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Subscribe to RSSCHARLESTON, SC -- Mitt Romney this morning delivered his full-throated defense of a robust American military and foreign policy, calling for the United States to recapture a leading role in the world, and begin a new "American Century."
"I am here today to tell you that I am guided by one overwhelming conviction and passion: This century must be an American Century," Romney said, drawing applause from the crowd gathered On the campus of storied military college The Citadel. "In an American Century, America has the strongest economy and the strongest military in the world. In an American Century, America leads the free world and the free world leads the entire world."
Romney, backstopped by some 100 Citadel cadets and a massive sign emblazoned with his "Believe in America" campaign slogan, also promoted a concept of American exceptionalism, a belief he said President Obama lacked.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney spoke at The Citadel military college in Charleston, South Carolina today. In his foreign policy speech, Romney called for an "American century" and told the cadets that America is not a "nation of followers."
"God did not create this country to be a nation of followers. America is not destined to be one of several equally balanced global powers," Romney said. "America must lead the world, or someone else will."
"Let me make this clear," Romney said. "As president of the United States, I will devote myself to an American Century. And I will never, ever apologize for America."
The address contained a number of specific foreign policy proposals and goals for a Romney administration to pursue, including eight actions he would begin in his first 100 days in office.
Topping the list of early priorities, restoring America's "naval credibility" by increasing shipbuilding and expanding the US carrier fleet, the decline of which Romney often laments on the stump.
Romney also promised to "strengthen and repair" relationships with allies like Israel and Great Britain, ratchet up pressure against Iran developing a nuclear weapon, and committing to a more "robust" missile defense.
The former management consultant, who said fixing the US economy would still be his top priority on day one, did not get into specifics of how he would pay for such plans, but advisers indicated that much could be done with cost savings Romney would wring from eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in the defense budget.
The 23-minute speech touched on a litany of global issues -- from a rising China and the possibility of Putin's Russia "bludgeoning" former Soviet republics into submission, to the US-Mexico border, which he called "an open sore," and the possibility of a failed Pakistan, an event which would be "fraught with nightmare scenarios."
On the 10th anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan, Romney also committed to conducting a full review of operations there. On the trail, he regularly criticizes the president's decision to draw down surge troops in September of 2012 as politically motivated. Today, he said he would keep politics out of decisions regarding force levels.
Romney mentioned Iraq only once, in crediting The Citadel cadets who had fought and died there.
Before Romney even took the podium, criticism of his proposals flooded in from both sides of the aisle.
Democratic operatives disputed Romney's suggestion that President Obama ever apologized for America, and emailed reporters news clippings of Romney saying the United States had made "mistakes" in the past. On Twitter, some Democrats also re-posted defense budget numbers first tweeted by the Wall Street Journal, showing defense spending rising, not falling, during Obama's presidency.
And Priorities USA Action, a Democratic Super PAC supporting President Obama released a web video this morning with its own blistering critique of Romney's foreign policy experience.
"Mitt Romney may have no experience fighting terror," the ad said. "But he does have some experience with foreign countries -- sending our jobs to them."
On the Republican side, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, who will give his own foreign policy speech on Monday, tweeted during the speech: "Advocating for only more ships, more troops and more weapons isn’t a viable foreign policy."
After the speech, DNC officials looked to link Romney's foreign policy vision to that of former President Bush, with whom Romney now shares a number of advisers, including former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and CIA Director Michael Hayden.
Romney advisers disputed the notion that their candidate's plans were more-of-the-same, and noted a number of differences between Romney's views and those of the preceding Republican administration, including an enhanced emphasis on Latin America and the western hemisphere, and a more "businesslike, thoughtful and systematic" approach to foreign policy in general.
And while Romney said he would push for stronger leadership roles for the United States in multilateral organizations like the United Nations, he also argued for the preservation of one key element of the so-called Bush Doctrine, the right of the United States to act unilaterally on the world stage to protect our national interests.
