'US democracy only belongs to the rich' [Michael Prysner, Alison Weir and Lawrence Freeman © PressTV]

US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has confronted a convoluted conundrum over characterizing supporters of rival candidate Barack Obama as government-dependent "victims" who dodge taxes. In a secretly filmed video, Romney told a group of wealthy American donors that almost half of the US voters -- supporters of incumbent President Obama -- are living off government support and do not care for their lives.

The Obama campaign was also quick to take advantage of the video, saying that "it's hard to serve as president for all Americans when you've disdainfully written off half the nation." Political experts consider the video a major setback for Romney, who was characterized by his political opponents as privileged and out of touch. Romney has been repeatedly criticized for making comments in private sessions -- remarks that he seldom makes in public gatherings.