Romney to Obama: Cowboy up on foreign policy
posted at 8:58 pm on April 21, 2009 by Allahpundit
A guest shot on CNN to follow his NRO op-ed from this morning. It’s odd that he’s hitting The One on his actions abroad: Obama’s been much better there than on domestic policy, and Mitt’s dedication to flexing America’s muscles abroad has never been suspect, unlike his dedication to conservative mores. Strange that he’s hitting Obama for shaking hands with Chavez instead of on abortion and stem cells — although, as Karl notes, even this subject is ripe for criticism.
I’m suspicious of Mitt’s knocks on him for North Korea policy. We can’t afford a war in Asia, in any sense of the term, so lying low and hoping for the best re: North Korea’s missile launch seems to me to have been the smart thing to do, even if it made us look weak superficially. I appreciate Romney wanting to remind Kim that all options are on the table, including the military one, but that bravado would be a cold comfort if it spooked that nutjob into attacking Seoul. Let’s deal with Iran first, yes?
Even so — dude, he’s running.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Including not deploying advance radar capabilities?
Timing. He just was running around the world.
Spirit of 1776 on April 21, 2009 at 9:02 PM
This is boring. Mitt Romney couldn’t even beat McCain who by most standards wasn’t even a true conservative.
No way he’ll take the mantle in 2012.
There needs to be a brand new face.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Isreal has the Malkins to do it and will SOON.
Barry is a sackless child campaigning for 2012.
The USA will do NOTHING to Iran. NOTHING!
omnipotent on April 21, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Hop awwwwwn it!
blatantblue on April 21, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Nope… too busy being Urkel.
RalphyBoy on April 21, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Advanced radar for subpar technology?
North Korea completely embarassed themselves on the world stage.
Obama really didn’t have to do anything.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Ummmmm yes we can. Obama, er, the Adult, just saved 100 million smackers.
Weight of Glory on April 21, 2009 at 9:05 PM
Just in time:
Russia moves troops closer to Georgia’s capital
econavenger on April 21, 2009 at 9:06 PM
I agree, but it’s that our long-term strategy – hope for incompetence?
This standard really isn’t the best to determine the nominee. McCain couldn’t even beat Bush! Same with Reagan, etc. Follow?
Spirit of 1776 on April 21, 2009 at 9:06 PM
I don’t care if its Romney or whomever – Obama needs a serious ass-chewing over his Bow and Scrape World Tour. That jackass’ behavior abroad is absolutely disgusting and proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that he just plain isn’t qualified to be President.
commenter on April 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Do we really need to get dragged into another war?
If Israel goes they better hope we are coming behind them.
Regardless of how you feel about Obama I don’t think he’ll want to commit to completely defending Israel.
As tough as Israel sounds their bluffing IMHO.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Yay!
Weight of Glory on April 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Mitt rocks!
davenp35 on April 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Allah, here’s a concept…Mitt actually thinks The One stinks on foreign policy and is speaking his mind on it.
The Principal Chair on April 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Put the bong down dude, Ka! nObama is a tour de force for American greatness as long as he keeps his self serving pie hole shut.
dmann on April 21, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Israel cant afford to bluff on this one.
the_nile on April 21, 2009 at 9:09 PM
I don’t think Romney would win if he runs again. Obingo isn’t doing nothing to keep us safe. He is opening the doors to make it more dangerous. Something should be done with N. Korea, but the question is when? N. Korea has been playing games for years………….Take away the sanctions, food or anything we send them. Make them suffer. Hopefully Israel will get Iran.
sheebe on April 21, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Good F’in night loser!
dmann on April 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
No, it isn’t. North Korea is doing the same thing the USSR has done, spend all of their money on the military until they have collapsed from within. Honestly we probably can just wait them out until they collapse.
As for the nominee, I see your point but I don’t really see Romney winning the mantle. Really, what does he have to offer?
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Willard should know the President will not use cowboy diplomacy.
He said it millions of times and you lost willard.
getalife on April 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Mitt has a bad nose burn or something. Good appearance. He’s a solid performer.