"American leadership will also focus multilateral institutions like the United Nations on achieving the substantive goals of democracy and human rights enshrined in their charters," Romney said. "The United States must fight to return these bodies to their proper role. But know this: while America should work with other nations, we always reserve the right to act alone to protect our vital national interests."
Updated 1:01 p.m.
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Romney will be AGAINST this position in about 10 days time. I see he can't help chumming the masses with the 'apologist' rhetoric,...man - is there ANYTHING original about this guy?
UGH,...cannot stand that man. I love how his excuse for not doing a better job in MA was because he '...wasn't dealt four aces...'
Kinda' makes you wonder if he plans to cheat his way through with America,...since there is NO way you could consider us as holding four aces right now, eh?
Enjoy the nom, Romney,...cuz' you won't win the presidency,...regardless of that deal you made with the devil.
A new American century----based on the list of Romney's advisors that FR published yesterday, this new Century will be brought to us by the same people who got choreographed the Bush administration. Thanks but no thanks---been there, done that, got the deficit to show for it. Not to mention on a serious note the lives lost and injuries sustained.
It just struck me that the left's criticism of Romney is exactly the doppelganger of the right's criticism of Kerry in 2004...
Well alright - who's up for some more fun with immigration law?
So Obama had gone off and sue Alabama. Cause you know, everybody supports illegal immigration, right?
So Alabama has busted up the old "but, but you just can't possible deport all these illegal aliens. So we have to make them citizens."
See down in Alabama, after this law took effect the illegals are self deporting themselves. They can't work and can't send their kids to school, so of course they are leaving. And of course heading to Cali, no doubt.
So who is with Obama and is looking to support people who break the law? Any of you have the balls to come out and say you support illegal immigration?
Anyone think it's totally cool to ignore laws you don't like? You typical illegal violates immigration law, driver's license laws, insurance laws, identity theft laws, and that's all before they even get to work each day.
So hats off to Obama - once again making it clear to all that he does not really care about all those unemployed Americans. Nope, he's going to do all he can to keep illegals here, so they can continue to take jobs - cause we got tons of jobs to spare.
And just think - kick out the illegals and the farmers would have to pay a decent wage. Sounds like something the Occupy Wall street freaks might support, eh gang?
Spanky-
You know what I hate; When they ask one of these candidates a question in the debates and they proceed to ignore the question and answer a question they WANT to answer or offer up a chunk of their campaign speeches instead. Don't you?
In the same vein; Who are your picks in the two ball games tonight, and what do you think about the post Steve Jobs era at Apple?
If you're going to go off topic all the time, what say you at least pick something interesting or amusing instead?
Any positive thoughts about Mitt? Or are you still a "Black Walnut"?
Ooops there it is! Mittins campaigning to be the 'jingoist in chief." Just another faux patriot who has served himself as opposed to serving his country. I mean isn't it about time that Europe paid some of the freight for their own defense? And what is the pandering crap about Israel?
DF -
1. Blame the guys asking the questions and not having the ability to follow up/re-direct. It happens all the time in my profession. It's my job to walk them back and make them respond. Kind of fun actually.
2. Baseball is not my bag, just hate the Yankees for silly payroll.
3. Apple has 2-3 years then it will go down. Great run, but no one/entity can stay on top forever.
4. I go off topic to amuse myself. I'm hardly the only one, but that's why I love First Read, only the news they see fit to "print." That it doesn't amuse you DF is a shame, but I would love it if you or anyone else chimed in with something interesting.
Hey - at least we are getting some Romney action. Mixed was right, and god knows most of us we a tad tired of hearing about Palin and Bachmann.
5. Mitt, like them all trouble s me. But I do enjoy the process, and will of course support the eventual nominee.
Plus it is Friday, so that's good, right?
dangerfield-
Can you eleborate on the Romney/Kerry connection?
Mitten just meted another but usual desperate red meat lies and flip flopped again. Thanks for the internet age as we can always scoop you up anytime you boldly lie.
I know it's crazy, but shouldn't most Americans warm to the notion of a new "American Century"?
