ramifications before you make them.”

When asked if Romney’s statement was irresponsible, the president responded, “I’ll let the American people judge that.”

CBS News aired an excerpt from Kroft's interview with Obama Wednesday afternoon.