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Subscribe to RSSSAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Just minutes before President Obama was to address the American Legion convention in Minnesota, and one day after Texas Gov. Rick Perry addressed the same room here at the national VFW convention, Mitt Romney took the podium this morning to assail the president on foreign policy.
"Have we ever had a president who was so eager to address the world with an apology on his lips and doubt in his heart?" Romney asked the crowd rhetorically. "He seems truly confused not only about America’s past but our future."
The speech was darker in tone than when he talks of foreign policy at his smaller campaign stops. The former governor spared no ammunition in criticizing the president Obama for his foreign-policy approach.
On two of America's three ongoing military engagements, Romney was even more direct.
"First, President Obama acted as if it were a great surprise that a rebellion erupted, even though The Arab Spring was already in full swing in Tunisia and Egypt," Romney said of the president's leadership on Libya. "Our involvement in Libya was marked by inadequate clarity of purpose before we began the mission, mission muddle during the operation, and ongoing confusion as to our role in the future."
On President Obama’s withdrawal plans from Afghanistan, Romney said, “[T]he President has chosen to disregard the counsel of the generals on the ground. I don’t know of a single military advisor to President Obama who recommended the withdrawal plan the president chose, and that puts the success of our soldiers and our mission at greater risk."
Further, Romney called the U.S. response to the Iranian elections of 2009 and the subsequent protests that were crushed by the Iranian government "a disgrace."
Though, he didn’t say exactly what his response would have been.
This came within the context of a larger critique of the administration's views on foreign policy, and efforts to cut defense spending, which Romney said must be founded upon either one of two mistaken beliefs: that the world was becoming a safer place or that America was becoming a lesser power.
The former governor said that any belief in America as a lesser power "flows from the conviction that if we are weak, tyrants will choose to be weak as well; that if we could just talk more, engage more, pass more U.N. resolutions, that peace will break out." He continued, "That may be what they think in that Harvard faculty lounge, but it’s not what they know on the battlefield!"
Romney graduated from Harvard in 1975 with a combined J.D./M.B.A.
Romney also looked to present himself not as yet another government official, but as a private-sector outsider.
"I am a conservative businessman," Romney told several hundred veterans assembled in a cavernous ballroom. "I have spent most of my life outside of politics, dealing with real problems in the real economy. Career politicians got us into this mess and they simply don't know how to get us out!"
Highlighting his private-sector experience has long been a hallmark of Romney's stump speech, but some observers see a renewed focus on the former CEO's time in the private sector as an effort to draw contrast with the surging Perry, who has served continuously in public office since 1985.
But Romney has run for public office four times, including this year, since 1994. And while he has highlighted his private-sector experience to differentiate himself from Perry, he has also highlighted his government experience to separate himself from Herman Cain, for example, the only other candidate to have served as a CEO.
“I respect Herman Cain,” Romney said two weeks ago, “but I also think it’s helpful to have had that government experience that I’ve had.”
Romney also referenced his managerial experience in the private sector when it came to defense policy, telling the crowd he could not wait for a chance to turn wasted defense dollars into newer ships and planes.
"Let me tell you, as a conservative businessman who has spent most of his life in the private sector,” he said, “I look at that kind of inefficiency and bloat and say, ‘Let me at it.’”
Romney mentioned his background in business explicitly twice, and made mention of his governorship three times.
Video edited by NBC's Natalie Cucchiara.
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Yeah I mean what has Obama done outside the US?
What has Dimwit Romney done? Umm.... Ahh........
Listen to Romney long enough and we'll wind up once again with our head up our ass, right back where we started with Bush and Cheney.
And profitable 401's?
You left wing nut sackers already have your heads so far up your asses that they are coming out your throats. That's what I call double-minded.
Obama apologizes too much to the world???
HE SHOULD when considering what the prior administration did and left him with. Irrespective of this, the world's leaders like Obama more than any other President we've had in quite some time.
Remember all that silly "tough talk" that got us into the two most expensive and un-winnable wars in our history??
No more Gaddaffi and no more Osama is a better world already. And Mitt the boob can't say a darn thing about this. Mitt needs to apologize for not offering his plan.
Obama is less of a "world leader" than is Mickey Mouse. When he goes abroad, people literally laugh and make fun of him. He is a clown and a hugh joke to everyone. What's more he is an incompetent failure. His supporters mainly pay no taxes whatsoever or else they are totally on the government dole. Exceptions to this rule are the more than 70% of atheists and agnostics who voted for him and the about 35% of people who make more than $10M per year. Obama is so intent on maintaining this voter base that he has no time for useful work, such as job creation. Of course, he sucks at all his jobs except running for re-election. He will destroy America completely if miraculousy he should win a second term.
I bet there are about 6000 families (including my own) who wishes Bush had participated in the the type of "war" that President Obama is "waging" in Libya.