Ted Torgerson on April 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Might not want a war in Asia,but with over 500,000
artillery pieces overlooking South Korea,the only
option would be tactical nukes to minimize South
Korean casualites,as well as the US Military!!
canopfor on April 21, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I don’t think Israel is bluffing. Like the_nile said, they can’t afford to bluff. Is what I love about Israel, they take so much and then wipe it clean. Israel has to act, Obingo told them they are on their own.
sheebe on April 21, 2009 at 9:11 PM
So they go in and start another war when they aren’t even sure the United States have their back? They’ll get roasted. The reason they are still around is due to the support from the US.
No way. They’ll go in ONLY if they know they have solid backing.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:12 PM
That is what scares me, is innocent S. Korean’s and especially our Military! My Nephew was deployed to S. Korea. I pray he is safe and all of the Men and Women.
sheebe on April 21, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Obingo told them a few weeks ago that they are on their own. I don’t think they care if they get roasted. They have to do something or it may be to late. Iran wants them out of existence.
sheebe on April 21, 2009 at 9:14 PM
This is exactly what Obama has accomplished in the interest of the United States—–NOTHING!
Rovin on April 21, 2009 at 9:14 PM
USSR was deterred by MAD. Is North Korea rational or as suggested a “nut-job”? If nut-job, we can’t expect a linear non-violent pattern like with Russia.
I’m not here to argue for or against. Just saying historically, he’s a front-runner.
Spirit of 1776 on April 21, 2009 at 9:14 PM
What’s the deal with the flat screen real estate allocation of 2:1 in favor of still images of Obama over the actual guest who is talking on the program?
The Principal Chair on April 21, 2009 at 9:14 PM
As mentioned, who has their back against a nuclear armed Iran AND an unstable nuclear-armed Pakistan.
If they go to war with Iran they might as well go against the entire region. For that they will need major backup.
The fallout after that way will be huge.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Wow, AP. I fear a shark was just jumped. “Can’t afford a war” in Asia? This clown-fest of an administration was doing the “smart thing” and not the thing that their lack of will and a clue on foreign policy tells them to do?
We can never “afford” a war in Asia – but a “war” is not the only or inevitable outcome of a more sensible and realistic Nork policy, nor are perceptions of will and seriousness “superficial” in any sense – they are practically the only factor at play between us and the Norks.
On the positive side, I guess you didn’t cite a survey result that 50.01% of Americans don’t support confronting the Norks as a reason not to do so. As I recall this was the level of strategic analysis usually applied to whether or not Iraq should be abandoned back in ’06/’07.
OK, OK – I know, if I can hardly believe how naieve and unserious this particular post was, I don’t have to come to HotAir anymore. Whatever.
The non-reaction to the Nork provocation, and the pattern of passivity and submissiveness surrounding it on almost every foreign policy front, are neither superficial nor smart, and they raise the risks of miscalculation by adversaries even as they improve the calculations of allies and neutrals (uh, the US lacks will and a clue).
IceCold on April 21, 2009 at 9:15 PM
OK, but let’s talk about the issue at hand. What, in your mind, is the strategy moving forward?
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Obama’s behavior on foreign soil, especially on the heels of the Chavez/Ortega business, is THE topic of the day (especially taking in his demeanor in their presence juxtaposed to his keeping possible prosecutions of his predecessor’s administration on the table) and the correct one to be addressing.
KittyLowrey on April 21, 2009 at 9:18 PM
By what, 40 year old F4′s and F14′s slung with hawk ground to air missles? I don’t recall US troops ever having to fight for Israel during its past conflicts.
dmann on April 21, 2009 at 9:18 PM
The alternative would be to engage? Let’s finish our two wars first before we start a third.
Based on the technology North Korea has been working on for decades, they aren’t advancing anytime soon. Not to say we don’t keep our eye on them.
Who knows, maybe the people might start their own revolution from within.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Mitt doesn’t get it: Obama wants to be the leader of an enslaved, totalitarian America where he micromanages every individual and group decision made in America.
That is the whole purpose of this exercise, Mitt.
technopeasant on April 21, 2009 at 9:20 PM
What does he have to offer? Gee, I don’t know, maybe actually knowing something about the economy, and private-sector business! After seeing Romney speak more and more over the past few months, I can’t figure out how he lost the nomination. Other then it just wasn’t “his turn” yet.