It would be nice to know that it's still possible.
And far better than the available alternatives.
df-- Here's one thought he did manage to edge out Perry on the SS issue. He will win that battle with senior voters. How long will that edge last if he wins the nomination is the next question. It's all in the details it seems.
Ah...Steve Jobs inspired another entrepreneur with his beautiful copyright tribute.....the kid is humble and will be donating proceeds to cancer.
American Exceptionalism - listen up, Mr. Matthews - is this century's Manifest Destiny. As Torpedo You correctly observes, it is pure jingoism.
Apologize to no one? Of course not. God is on our side and we always get it right. Yup, even the Mormon god.
How is it possible that in a nation of more than 300,000,000 people, Republicans can't find a single candidate who can remember what he or she said yesterday?
MB
Yes we believe in "American Century" because that's whom we are and Obama is spearheading that and winning . Mitt's idea of an "American Century" is the Bush recycled neocons failed foreign policy that led our economy into shambles.
One word MB-
"Flipflopper"...
(But you ARE getting a FLOOD of Romney posts from the "editors")
Spanky-
It's just that your off-topic stuff isn't far enough off topic (for me anyway, hence the sports and business queries)...and Boston (a TINY little city, lol) has an even MORE obscene payroll. I'm glad they are both "out"...
Cheney and Bush already gave this new century its new american designated definition. FUBAR. Another republican couldn't POSSIBLY change it. Obama 2012!
Addendum to my above post: donating to cancer research. For those interested here is link:
http://news.yahoo.com/photos/jonathan-maks-self-designed-logo-tribute-apple-founder-photo-063807482.html
Jobs would like it. Also this is far more interesting than Romney!!
David- "American Exceptionalism" on Hannity goes ...."We'llput a boot in your ass- It's the American way....."
I'm sure that goes a long way in helping our immage in the rest of the village we all call home.
dangerfield-
The flip-flopper thing was never a big deal to me with Kerry.
I simply didn't see him as what I am...a fiscal and national defense conservative. I hope I never become so rigid ideologically that I cannot be persuaded to ever take a second look at any issue, any time.
Anyway, I see what you were getting at. I doubt the election will be framed around "flip-flopping" by either candidate...we certainly have bigger fish to fry, although I'm sure that Axelrod and Plouffe will work that angle for all it's worth.
Re: First Read's "editors"
They're just getting around to re-targeting, df.
It's hard to let go of Palin and Bachmann...they're working Herman Cain pretty hard at the moment, too.
Great interview with Cain by MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell last night. I'm sure the entire MSNBC "family" is just bursting with pride.
I only hope the criticism of Mr. Cain is all above-board.
I wouldn't want him to suffer as much as President Obama has at the hands of those purveyors of "liberal electoral racism" like Joan Walsh, Glenn Greenwald, Cenk Uygur, or Jane Hamsher.
That would be just awful.
I would hope that both the criticism AND the "support" of the "Hermanator" is above-board...and that neither styles of electoral racism are in force...that WOULD be just awful.
And yet, that is my perception of how his "candidacy" is being depicted by the esteemed media of both wings of our polarized nation...
At least the editors have acknowledged Mitt's front runner status, though you know they were so hoping for a Palin run. I predict that today's 1000+ Eric Cantor "winner" spawns a series of "Cantor Slams/criticizes/etc." entries ..." So Mitt's day in the sun could be short lived....
Romney's "new century" will resemble the 19th century and the age of the robber barrons. It took Theodore Roosevelt to dismantle that much to his own party's disgust. The new Theodore Roosevelt might be Elizabeth Warren. I am keeping my eye on her.
Too easy, David. They don't really believe in anything except money and power. That makes it hard to be consistent about everything else.
With those two goals in view, expediency always rules.
[So Obama had gone off and sue Alabama.]
Maybe Alabama will plead "the Fifth"...that'll rattle your cage, right "counselor"?
Sure it will...
BTW, how come you haven't ventured over to the "Cantor is concerned by 'mobs' at Occupy Wall Street" thread? I thought for sure you'd be first post on that one...
