Bad time to start a brawl

Why is Mitt Romney blowing up his own campaign by fighting with the auto companies Chrysler and GM?

The candidate made a false claim about Chrysler job losses in a campaign speech — got a reprimand and a correction from Chrysler — but instead of retreating brought out new ads touting the same theme.

While adding GM to the fight.

Prompting a reprimand from GM.

Leading to a statement from the Romney campaign that it stands by the ads.

While the Obama campaign ropes off a ring and hands out free tickets.