Romney has to be the man in 2012. I’d love to see a debate on economics, with Mitt throwing out technical business and economic jargon, and watching Obama try to keep up. Kinda like when W threw out some sub-chapter S corp references to Kerry. Kerry probably didn’t know what the hell he was talking about.
Dave From Canada on April 21, 2009 at 9:21 PM
If Israel goes they better hope we are coming behind them.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:07 PM
I have news for you. I am a proud US Soldier, and will fight whenever, wherever and whoever my Commander-In-Chief (even the boy wonder) tells me to. HOWEVER, I know enough about history and Gods word to know that if the entire Iranian Military were to be in the desert with only a platoon of Israeli National Guard cooks, the Iranians are SURROUNDED! One doesn’t screw with Gods chosen people alas Gods chosen military and expect good results!
fumpbump on April 21, 2009 at 9:21 PM
What? Did I say start another war? Let me reread my own comments!
That’s well put.
Spirit of 1776 on April 21, 2009 at 9:21 PM
My Nephew was deployed to South Korea.
sheebe on April 21,2009 at 9:12PM.
sheebe:
My prayers are with you,and you must be very proud of him!
I think thats the reason Kim ill wants nukes!:)
canopfor on April 21, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Nappy and O are setting us up for a faux terror attack…martial law ensues…after all, Americans are America’s enemies…just ask those two commies.
nondhimmie on April 21, 2009 at 9:23 PM
No, Israel will be caught in and uptick of non-stop nickle-and-dime attacks by all sorts of people. They’ll win battles easily but the violence would increase and they’ll just perpetuate the cycle of terrorism that they live in now.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Romney swishes more than Perez Hilton knocking people out of the way at a buffet. So, what do you think about obama this week, Romney?
We need new blood.
HornetSting on April 21, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Playing kissy face with Adolf Chevez in person and with Mahmoud Hitler by correspondence? Basically telling Israel to go fly a kite? Playing LBJ redux in Afcrapistan?
Jumpin’ Jehosaphat!
MB4 on April 21, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Wanna bet?
By July 4th, Iran will have been hit by our ally Israel.
And yesterdays episode at the UN “Racism” Conference on Israel’s Holocaust Rememberance Day just solidified Israeli public opinion against Iran and their 2nd Holocaust aspirations.
omnipotent on April 21, 2009 at 9:24 PM
Good audition for VP spot, Mitt.
promachus on April 21, 2009 at 9:25 PM
meanwhile Romney faces lawsuit
William Amos on April 21, 2009 at 9:25 PM
He was the front runner in the last cycle. People took the fact that he was a Mormon ans spun it on him, by his own party!
I don’t see him doing anything different to change how people perceive him.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:25 PM
My take: To the layman, he came from nowhere. To the world he flashed a ton of cash. To the press, they showed him to be nothing more than a fat wallet. To the Republicans, they spent their time and money preoccupied with the Democratic campaign.
ericdijon on April 21, 2009 at 9:26 PM
Meanwhile the guy that replaced Mitt in Mass faces his own problems.
William Amos on April 21, 2009 at 9:26 PM
You’re clueless , there’s a bunch of arabs that silently would celebrate the takeout of Iran’s nuke program.
the_nile on April 21, 2009 at 9:27 PM
You didn’t say another war but that was the only alternative I gathered based on your comments.
So, since you used the second quote, the only logical thing for me to ask is what is the action (or set of actions) you would support?
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:28 PM
Far from being roasted and given your scenario of scant or no American backing what would the Israelis have to risk by destroying Hezbollah and Hamas once and for all. They could then seek a new accord with Lebanon and the truly moderate Palestinians.
dmann on April 21, 2009 at 9:29 PM
I do. I think most of it would be old news that most people wouldn’t care about. And in 2012, the economy will still be issue #1, especially with unemployment still high, and Obama entrenched in trillion dollar deficits as far as the eye can see, and looming tax hikes.
Dave From Canada on April 21, 2009 at 9:30 PM
And then there are a bunch more that would see these actions as an assault by Israel on the Muslim world.
I highly doubt the majority of the Muslim world would sit on the sidelines while their sworn enemy is out starting a war.
