Saturday, November 12, 2011
  Reactions to the CBS/National Journal Foreign Policy Debate in Spartanburg, SC
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Romney for President
November 12, 2011 9:28 PM

CURTIS LOFTIS: MITT ROMNEY WILL MAKE THE 21st CENTURY AN AMERICAN CENTURY
 
Boston, MA – South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis made the following statement following tonight’s debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina:
 
“Mitt Romney won tonight's debate by articulating a strategy to ensure that the 21st century is an American century. Unlike President Obama, Mitt Romney will conduct a foreign policy that acknowledges America’s exceptional role in the world, and he will do so with clarity and resolve. In a Romney administration, our friends will never question where we stand – and neither will our adversaries.”    

Romney for President
November 12, 2011  9:35 PM

AMBASSADOR RICH WILLIAMSON: MITT ROMNEY WILL SECURE A MORE PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS WORLD
 
Boston, MA – Mitt Romney’s Special Adviser on Foreign Policy, former U.S. Ambassador, and former Reagan Administration official, Rich Williamson made the following statement following tonight’s debate in Spartanburg, South Carolina:
 
“Mitt Romney left tonight's debate showing that he is the candidate best equipped to secure a more peaceful and prosperous world for the United States and our allies. Mitt Romney deeply understands that the only way to meet the challenges we face abroad is to rest our foreign policy on a strong military, a strong economy, and the strength of our values. For three years, President Obama’s feckless policies have weakened our country’s standing and influence across the globe. Mitt Romney is the candidate who will restore our standing and ensure that America leads the world.”
Ron Paul 2012 PCC
November 12, 2011  9:43 PM
Ron Paul National Campaign Chairman Blasts CBS News
 
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton released the following statement concerning the CBS / National Journal Republican debate:
 
“Ron Paul consistently polls among the top three in the key early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.  He is polling in double digits in most respected polls.
 
“Congressman Paul is ranked among the top three in fundraising results.
 
“Congressman Paul serves on the House Foreign Relations Committee.
 
“Congressman Paul is a veteran.
 
“And, Congressman Paul has contrasting views on foreign policy that many Americans find worthy of inquiry and discussion.
 
“CBS's treatment of Congressman Paul is disgraceful, especially given that tonight’s debate centered on foreign policy and national security.
 
“Congressman Paul was only allocated 90 seconds of speaking in one televised hour.  If we are to have an authentic national conversation on issues such as security and defense, we can and must do better to ensure that all voices are heard.
 
“CBS News, in their arrogance, may think they can choose the next president. Fortunately, the people of Iowa, New Hampshire, and across America get to vote and not the media elites.”
Jon Huntsman for President
November 12, 2011  9:38 PM

Jon Huntsman Is The Candidate Voters Can Trust on Foreign Policy

Manchester, NH - After tonight's CBS News/National Journal Foreign Policy Debate, Huntsman campaign manager Matt David released the following statement:

"Governor Huntsman is the only candidate voters can trust on foreign policy and at tonight’s debate in South Carolina, it showed. He demonstrated a clear and articulate understanding of the world’s complex challenges, particularly on China.

"In stark contrast, Mitt Romney -- in order to get elected president -- said he would be willing to deepen the U.S. recession or drive the country into depression through a trade war with China. That is pandering, not trustworthy leadership.

"In these tumultuous times, America cannot afford a Commander-in-Chief who is forced to learn on the job. Voters can trust Jon Huntsman to be prepared to lead from day one on critical issues such as defeating terrorism, expanding our economic engagement in the world through free trade, and dealing with rising Pacific powers such as China and India.

"Jon Huntsman demonstrated he is the candidate best-equipped to defeat President Obama, and restore America’s strength at home and abroad."

RickPerry.org
November 12, 2011  9:51 PM
Gov. Rick Perry Clear Winner of CBS Debate;
Highlights Commitment to Unapologetic Leadership At Home and Abroad


 SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Texas Gov. Rick Perry clearly won tonight's debate, hosted by the South Carolina GOP (SCGOP), CBS and National Journal, setting the agenda early with regard to foreign aid. CBS' Scott Pelley even directed a similar line of questioning to other candidates, who agreed with the governor's position.

Gov. Perry made it clear that Israel is a special ally to the United States and would continue to be a beneficiary of foreign aid. He reminded voters all across the nation that he volunteered to wear the uniform of the U.S. Air Force, which sets him apart from virtually everyone else on stage.

The most powerful moment of the debate was when Gov. Perry forcefully said he would use all means necessary to protect young men and women serving overseas. He also stressed the need to sanction the Iran Central Bank to deter Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.



"America has the greatest military in the world and we owe it to the men and women who daily put their lives on the line to command a clear foreign policy driven by America's vital interests," said Gov. Perry. "We can no longer afford the failed leadership of President Obama, which has wrecked our standing in the world, along with our economy.