Just a little sidebar -- If the Democrats had a super majority in the Senate and complete control over the House for the first two years along with a Democrat in the White House --Why did they not pass a budget? They got around to passing a Health Care Bill that does not address the cost of medicine, cost of hospitalization nor the cost of actually seeing a doctor -- but now more people will be able to secure health insurance -- and yet the Democrats did not pass a budget -- Why?
For the first time in over 50 years the Democrats had control over two thirds of the government - the Administration and the Congress -- the only part of our government that can pass and sign bills into law which also includes the budget - but they could not pass a budget?
Must of been those pesky anti-everything Republicans. They scared those Democratic majorities into not voting for a budget! Who knew the Republicans had that much power over the Democrats.
What was it the Former House Speaker Pelosi said to the Repubicans who complained about the Health Care bill -- "We don't need your vote for this -- we can do it without you!" But yet she could not get a budget thru her house?
Before you blame others you should get your house in order first -- especially when you are in control!
Please stop the myth (BS). The Democrats never had a super majority in the Senate. The GOP blocked the seating of Al Franken and forced a filibuster even on the stimulus as their first move. Obama had to add to the stimulus package other items to get GOP votes. Ben Nelson, Mary Landrieu, Evan Bayh and Blanche Lincoln were barely Democrats and could not be counted for things like ACA. The GOP then stalled until Ted Kennedy was dead and demanded that no vote be taken on ACA until after the special election. It wasn't rammed down anyone's throat. It was amended in committee in order to get Olympia Snowe's vote only to have her double cross in the full Senate. There was no point passing a budget, the GOP filibustered the inauguration and yelled "you lie" at the first State of the Union. There was rightfully no expectation that anything else would be any different.
You fail to mention the constant Repuglican filibusters in the senate. All the facts pal.
I don't understand the talk about the budget. Right away they did pass the budget that Bush FAILED TO PASS. That is what got them started talking about him breaking his word because he wouldn't go back and change things that were previously agreed on. And due to your faulty memory the reason they didn't pass the healthcare originally was because they wanted to get the party of no on board which was a big mistake. And then they lost their super majority when Brown won Kennedy's seat remember? Anyway for the last several sessions whoever has the majority has some stubbon members who refuse to go along without bribes so they usually get nothing done anyway on both sides. Obama has presided over much more out in the open. Even the hurricane expenses was included in the budget. That is also why it seemed bigger. Because Bush didn't include the wars or necessary things like floods and hurricanes etc. Obama thought it would be nice to be truthful about i and include it t but I guess he was wrong. He should have learned to slip things through like Bush and you guys wouldn't even have noticed yet would you? Like Medicare Advantage and double dipping by ins companies. If the truth were only known and laid out on a blanket for all to see, you would be whining all right but not about Obama. I knew what I was getting when I voted for Obama and haven't been disappointed yet. Those that are disappointed are 1. those that thought he was a far left liberal, 2. those that listen to all the false propaganda and 3 those that want a dictator not a president and those that wouldn't vote for a Democrat even if you had Palin or Bachman, Trump, or the long list of people you won't even think of supporting yourself. You know the election is coming, maybe you should just put up a scarecrow. They would make as much sense and garner as many votes as anyone you have tried to run so far.
President Obama just won the cleanest military action in American history, and he nailed bin Laden.
Contrast that with Romney's foreign policy experience which consists of destroying American jobs, and sending those jobs to foreign countries.
If Mitt had half a brain, he would be taking on war mongering Perry, who he needs to catch and overtake. And who, by the way, has absolutely NO foreign policy experience.
Obama has accomplished more in 2 years than Bush did in 8, as far as effective foreign policy goes.
OH STFU Romney you pathetic,out of touch little moron. Go back under your rock Neanderthal. Believe or not Americans are not as stupid as you are
Another BHO foreign policy outcome... August 2011 has become the deadliest month for US troops in the nearly 10-year war in Afghanistan. The Associated Press counted 66 US deaths in the month, including 30 killed when their helicopter was shot down by Taliban insurgents.
So who thinks the USA should provide security in dysfunctional Muslim nations on the far side of the planet for decades at a time? BHO Meanwhile who thinks we need only a handful of federal forces on our threatened southern border? And then sues the states when they try to get tough on illegal immigration? BHO
and this comment from a guy who does more "flip-floping" than a fish out of water ??? PLEASE !!!
At least Mitt's dad had sense enough when he went to Vietnam to know that the generals were feeding him BS. Unfortunately he used the unfortunate choice of words "brainwashed," and thereby handed the nomination to Nixon.
Mitt better start going after Rev Perry pretty soon..But he doesn't have the b— — — s to go after him for fear of loosing the Tea Bagger supporters if he had any.
If apology on his lips and doubt in his heart is what it takes to take down Bin Laden, end the illegal Iraq war, and topple 3 middle east dictators and tyrants without loosing any Americans soldiers- I hope the President keeps doing exactly what he is doing. His foreign policy results have put the GOP to shame.