Please provide evidence to the contrary. And I don’t see any point with the name-calling.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:30 PM
Its interesting how civil Romney threads are, even people who don’t like him are civil. Nobody spams them with anti-Romney screeds unlike Romneybots who raise a stink in every Palin thread with some real disgusting comments. Romneybots are the most classless supporters I’ve seen, right next to Paultards.
promachus on April 21, 2009 at 9:31 PM
I know ckoeber, is crazy. I just pray for Israel. Nothing else anyone can do. You are right about Pakistan.
sheebe on April 21, 2009 at 9:32 PM
I will go on record and make that bet.
Forth of July Israel goes on a strike against Iran?
That’ll be interesting.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Yeah, because Muslims are so courageous they invented retarded children suicide bombers.
Also, the battle would be over before anyone outside Iran even heard a peep.
omnipotent on April 21, 2009 at 9:32 PM
Mitt lost me, a former Mitt supporter, in his admiration for Obama’s “backbone” in firing GM’s CEO.
As old as he is, Mitt has no firm principles. It’s a shame.
beatcanvas on April 21, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Thank you for your kind words, means a lot.
sheebe on April 21, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Our radar deployment, for one.
Spirit of 1776 on April 21, 2009 at 9:34 PM
6 pack of beer of the winner’s choice, no welching!
Also, BY July 4th not ON July 4th (although the timing would be exquisite!)
omnipotent on April 21, 2009 at 9:35 PM
It will be interesting. I would really like some new faces though.
It’ll depend on what happens with a lot of things. Hard to predict 3-4 years in the future :)
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:35 PM
I can’t believe you’re stating that laying low is good US foreign policy AP. So getting chummy with foreign dictators, bowing to oil sheiks, and playing nice with the leader of a genocidal apocalyptic death cult going nuclear is your idea of having done well? Are you on the sauce?
chicagojedi on April 21, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Mitt has my vote.
RobCon on April 21, 2009 at 9:36 PM
You’re on.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Mitt came out for GM’s bankruptcy back in november of ’08. Everyone else is just now coming around to that idea. And believe me, that opinion didn’t earn him any love in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Hmmm, what’s that called again? Oh yeah, principle.
Let Detroit Go Bankrupt
Dave From Canada on April 21, 2009 at 9:37 PM
That whole gaggle of goat fornicators sees Israel’s very existence as an assault on the muslim world.
MB4 on April 21, 2009 at 9:38 PM
I agree.
Dave From Canada on April 21, 2009 at 9:38 PM
None of the countries will directly attack Israel. They’ll just ramp up the terrorism against Israel and the US.
The cycle not only will not end it’ll become greater.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Totally agree with you! 100%
jencab on April 21, 2009 at 9:40 PM
You want to know why we’re screwed? Read this story. When you have this statement:
Right before this statement:
It’s apparent that not only are there no adults in charge, no one is even trying anymore with regards to NK and Iran.
Weight of Glory on April 21, 2009 at 9:41 PM
if Mitt would like to get elected, he should follow Newts lead and convert to either Catholicism like Newt or some form of evangelical christian.
just saying, its the politics of the matter.
jp on April 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
The “issue at hand” I believe is the pacification and appeasement policies Obama has sent to the world leaders by his actions of apologies, releasing CIA memos while leaving the door open to prosecuting some of our former leadership, and shaking hands with despots like Chavez is putting this nation in great peril. Obama’s opening every door to our enemies—with open arms—that allows every unstable government to challenge U.S. strength and resolve. By his actions, this man is gambling with our lives still believing in the John Lennon fantasy Imagine or the “we are the world” mentality that compassion will make our enemies lay down their weapons and sing kum bah yah while the NK fires off another rocket and Iran incenerates Israel.
The only “strategy moving forward” is to remove the man from his office before the damage can not be undone.
Rovin on April 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Goes towards my point. What, then, will Israel’s attack on Iran really accomplish? It’ll slow the nukes from Iran but then more states and organizations of terrorism will pop-up.
This will just beef up Hesbollah as now they will have more support from the people of a nuclear-armed Pakistan to overthrow the Fatwa government for good and install a regime JUST LIKE Iran’s in their country.
