Republican Presidential Candidates Debate Foreign Policy

Strategic Insights -

The Republican presidential candidates, including Representative Michele Bachmann, Businessman and Columnist Herman Cain, and Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, among others, gathered at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. for a debate co-hosted by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and The Heritage Foundation on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. The debate focused on foreign policy, with moderator Wolf Blitzer asking the candidates questions on national security and terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The candidates were asked about their stance on extending the investigative powers of the Patriot Act, with several expressing support for a long-range extension to ensure law enforcement officers have the necessary tools to prevent terrorist attacks.
  • Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich emphasized the importance of using tools like the Patriot Act to prevent terrorist attacks, citing the recent alleged terror plot uncovered in New York City.
  • Businessman and Columnist Herman Cain stated that he would support a temporary extension of the Patriot Act to gather intelligence on potential terrorist threats.
  • Representative Ron Paul argued that the Patriot Act is an infringement on individual liberties and that the government should prioritize diplomacy and international cooperation over expanded surveillance powers.
  • Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney stated that he would reauthorize the Patriot Act but also ensure that its provisions are reviewed to prevent any abuse of power.

Statistics:

  • At least 42 terrorist attacks aimed at the United States have been thwarted since 9/11, highlighting the importance of having effective counterterrorism tools.
  • The Patriot Act has been instrumental in finding and stopping terrorists, with recent examples including the alleged terror plot uncovered in New York City.

Sources:

  • Federal News Service, Inc.
  • The American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
  • The Heritage Foundation
  • CNN (Wolf Blitzer, Moderator)