More attacks on U.S. embassies in the Middle East prompted this response from Republican Mitt Romney.

SOUNDBITE: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney saying:

"It seems we are at the mercy of world events instead of shaping world events."

While critical of President Obama's leadership, his language was noticeably more restrained.

SOUNDBITE: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney saying:

"I intend to be a president that provides the leadership that America respects and will keep us admired throughout the world."

Days earlier, the presidential hopeful used the word "disgraceful" to describe the White House response to the killing of four American diplomats.

Democrats and some Republicans called the comment and several subsequent remarks, inappropriate and ill advised.

And as he praised the fallen diplomats... more criticism --- a man shouting "Why are you politicizing Libya?"

The crowd eventually drowned out the heckler and Romney continued his call for better leadership in the middle East --- emphasizing the need for more investment in the military.

It's a point that may resonate with these voters in Virginia --- a state which has seen job losses from defense cuts made during Obama.