Now that's what I call irony, given the fact, Mittens plans include all of the washed up re-treads from the "W' & Dick years and beyond...
Do the Willard shuffle - one step forward three steps back put both feet in your mouth & twist them about...
Let's Dance!
Yep Feisty - we are looking to take "three steps back."
You know to where we where before Obama, when we were, as he admitted this week, better off.
And of course I presume you enjoyed Biden's comments yesterday on this very subject as much as I did. I just know you did.
Feisty, are you anywhere close to the town where the train derailment occurred?
Hope everyone is safe!
Thankfully no - it's west of us...
Spanky, really, better off before Obama. Sound bites again just to egg someone on. I will keep telling you to use full sentences, frame your statements to complete facts not your truth. How just were we better off, we were losing jobs by the millions when bush left and once Obama was elected we stopped losing and started gaining. We have all seen the graphs from multiple sources and yet again this month we had a small job growth. So Spanky how about some steak to with your tossed salad.
Hello MB-
Looks like the editorial staff has heeded your admonitions...but Cantor is much redder meat...
Military industrial complex ... check.
The Jewish vote ... check.
Bogeyman ... check.
Nuclear weapons race ... check.
Arms merchants ... check.
Cold war ... check.
Endless war ... check.
Xenophobia ... check.
Napoleon complex ... check.
Fear ... check.
So, now, tell me what's "new" about this "American Century"?
It sounds exactly like the old century -- plus the last ten years -- to me.
Have to admit, Anna Molly----Romney was very efficient, dare I say business-like, in hitting all the Republican funders and hot button issues.
For a politician, eh AM?
I'm shocked, just shocked.
So what does a caring, well informed libbie such as yourself do? Easy answer is you vote for Obama, but neither of us needs to apply that list to Obama, as we both know that dog will, does, and will continue to hunt.
You know is sounds exactly like the current resident of the WH, who pretty much is a copy of the former.
So what say you?
LoL Just like the good little venture capitalist he is.
War is obviously his jobs plan.
"I cannot guarantee that those checks go out on August 3 if we haven't resolved this issue, because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it," - President Obama 2011/07/12
If you love me, ask Congress to pass my jobs bill - President Obama 2011/09/14
Didn't I already say it? ("the last century plus the past 10 years")
Except I haven't yet heard President Obama call the border with Mexico "an open sore."
Care to comment?
@AM
I keep telling you Obama is no different than Bush. Romney would just be more of the same.
"Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss" ... Pete Townsend
Wasn't George Bush going to bring sound MBA-inspired business practices to the White House? I guess Romney will improve on those......
It definitely is - but then again, I can see TJ from my office, so it's proximity is very real, as are all of the related problems.
And I know you already said it, which is why I ask, what do you do?
Hey, Spank n' Smiff- you're needed back on the Cantor threads. They need one or two of the 1-per centers to show up.
dbo -- Wow that thread is rocking..... Not too bright of Cantor to say the least. Keep on Spanky he deserves it.
[Hey, Spank n' Smiff- you're needed back on the Cantor threads.]
Nahh...the cowards would never venture over there..
[...I can see TJ from my office...]
LOL...sure you can, "counselor"...sure you can...
Sounds like the New American Century is the same as the beginning of the last.
Maybe we should get rid of automobiles completely so we don't have to depend on foreign oil.
We can all ride horses to get around.
Then we wouldn't have to fix our infrastructure and aging bridges because we know that horses can swim to the other side.
Eliminate waste in the US Post Office by bringing back the pony express. This guys a tool.
he is however very ambitious and full of himself! He is picking a cabinet, proclaiming America will rule the world... Not like he is getting a little ahead of himself is he?
So he believes in big government as long as it is his version of big government. Why am I not surprised.
Is Mittens talking about erasing the remaining years of the 21st Century...and just fast forwarding to the 22nd Century?
Not even his mega-rich sons will be around by then........maybe some or none of his grands/great-grands!