In short, Israel will win the battle but lose the war. They will be in a worse position than when they started.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
It’s odd that he’s hitting The One on his actions abroad: Obama’s been much better there than on domestic policy,
jewells45 on April 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Meanwhile back at Team Hopey,AxleBrokenRod,
and Obama are hunting down their real threat,
zee RightWingers,(Sarc).
while Iran,and goons are plotting and planning
the demise of Israel and the US!!
canopfor on April 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
So the goat-f*ckers will terrorize Israeli citizens even more?
Wouldn’t they be doing that RIGHT NOW if they had the capability?
They never hesitated before when they had the means.
omnipotent on April 21, 2009 at 9:43 PM
The only way that Romney would win is if the economy stays horrible.
deidre on April 21, 2009 at 9:44 PM
nObama lite (Deval Patrick) has been an utter and total disaster for the Commonwealth. “Yes we can” has turned into WTF…..another slick marketing effort collapses under the weight of reality.
Mirror mirror on the wall…..
dmann on April 21, 2009 at 9:44 PM
You have no clout
You better not try
You better watch out, I’m telling you why.
Twelfth Imam is coming to town
A-Bomb is on list
I’ll use more than twice
Good Muslims who die
Will go to paradise
Twelfth Imam is coming to town
He knows if you’re a Christian
He knows if you’re a Jew
He knows if you’re an in-fi-del
He’s told me what to do
So….You have no clout
You better not try, I’m telling you why.
Twelfth Imam is coming to town
Twelfth Imam is coming to town
Aleph on April 21, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Mitt is a great speaker, long on substance and is not one to back down in a debate. Oh, and he doesn’t need a telepromter.
TN Mom on April 21, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Removal from office will not happen anytime soon. You need to get the people on board first.
The way I see it people may still elect him even if the economy doesn’t improve.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:45 PM
I’m sure Israeli citizens would rather live to see more terrorist attacks in thier country than have all Israelis turned to dust.
omnipotent on April 21, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Yes, they are definitely still engaged in these activities but attacks will certainly increase should Israel attack Iran.
How would they decrease?
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:48 PM
North Korea will not attack South with conventional forces. Period. The loss of American and South Korean life would be substantial within the first 48 hours and the destruction of Seoul would be significant. Having said that, North Korea would cease to exist as a political and military entity a short time later.
moxie_neanderthal on April 21, 2009 at 9:49 PM
Beat Obama like the empty drum ~ and suit~ he is.
Barry- weakening America one day at a time.
profitsbeard on April 21, 2009 at 9:50 PM
I can see that. But policy makers will need to weigh the repercussions. They won’t rush in.
At most some air strikes.
The real question is how Iran will react?
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:50 PM
AP thinks Obama has been GOOD on foreign policy? What the hell are you even doing here?
echosyst on April 21, 2009 at 9:51 PM
This CIA stunt is a sideshow. The real thing is Obama’s ratings are dropping real fast and he just wants to shore up his base.
promachus on April 21, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Yet he got beat by a guy that didn’t know half as much as he did on the economy and needed a teleprompter for every occasion?
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Dave From Canada on April 21, 2009 at 9:21 PM
+1
Bambi on April 21, 2009 at 9:53 PM
To hear you spin it, all the Jews, in Israel at least, might as well just curl up and die. I don’t think they will. How long they think they can set back Iran’s quest for an A-Bomb to use on them will be determinative in whether or not they have a go at Iran, not some Hezbollah turds.
MB4 on April 21, 2009 at 9:54 PM
Only 2 years as a Senator!
I bet Liberals think,that equates to a lifetime
of Military service!!
And,where’s The Leader of the Free World,he’s missing
in action,or A-Wall!!!
canopfor on April 21, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Let’s get real for a moment. Obama’s approval ratings have been holding steady for the longest time.
There may be agreement on what the President has done right or wrong but by every poll he has held on to about a 60% approval rating.
ckoeber on April 21, 2009 at 9:55 PM
What can Iran do, they have no strategic capability. Their reaction will be limited to what they are currently doing, funding, training and arming barbarians.
dmann on April 21, 2009 at 9:55 PM
What does he have to offer?
Dave from Canada on April 21,2009 at 9:21PM.
Dave from Canada:
As a fellow Canadian,I do like your logic!:)
canopfor on April 21, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »