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Subscribe to RSSMANCHESTER, N.H. -- Asked what, precisely, he objected to about yesterday's presidential announcement that all U.S. troops would be leaving Iraq by the end of the year, Mitt Romney responded with a series of questions of his own.
"I believe you should listen to the commanders on the ground and understand from them what the timetable is to transition entirely to the Iraqi military," he said. "And the reports from the administration up until this point have been that we would have a presence that would extend beyond December by virtue of putting in place a status of forces agreement. And that negotiation was underway. Why did it fall apart? Was the president's administration out-negotiated by Iraqi leaders? Was there failure to communicate the needs of their military and our own? Or was this simply a political recalculation? And we won't know the answer to that until we here from the commanders in the field as to what's the truth."
Yesterday, Romney's campaign issued a statement slamming the president's decision to draw-down troops an "astonishing failure to secure an orderly transition in Iraq," a position in line with that of much of the rest of the Republican Party, but which drew a sharp rebuke from President Obama's reelection campaign, which criticized Romney for not making clear his own timetable, and for his lack of foreign-policy experience overall.
"Mitt Romney’s foreign-policy experience is limited to his work as a finance executive shipping American jobs overseas,” concluded the Obama campaign.
In a brief but wide-ranging press conference in his campaign's New Hampshire headquarters, Romney also addressed critics who say he has been ignoring Iowa, and to a lesser extent, other early states in the primary calendar.
"You'll see me in the five early states quite a bit," he said. "Given the fact there are five states, and they're far apart, you can't get to all of them day after day after day, but you try to make a presence or showing in debates and in day campaigns, every time you get a chance to do so."
Romney pointed out that he was in Iowa on Thursday and New Hampshire today.
"We'll be campaigning across the country," he said. "Ultimately, I plan to campaign for support in all 50 states."
Romney also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom the Washington Post reported his parents emigrated to the United States two years prior to Fidel Castro taking power, something Rubio hadn't made clear in a number of speeches and during his 2010 Senate campaign. Rubio, whose name is frequently floated as a possible vice presidential candidate, has denied he embellished his parents' back-story -- for political gain, and Romney stood firm in his support for Rubio.
“I have the highest respect for Marco Rubio," Romney said. "I think his family's history having come to this country speaks for itself. This is a family that came with nothing, and Marco Rubio and his family deserve the highest praise and recognition. I think the world of Marco Rubio -- support him entirely, and think that the effort to try and smear him was unfortunate and bogus.”
In the wake of last week's contentious debate exchanges with Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and the ensuing online ad war between the two camps, Romney was asked whether he believed Perry has the necessary tool kit, including the intelligence, to be president. Romney at first responded that he himself certainly did.
"I do," Romney laughed, before continuing. "I believe every single person on the stage in that last debate would do a better job than President Obama. If Rick Perry were the nominee, I'd be voting for him. I, of course, feel he's qualified, as I do the other people on the stage."
"I believe I'm the best-suited to beat president Obama and that's why I'm running," Romney added "So the other guys are fine, and gal, they're just fine, they're all qualified, but I don't think they bring as much to the table as I do, or I wouldn't be running for office."
Addressing the media before word of Nevada's decision to slide back it's caucus to Feb. 4 became public, Romney expressed confidence in New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner's ability to hold the line and protect New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary.
"I take my cue from Bill Gardner," Romney said. "I have a lot of confidence in the secretary of state here. He's done a fine job over the years. I have confidence he'll continue to do so, as a superb secretary of state. I hope this gets resolved in a way that is favorable, and I can tell you this: we will make sure that New Hampshire remains the first primary in the nation. The people of New Hampshire have invested years and attention to the process of selecting nominees, and that is something I want to protect."
Before the press conference, Romney seemed to be enjoying himself working the phones alongside his volunteers here. He placed several calls to supporters in different parts of the state, and to would-be supporters. Some calls appeared to more effective than others.
Reaching a wrong number, Romney asked the person on the other end if they had ever heard of Mitt Romney.
"It's me," Romney said. "I'm on the phone."
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Eh, who cares? A whole blog entry about just Slick Willard...
Romney will say and do anything - I'm sure there are other real issues, I love how he takes any issue and flips it to absurd proportions. The Iraqis want us out period. It's been ten years, if they can't govern themselves by now another ten won't matter.
Truly bogles the mind... when you think about what it would require of a human being to try and win a republican nomination for president. What these people are putting themselves through. Tough road too hoe.
"...Obama has 'failed to deliver' on Iraq..."... wow!... a believable, thoughtful comment from an unemployed middle class millionaire...
So, Obama failed to deliver on an illegal disastrous war that Bush started under a cover of lies. Hmm, why do I feel like it's a guy down in Texas who should be held responsible. Actually held in prison, in my view, for the admitted (via Condaleeza Rice) lies told in the State of the Union address. So, instead, in the word of today's you can't be far enough to the right, Bush writes a Bush and makes victory laps. P.T. Barnum knew it; lots and lots of stupid people in our country.
More at issue is this business about listening to commanders on the ground. Romney, we are not a military dictatorship. We have a civilian POTUS as the Commander in Chief for a reason. Now some questions for you, Romney:
1) We have been in Afghanistan and Iraq for over ten years, and longer than any other war to date. When will it be a good time to end these wars?
2) We have a budget problem, maybe you've heard. How do you propose to pay for these wars/occupation/nation-building/bases to go on endlessly? No, not with spending cut off-sets, you better be thinking of war bonds and see how well that flies, because it won't.
3) The majority of Americans--a large majority--want an end to these wars. Why is that yet again the Teapublicans refuse to represent the people?
Enough with trying to bash the president at every opportunity (even when it's not).
Iraq will be whatever Iraq wishes to allow itself to be. It's called sovereignty. Sunni, Shiite, and Kurd will have to deal with each other , along with external threats from Turkey and Iran. Just because we leave now, doesn't mean we won't be back in three years, to pull their fat out of the fire. But Iran is going to take a big hit before that happens.
Mitthead: The government of Iraq ask the US to leave, it has to do with war crimes and their inability to keep troops safe. The pull out was signed by Bush 2.
When Romney said that any republican candidate running would do a better job than President Obama he just proved he is a stone cold liar.
Not only a liar but doesn't have a clue what he is talking about with Iraq. Our country attacked Iraq based on lies and now the people of Iraq want us gone. I know the people are the last ones a republican would listen to. If you tried listening to Americans you wouldn't need so much voter suppression to win an election.
Good or bad, it is their choice. You know personal freedom and liberty that you republicans go on for so much.
I remember all this dooms day predictions for Vietnam too. And now it is a vacation spot and trading partner.
Romney can't even answer the question. All he can do is ask other questions. It's an old trick. If you don't have an answer deflect, deflect, deflect. The guy is an empty vessel.
I love how he defended anchor baby Rubio. They deserve one another. Rubio had ethics issues here in Florida when he was a part of the legislature. I see he hasn't changed his stripes at all.
Congratulations Iran...enjoy Iraq! ...just please don't start a war with the US until after we have the next President in charge (2013). This current one wouldn't know how to defend a goal against a 2nd grade girls soccer team....
??? Obama killed bin Laden. Bush couldn't or wouldn't.
Blame Obama...for the end of the Iraqi war? Go ahead...I'm sure he'll be happy to take that "blame"--especially welcome from lightweights like Perry whose sole foreign policy advice is to "leave it to the generals". No one has apparantly explained to Perry what"commander in chief" means.
Darren,
I don't remember Obama killing Bin Laden, did you see him pull the trigger in the house that Bin Laden was in? The members of Seal Team 6 and covert CIA agents, who tracked the Bin Laden for years, and finally confirmed where he was at. Obama might have given the order to take him out, there is still some doubt about that. But give credit to those on the ground, anyone from a 10 yr old and above could have given the order to kill/capture Bin Laden once he was found.