Without loosing any American soldiers.........are you a brain-dead liberal or what? This month is the SINGLE highest month for US soldiers death toll since the war began!! You should apologize to all Armed Services tonight here on the vine................UN-F--KING BELIEVABLE!!!!
obama should apologize..........to the Americans for pulling off the greatest scam to ever hit the USA!! When his real story is being told (only by Fox since the rest only report FOR him) it will be the mind blower of all-time!
Dream on. And try to take your medication more regularly.
You need medication for your dementia!
It's true! The dimmist fish rise to the bait the fastest. Are you a roc Cod?
What scam is this time? Read his book. Then read Perry's book. Who still thinks the same as in the book? Does it matter? Sure it does. Character, values, steadfastness, intelligence. They all matter. It is too bad that many people have none of the above mentioned. What I am totally astounded and confused by is how some of these justify it with their stance on religion. How they act does not align with Jesus or God at all imo. Do they think that will go unnoticed?
Headline: Cult of Joseph Smith member critical of President.
Who cares.
Yawn, no critical of the pathetic narcissist......................BIG DIFFERENCE!!
Ah! You come fromunder a roc.
The Seals never should have been sent on this mission and the use of one helicopter is being questioned by the pentagon top brass.
Bill, I'm quite sure you would make the same excuses had W been the one to lose all of the Navy Seal Six warriors......................sarcasm
If the buck truly does stop at the obama, why are the muslims after the lower echelon rather than that which should be equal to Usama? Maybe it's just because obama is muslim as they are........yep, that is what it has to be.....I'm mean they aren't even critical to the one that said take him out.......they just wanted to pay millions for all the lowly servicemen that did the task. Yea, that really makes sense to the liberals, like they even have sense.
Seems like I heard the same chest thumping prior to 2010?
Myself being an anti-union capitalist I sure hope obama looses.
Will we return the U.S.A. to it's former Glory in 2012 or become a third world nation??
You mean the glory of starting two wars for false purposes?
the obama called it "the right war", are you going to doubt your messiah???? Wow, they will cast you out!
I mean what ever it takes take to vote out this anti-American progressive.
Ditto Heads Obama did speak before one veterans group this week
MINNEAPOLIS — "Recalling "those awful attacks," President Barack Obama saluted the 9/11 generation of veterans Tuesday and publicly relished the prospect of U.S. forces getting out of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"They have borne an extraordinary burden, with more than 2 million of our service members deploying to the war zones," Obama said. "Hundreds of thousands have deployed again and again, year after year. Never before has our nation asked so much of our all-volunteer force — that 1 percent of Americans who wears the uniform."
Speaking before thousands of veterans and their families attending the American Legion's annual convention, Obama said the Americans who have worn the uniform since Sept. 11 have put the nation in a position of strength and have earned their place among the greatest of generations"
This is the kind of thing righties love. ,,lots of bluster and ranting, flag waving and arrogance and ignorance..
Bill:
You mean the pair that were never proud of the USA before he scammed the nation......?
C-: I'll take the flag waving or the liberals waving their welfare checks and food stamps.......
The Republican party is the party of resentment..they are just a bunch of people who cant stand the idea of change and think the answer to every problem is more tax breaks for the wealthiest few and more military spending and worldwide intervention. They want it to be 1950 all over again.
I just want it to be 2012?
I be satisfied with 2005 all over again! I sick of this depression I inherited when the pathetic parasite took occupancy of the white house.
What really pisses me off, while I'm making a lot of money due to the depression obama created, is there are some really good, qualified, ethical young Americans that cannot find work. They believed the bullsh!t artist and voted for him. What do they have to look forward to? If we don't get rid of this disease (the liberals and their fallacies) there are going to be a lot more of these younger generation x & y's that have nothing at all to look forward to.
My country and America have fought alongside each other in very conflict since ww1 and once that bush took over America lost all it's creditability, he really embarrassed your country, he turned America into a bully. Obama doesn't force America down peoples throats, he promotes it as what it really is: a dependable and strong ally in times of need. Obama is the most internationally popular President you've had since JFK.
If this Romney guys gets in in 2012 i'd bet he'll start an armed conflict with Iran, which you cant afford and then North korea, which no one can afford because of the unification costs.
Think clearly people, how do you want your country portrayed!!!
Give it up romney, go back home to your wive's, rick perry is the one!
And Romney is speaking from what vast amount of experience. Let's see we are winding down from the longest wars in history which should never have been started. He successfully not only apprehended Bin Laden and he doesn't know what he is doing? And Bush did? Somehow that doesn't meet the logic test. I can hardly wait til he discusses healthcare that he was for before he is now against it. I think Romney is toast. Not because of one Democrat but because so far he has no support from his fragmented party. If Perry gets in. Good! Put em up! Knock em down. I think his book did him in before he even got started. Or will be successfully be two faced or will the republicans even care. They just check that box without thinking about consequences or that we might have some other longer wars or this time the country might really be bankrupted? Vote no in Nov 2012. Why do we wonder why the country is in bad shape when half of the country are merely mindless robots going to the voting booth. We would be okay if the people running the robots knew what they were doing. But based on history, well.......