Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Hugh Hewitt Show: Mitt Romney on Libya

The following is part of a transcript from last night's Hugh Hewitt Show:
HH: Joined now by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Governor, always a pleasure, welcome back.

MR: Thank you. Good to be with you today.


HH: What is your reaction to President Obama’s announcement of air strikes on Libya?


MR: Well, first, I support military action in Libya. I support our troops there and the mission that they’ve been given. But let me also note that thus far, the President has been unable to construct a foreign policy, any foreign policy. I think it’s fair to ask, you know, what is it that explains the absence of any discernable foreign policy from the president of the United States? And I believe that it flows from his fundamental disbelief in American exceptionalism. In the President’s world, all nations have common interests, the lines between good an evil are blurred, America’s history merits apology. And without a compass to guide him in our increasingly turbulent world, he’s tentative, indecisive, timid and nuanced. And as a result, I think, he says, for instance, he’s committed to our success in Afghanistan unless it means commitment beyond 2011. He stands with our ally, Israel, but condemns its settlement policy even more forcefully than he condemns Hamas’ rockets. And he calls for the removal of Muammar Gaddafi, but then conditions our action on the directions we get from the Arab League and the United Nations.


HH: Did he wait too long, Governor Romney, to strike against Libya?


MR: There’s no question but that his inability to have a clear and convincing foreign policy made him delegate to the United Nations and the Arab League a decision about our involvement there. And I happen to have a very personal concern. I mean, 270 people were killed as a result of that tragedy over Lockerbie. We now know that that was ordered directly by Muammar Gaddafi. One of my colleagues at Bain & Co, and a friend, named Nicholas Bright, was killed in that flight. And the President had every piece of information he needed to be able to take action in America’s interest.


HH: Does he appear weak?


MR: You know, I think one of the comments I’ve heard from individuals abroad is that in the past, America has been feared sometimes, has been respected, but today, that America is seen as being weak. We’re following the French into Libya. I appreciate the fact that others are participating in this effort, but I think we look to America to be the leader of the world. You know, the cause of liberty can endure the mistakes that are inevitable consequences of human fallibility. But liberty’s standard can’t prevail if it’s not proudly, decisively and consistently held aloft.
The rest of the interview can be read here.

7 comments:

BOSMAN said...

I'm fine with the action as long as we do not use ground troops. I also agree we should have enforced a no fly zone a lot earlier.

Right Wingnut said...

Palin came out in support of a no fly zone a month ago.

Having said that, I'm not sure I like any of this. Obama's lack of leadership has been breathtaking. I can't tell you how offended I am that he while bombs rained down on Libya, he was hulking it up in Rio.

Right Wingnut said...

Yukking it up. Damn iPad again

ConMan said...

I agree with Romney but was hoping he would shed some light also on his feelings about committing ground forces to this mission.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget that Palin called for troops on the ground in Libya. On FOX she said:

“Certainly a no fly zone,” Palin said. “I hate to say, jeez, more troops on the ground. You know send more of our brave young men and women over there in Libya. When yes, 41 years of Gadhafi. He’s got to go.”

-Martha

Anonymous said...

My feeling is that what Obama has done is unconstitutional. He had time to get authorization from Congress and should have. Not because it is politically smart, but because it's the law.

I am on the fence about going into Libya--there are good arguments on both sides, but I would hope that if Romney or any president were ever in this position, he would follow the law--The Constitution.

I also think that Palin's flippant call for troops on the ground was irresponsible.

-Martha

Revolution 2012 said...

I too would like us to only use our air power and technical expertise. NO ground forces at all.