Former Republican Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney startled South Carolina reporters by twice confusing Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., with Osama bin Laden.

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Speaking to the Chamber of Commerce in Greenwood, S.C., the Republican presidential hopeful apparently had Obama, a Democratic presidential hopeful, in the back of his mind.

"Actually, just look at what Osam -- uh Barack Obama, said just yesterday. Barack Obama calling on radicals, jihadists of all different types, to come together in Iraq," Romney said.

Startled reporters sat upright and glanced around at one another, the New York Times reported.

Soon after, Romney campaign spokesman Kevin Madden explained the remark.

"Gov. Romney simply misspoke. He was referring to the recently released audiotape of Osama bin Laden and misspoke when referencing his name. It was just a brief mix-up," Madden said.

Obama was campaigning in New Hampshire later in the day and was asked for his reaction.

"I don't pay too much attention to Mitt Romney," Obama said.