"A strong defense and a strong economy go hand in hand you can't have one without the other.  We must have both if we are to remain free. I will work to restore confidence in America both at home and abroad, by implementing policies that will reinvigorate our economy while upholding consistent foreign policy so our allies know where we stand."



Gov. Perry is a veteran the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a tactical airlift pilot from 1972-1977. As governor of Texas, he is commander of the Texas National Guard, which in recent years was deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan and to border security operations.

During the debate, Gov. Perry said he would start all U.S. foreign aid budget decisions at zero, approving aid that is in America's best interest for deserving nations like our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. 

Gov. Perry also reiterated his commitment to leading our county, at home and abroad, with conviction and strength. He pledged to uphold foreign policy based on America's interests, use every tool available to support our allies and deter our adversaries, and engage our military only as a last resort, but when necessary, engage it forcefully, with clear objectives and a path to achieve those objectives. 
 


The governor also championed his Cut, Balance and Grow plan and reiterated key parts of his Energizing American Jobs and Security plan, which will create up to 1.2 million jobs in every sector, reduce our nation's dependence on hostile foreign oil, revitalize manufacturing and help contain the cost of electricity and fuel. It is based on one simple premise: make what Americans buy, buy what Americans make, and sell it to the world.
 


Our nation is most secure when we have the strongest economy in the world. Gov. Perry's job creation record and vision to get America working again will revitalize our country's economic strength and security. He is the only candidate in this race that has the record of creating a pro-jobs, pro-innovation and pro-business environment, which allowed Texas to create almost 40 percent of all the jobs across the country since June of 2009. Under Gov. Perry, Texas has created more than one million net new jobs and ranked first in job creation. Under President Obama, America has lost more than two million jobs.
 


For information setting the record straight about various statements made during the debate, please visit http://www.rickperry.org/cbs-national-journal-debate-recap/ or follow @PerryTruthTeam on Twitter. For more information about Gov. Rick Perry's record, presidential campaign and plan to get America working again, please visit: www.rickperry.org.

Rick Santorum for President
November 12, 2011  10:40 PM

SANTORUM PROVES EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Senator Shows He's The One Candidate With The Foreign Policy Experience, Foresight, and Conviction To Be Commander-in-Chief

Spartanburg, SC - At this evenings CBS/National Journal presidential debate, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) showed that his experience of 8 years on the Senate Armed Services Committee, authorship of the Iran Freedom and Support Act, and authorship of the Syria Accountability Act separates him from the rest of the GOP field.

 

Hogan Gidley, National Communications Director, said: "Senator Santorum was strong, decisive, and knowledgeable of the threats facing our nation - the exact qualities we need in the next commander-in-chief. If Barack Obama has showed us anything, it's that experience matters and Rick Santorum has that experience. Rick Santorum has stood up to Iran, Rick Santorum has stood up for Israel, and Rick Santorum is ready to lead on day-one."

 

SANTORUM SAID:

On Victory On Afghanistan:

"Victory against the Taliban is when the Taliban is a neutered force and no longer a threat."

 

On Iran:

"We should all be asked this question because this (Iran) is the most important national security threat we will deal with. I have been working on Iran since 2004 and I proposed what Mitt Romney and Herman suggested. I was opposed by Bush but we were able to pass the Iran Freedom and Support Act (to implement sanctions and funding for pro-democracy movements). But now, I disagree with Newt that more sanctions and pro-democracy funding will be enough. We should be working with Israel to help them do what they did in Syria, take out Iran's program before the next explosion we hear is a nuclear one."

 

On Pakistan:

"Pakistan must be a friend because they are a nuclear power. We cannot be indecisive, we must engage them as friends, get over the difficulties we have ... We need to work with elements in the government and military, and continue the relationship."

 

On Leadership and His Administration:

"I will come into the office with a clear agenda and get people together who share my point of view. In my office, I didn't hire people who didn't share my approach to a problem. As you hear from my answers, you know what I believe and I follow through. I say what I'll do and do what I'll say. I will hire people who will execute my agenda."

 

On Reversing Obama Executive Orders:

"Gitmo is essential to leave open, we have to use enhanced interrogation and it has proven successful. Using civilian courts is one of the worst ideas I've ever heard. It's (civilian courts) for people given rights under our Constitution and foreign combatants don't have those rights."


To learn more about former Senator Rick Santorum, please visit www.RickSantorum.com.

Friends of Herman Cain
November 13, 2011  7:56 AM
Cain Shows Foreign Policy Depth in Spartanburg Debate
 
Spartanburg , SC, Nov. 13, 2011

Presidential candidate Herman Cain continued his rise in national polls leading into Saturday evening’s CBS/National Journal Republican Presidential Debate, in which Cain said President Obama has been on the wrong side of nearly every situation in the Arab world since taking office.