So sfcret, you can't have it both ways. If Obama cannot be given credit for killing Obama, then he is not "at fault" for pulling the troops out of Iraq as "BlameObama" has suggested. Any 10 year old could have given the order to pull out the troops; it's the troops fault they are pulling out of Iraq "too early" as the neocons are saying.
DaFoo,
No, Obama is not at fault for pulling the troops out of Iraq, it was President Bush that set the dead line of Dec 31, 2011 in an agreement with the Iraqi government. Obama did try and get Iraq to accept keeping several thousand Americans in Iraq for training and logistical purposes, but was told NO by the Iraqi government.
It was a risky and brave decision to make, going for bin Laden, because it put American lives at risk. If anything had gone wrong, President Obama would have paid the price the way Carter did trying to rescue the hostages in Iran. sfcret -- You're either too young or just don't know that. The same goes for Libya and making sure Americans were evacuated, that there was global support, etc. before going after Qaddafi, but the French (the ones so hated conservatives ate "freedom fries") are given all the credit instead.
Listen up Teapublican Ladies with no foreign policy experience, the "buck stops here" applies to both good and bad, and if you really think the majority of Americans can't see through such obvious negative campaigning, you are truly not fit to be POTUS and leader of the free world.
The Somali Pirate operation, that was awesome too.
TP, kind of like 57 states, being the jr senator from Illinois and running around after the inaugeration saying..."guys, don't let me screw up" Obama should have stayed in the senate another two terms to gain some sense of leadership and experience.
I will say that romney and others are off base in criticising obama for doing what was mandated by the SOFA bush and company agreed to with Iraq. in 2008.
Any lib that says that obama got us out of iraq or if obama uses it as a selling point for re-election is just really pointing out the fact that obama is not worthy of being potus or even to be re-elected.
Like sfcret said, The iraqi's told obama that obama must adhere to bush's agreement. After dec 31, 2011 if obama wants to renegotiate a new SOFA with iraq, so be it.
Again sfcret, I'm not sure you undrestand the point. If Obama cannot be credited with Bin Laden's death, then neither Obama nor Bush can be credited/faulted for the troops pulling out of Iraq "early", as the neocons suggest. In your words, any 10 year old could have ordered the troops to kill Osama, and any 10 year old could have told the troops to pull out. The troops alone killed Osama, and the troops alone are responsible for pulling out of Iraq early. At least, that's how you see it, correct?
I thought Romney was smarter than that! Obama has fulfilled his promise and had a better "Mission Accomplished" moment than baby boy Bush! Congratulations, prez!
Both Mitt and Rick can kiss my sweet a$$... What a couple of jokers...
Obama/Biden 2012
We may be late; But, we are getting out. We need to bring most of our troops home from all over the world. If we don't deal with our own pressing problems we may son be in economic disaster.
I hope many of our military take a positive and helpful view of our protesters; Because millions in the streets may be our only hope for avoiding depression and chaos. We cannot afford to keep letting banks, wall street and big corporations run America.
Frank,
The only reason, as you claim, banks, wall street and big corporations run America is because people who complain but don't vote. If you don't like the way congress is run, then elect people that support your position, get involved in elections and quit complaining. To many people just keep putting the same old politicians back in charge. Sitting in the streets, protesting in front of banks will not change anything, only changing congress by the way of elections will get change if the voters will just do it at the ballot box. The people, especially those that don't vote, have no one to blame but themselves.
romney is right, but in the wrong way. If obama would have done this two-three years ago and given the savings back to the middle class in the form of peace dividend stimulus he would probably have been invincible in this next election and brought in a new house with him. Instead, he gave away to the big corps. and big insurance, so much potential wasted. All the stimulus money went to the wealthiest who chose to horde(what else is new?) There is no new money available for the middle class . that's been the entire problem.
