The nominee-presumptive’s words to his donors suggesting Israel’s economy does well because of the nation’s culture are causing a stir:

“It is a racist statement and this man doesn’t realize that the Palestinian economy cannot reach its potential because there is an Israeli occupation,” said Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

“It seems to me this man (Romney) lacks information, knowledge, vision and understanding of this region and its people,” Erekat added. “He also lacks knowledge about the Israelis themselves. I have not heard any Israeli official speak about cultural superiority.”

Let’s see if Chicago bites at this.

UPDATE: And…, here’s the unsurprising Axelrod tweet.

Is there anything about Romney’s Rolling Ruckus that would inspire confidence in his ability to lead US foreign policy?apne.ws/Qrc0J0

— David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) July 30, 2012