For the second time in debates this week, the first question went to Herman Cain, this time concerning Iran’s effort to develop a nuclear weapon. Cain asserted, “The first thing I would do is to assist the opposition movement in Iran that is trying to overthrow the regime. Our enemies are not the people of Iran – it’s the regime…We need to put economic pressure on Iran by way of our own energy independence strategy.”

Throughout the debate, Cain touched on his foreign policy philosophy – peace through strength and clarity – an expansion of President Reagan’s foreign policy, peace through strength. 

When asked by the moderator about the complex U.S.-Pakistan relationship, Cain said it is not clear if Pakistan is a friend or a foe: “…that relationship must be evaluated…We need a regional strategy in that area of the world such that all of our allies will work together to come up with things that are mutually beneficial to everyone.”

Responding to an email question on advanced interrogation methods and torture, Cain said, “I believe in following the procedures that have been established by our military. I do not agree with torture.  Period. However, I will trust the judgment of our military leaders to determine what is torture and what is not torture.”

In order to keep America safe, Cain said he would support the continued use of Guantanamo Bay and use military courts to try the terrorism suspects and enemy combatants who are held there as part of his national security plan.

Democratic National Committee
November 12, 2011  9:57 PM

Statement from Lt. General Claudia Kennedy (Ret.) on Republican Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy

Washington, D.C. – Following the GOP presidential debate on foreign policy held in South Carolina tonight, Lieutenant General Claudia Kennedy (US Army, Retired) released the following statement: 

“We heard a lot of bold statements from the Republican candidates for president tonight, but what we didn’t hear from a single candidate, including Mitt Romney, was an approach that would improve on President Obama’s successful efforts in every aspect of foreign policy and national security.  President Obama has secured our country, taken out terrorist leaders, including Bin Laden, lead the international coalition which toppled Gaddafi, has ended the war in Iraq, is responsibly managing the war in Afghanistan, led an international coalition to impose the most stringent regime of sanctions that Iran has ever faced and has done all this while restoring our standing in the world.  Not one candidate on the stage tonight offered an approach to foreign policy that is as strong or consistent as President Obama’s. 

“Contrast that with Mitt Romney, who has taken both or all sides of every major foreign policy issue we have faced over the past decade.  Mitt Romney opposed the effort to depose Gaddafi, and then praised it when it occurred.  He has taken both sides on withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and both sides on timetables.  While Mitt Romney once questioned the conduct of the war in Iraq, he now wants to keep American troops there indefinitely without defining a mission.  And while Mitt Romney has been saber rattling on Iran, he has said he’d have to consult with his lawyers about whether or not to take action against Iran. 

“Governor Romney has repeatedly changed his positions on foreign policy to suit his own political ends – an affliction which I understand extends to his approach to domestic issues as well.  A Commander-in-Chief often gets only one chance to make the right decision on issues of foreign policy and national security and Mitt Romney has shown time and again he doesn’t have the strength of his convictions to make the right call.”

Lieutenant General Kennedy was the first woman to achieve the rank of three-star general in the United States Army.  She served as the senior intelligence officer for U.S. Forces Command as well as Deputy Commanding General for the Army Intelligence Center and School, and she completed her Army career as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence.  General Kennedy has received awards and decorations including the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal and four Legion of Merits decorations.  She lives in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Democratic National Committee
November 12, 2011  10:47 PM
DNC Chair Slams GOP Field, Including Mitt Romney, for Pledging to Zero Out Foreign Aid, Including for Israel
 
Washington, D.C. – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz sharply challenged the Republican field this evening, including Mitt Romney, for pledging to zero out the foreign aid budget, including resources the U.S. provides to Israel to aid in its security.
 
“I’m aghast that the leading Republican contenders for President tonight, including Mitt Romney, pledged to zero out the foreign aid budget including the traditional and vital support the U.S. has provided the Jewish state of Israel for its security.  I cannot think of a more irresponsible, risky or deplorable position towards our most important friend and ally.  That Mitt Romney and these candidates would sacrifice the security of the state of Israel for an applause line at a debate and to appeal to the far right wing Tea Party faction of the Republican base, shows that not a single one of them has what it takes to be Commander-in-Chief.
 
“It is a moral and security imperative for the U.S. to aid in the security of the state of Israel and to defend it from those who would do it harm.  Barack Obama understands that and has made Israel's security a priority; proposing and securing $3 billion in foreign aid to Israel; proposing and securing $205 million in funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system for Israel and authorizing the sale of bunker buster bombs previously denied by former President George W. Bush.  Mitt Romney and the rest of the Republican field clearly do not understand the vital need for the U.S. to consistently stand by our friend and ally, Israel and not only when it's politically popular.”
AND...

Three days later, on Nov. 15, 2011, Gary Johnson 2012 filed complaints with the FEC and the FEC over Johnson's exclusion from the debate.  (press release)