Eh leon don't you read and comprehend? Bush signed a treaty with Iraq in 2008 to get out by 2011, Obama did the draw down of Iraq this year. He and the PM for Iraq had a conference about troops staying to train or what ever...Obama wanted immunity for us solders in the case of civilian casualties Iraq said no so Obama said Good Bye ALL U.S. troops are leaving Iraq, as for the contractors who are there protecting the American Corporate interest I don't know. So with that said he couldn't get out sooner that would have been really nice, but there was a treaty with Bush. So guess what??? The troops are getting out of Iraq. and now the republicrabs are screaming the teabigotts are angry because this is all wrong. They weep that Bush deserves the credit or the Prime Minister frankly I could careless as long as we get out of there....it's a bloody money pit based on lies.
sorry fordays, iraqs only lies came from saddam, he was the one threatening to use WMD's and history says he used them in the past aginst iran and the kurds.
Would you say that we are better off without saddam or kaddafy?
"Leon" where are the facts? Two or three years ago? GWB signed that agreement and apparently Iraq was not stable enough for that to occur two or three years ago. There was never any money for the middle class. TARP was a misguided plan by Paulson and GWB signed on to stave off the biggest financial collapse since 1929. The banks hoarded the TARP money and never loaned it out as they were directed to do so. President Obama helped save manufacturing - the auto industry and without that our unemployment rate would be closer to 15%. Romney would not have bailed out manufacturing, he would have pumped that money back into his corporate bank buddies.
I opine that Romney doesn't really believe the bile he's spouted. He's just tacking far right to appease his base and win the republican nomination. His real position on this issue is probably somewhere just right of center.
He's flip flopped on everything else, what does it hurt to do the same in the general on this issue it it works out for the country...and if it doesn't he can say; I told you so.
Do people realize that the US and Iraq signed a Status of Forces Agreement in Dec. 2008 that called for withdrawal of ALL US troops from Iraq by the end of 2011??? Romney certainly knows this and does anyone who reads even a little bit about US affairs! Pres. Obama is following that accord!
When have facts ever gotten in the way of Romney's spin - that's why the guy is just a joke. Total absurdity in the face of reality. There is a lot to criticize Obama on that is actually legitimate, but this guy just looks worse every time he opens his mouth...
Romney would vote for Michelle over Mr. Obama based on her higher intelligence, greater depth of foreign policy experience and better political skills. That is as scary as the magic undies he wears.
Another republican that wants to keep our troops in Iraq FOREVER! They take from the seniors to buy military gear....sad....
I don't trust a damn thing this man says......... Hes consistent in one thing and that's flip-flopping on any and all issues aka A lie-er.....
Listen to the commanders on the ground, they tell us they need more time and more troops, if it's left up to the commanders we will never leave Iraq.
I use to think Romney was pretty smart. But the more I hear him speak, the less smart he sounds. I honestly think he's as dumb as a door nob. He spouts crap that doesn't mean anything, he looks scared all the time, he gets agitated when ask a question he doesn't want to answer, I just don't think he's as smart as the media tries to indicate. His foreign policy is leave it up to the commanders to tell us what to do. That's not a foreign policy, that's a disaster waiting to happen.
You read some posts and see the emotional reactions and it just leaves no doubt in recognizing how some are controlled and used. GWBush was literally a "puppet" for the powerful, influential and very wealthy few who "pulled his strings" and it cost the majority, the country greatly. The Republican / Tea Party has become owned and controlled by "the few" and there simply is a lot of power, influence and money being spent to get another "puppet" to again do the bidding of "the few". They intimidate and coerce their own to insure unity behind their self-serving objectives, totally squelching individual consciences. They aggressively and stubbornly block and fault all efforts, without concern for the costs to the people, concentrating only on their political ambitions above all else. They use every effort without conscience to con the people and manipulate public opinion, like to control the Christian block, then with the Swift-boat propaganda and continuing with the Tea Party movement - all being well designed, well organized and well financed deceptions aimed to excite and control public opinion. They seek to make the voters "pawns" in their game of politics and insultingly just take the people for granted. They strive to return to "more of the same" Bush-Cheney style, which would be a continuing catastrophe for the majority. Their actions and purpose are totally obvious but the people have to check their fears, biases, prejudices and emotions to stay objective and to avoid being manipulated. Again, there is a lot of power, influence and money being spent to con the people but the voters can recognize and reject it ... or just be duped and returned to "more of the same".