What about Jobs Mittens.....JOBS NOW!
IAMA 99%!
Boo Mitt!
More Neo-Con agenda pushing. Ignoring Economic and Domestic issues in favor of big-defense spending.
Boo Mitt!
He's trying to spend big, also, but in different areas.
Missile defense.
Israel foreign aid.
More troops, more guns, more ships and planes.
That's not a viable foreign policy unless we're looking at 4 years of Mitt as the 'Conquering Years!'.
Get this joker out of here.
Let the republican flamers commence their attack.
President Obama, the Wall Street Occupyers and most Americans believe in America. Romney and his Republican party have been bought and paid for by big business, foreign as well as domestic. That is not American. Romney is anti-American. He sais he is stronger with the military yet never served neither did his many sons. President Obama did not serve either however when it comes to the military he is by far a stronger Commander in Chief than any leader we have had since Kennedy. All the rest have been political wimps. I am including Clinton and Carter along with Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan and the Bushs in the wimp category. All of them are guilty of very bad "safe" military decisions and therefore sucked as Commander-in-Chiefs". If you aren't willing to stick your neck out, you don't belong in leadership.
Ooops! "occupiers" Sorry spelling police!
Ana, that is about the most assinine statement I've read today oustide of Feisty Skankheads rants. Put down the cool aid...please.
Ana, I just took a walk down to where the occupiers are here in Boston.
One sign: Bank of America - Home of the Fee
Looks like people are dropping off food for them, which is wonderful. If anyone is in their area of occupiers, they need gloves, blankets, etc.
The Republican House of Representatives under Boehner & Cantor -
This House is for Sale
IMO Mitt was referring to the "Project for the New American Century" and his apparent belief in supporting that doctrine. Within the document, written before the election (?) of Bush in his first term, the neo-cons called for such projects as invading Iraq, and monitoring of communications of American citizens. The project is not just for the benefit of the Bush-Cheney administration, it is a declaration of intent of the right wing.
It is only fitting to reread the Project for the New American Century and connect the "wants" of the neo-cons to what actually has occurred. Scary stuff.
Romney is the MAN!
And Rubio WILL be his copilot!
Rob,
you did read actual news this week? right?
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2011/1007/Marco-Rubio-for-vice-president-He-says-no-and-for-good-reason
good luck with that.
Clara, you're correct as usual, Rubio has his eye on 2016.
He's pretty much already figured out his party's clowns for the 2012 election have squat to offer and don't stand a chance.
Rob keeps saying it and I keep trying to update him on the news in Florida, but I guess ignorance is bliss up in 'Rob in ma' land.
Hey Raab,
God is Romneys co-pilot, haven't you heard?
Here's what bothers me:
"God did not create this country to be a nation of followers. America is not destined to be one of several equally balanced global powers," Romney said. "America must lead the world, or someone else will."
Either God created all countries, or none of them, so the idea that somehow this country was created to lead the world is misguided... this may be part of the Latter Day Saints heritage. There is NO predestination for governments and countries....whether as one of several balanced global powers or as a poor, flood-infested country chronically short of food. Geographic happenstance has done a lot in America's favor, and we should provide for good stewardship of our resources rather than bankrupt everyone in a futile quest to rule the world.
So when does Mitt start the bombing of Iran and North Korea?
In other words…More war. More debt. More failed Dubya/Obomba policies. Sounds great!
Sorry Mittens, you can take your Project For a New American Century and shove it….
Romney needs to understand the last century is still lingering due to non-production by this current Congress and there is a huge amount of work left to be done since they haven't! When the Bush Administration dropped the ball, and the housing market began crashing, nothing was done and the bubble burst throwing millions out of jobs and homes into foreclosures! Congress has never addressed this issue and has side-tracked our economy into the doldrums! This 112th Congress is totally at fault! Anyone not believing this has their head buried in the FOX-hole!
American Century? That's actually really easy. Step 1: Start WW III. Step 2: Carpet bomb Europe and Asia. Step 3: Make mad profit selling them what they need to rebuild.