I thought Romney was smarter than that! Obama has fulfilled his promise and had a better "Mission Accomplished" moment than baby boy Bush! Congratulations, prez!
hey Rudy, what will you be saying when IRAN takes over Iraq????
OH WAIT.............You'll probably blame BUSH. LOL
rudy, obama had no promise other than to follow what bush and iraq agreed to in 2008 for a withdrawel date. The 2008 SOFA with iraq is a part of history and iraq gave obama no choice but to go along with the agreement.
What did Obama promise to deliver us in Iraq? Republicans did not deliver on jobs for Americans.
Let this straight: Teapers are protesting the time schedule of the withdrawal, said schedule being mandated by former president G.W.Bush while he was still in office? That schedule?
Leona..... there will BE no takeover of Iraq by Iran. Iraq and Iran are natrual allies, being the largest 2 Shi'ite states in the world and they are also neighbors! Back in 2005 or so, I said all that Bush had done in Iraq is to lay the foundations for an Islamic state. We'll see if that happens! Besides, Obama is jsut executing the agreement signed by the US and Iraq in late 2008!
Sorry Tom, I got to call you on this. Maybe you don't remember that Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Iran on September 23, 1980. This initiated an eight year all out war with casualty estimates of up to 1.5 million. You remember that they used waves of children (volunteers) to clear the mine fields.
Pretty ugly!. Not the kind of history that would lead me to believe Iraq and Iran are natural allies.
This is why Romney will never be president' he doesnt know what he is talking about and besides that he doesnt know anything at all about foreign policy. If Romney was president someone would have to take him by the hand and lead him around daily explaining how goverment works.
Yeah, if everyone listened to these Repubs, not only would the US be staying in Iraq & Afghanistan another 5-10 years, we'd probably be opening up another war with Iran or even Pakistan.
What Repubs keep doing is focusing on and criticizing Obama ... they're establishing no momentum for their 2012 election ... NOTHING! The voters are already wise to these "do-nothing" Repubs ... they know what they want to do ... eliminate social programs and continue cutting revenue by giving tax cuts to the wealthiest & corporations. What Repubs aren't realizing is that EVERYONE gets ONE VOTE ... matters not whether you're rich or poor ... and the poor are pissed off at the inequality & biased tax breaks given the wealthy. Come 2012 ... if Repub states can't get their voting laws "rigged" to eliminate some of the minority voters, the Repubs are going to be SWEPT from office in the biggest turn-around of party change in history. I honestly suspect John Boehner to lose his re-election. Repubs are done!
"Romulian Romney" is off his medication. Again! The Iraq War is not Presdent Obama's War! That is historical fact. Now the Cognitive Disabilities of the "Gross Odd People" (GOP), and the "Really Not Competent" (RNC) is not shocking at all. President "Brainless Bush" had negociated the withdraw of US Troops for the end of 2011, and not President Obama. That is fact! "Romuiian Romney" is a political "flip-flopper" with no mental comprehension of any correct historical facts at all. The very rich which includes the Koch Brothers will pay/donate this old Romulian to say anything. The more the "Country Club Clown" spews his "Crazy Conservative Crap." The American People had better start to understand that this Romulian has no clue, no hope, and no new ideas that will ever help our nation move forward. That is fact!
Mitt is a republican, and as such he should know this country does not have the money to be policing Iraq one day longer than necessary. My goodness, we have budgets we have to cut, cut, cut.