Romney Says Putin 'Outperformed' Obama On Foreign Policy

[DonViejo]

DANIEL STRAUSS – JANUARY 24, 2014, 5:03 PM EST

As Mitt Romney sees it, Russian President Vladimir Putin is way ahead of President Barack Obama when it comes to foreign policy. "I think Putin has outperformed our president time and time again on the world stage," the former GOP presidential nominee said in an interview with NBC News published Friday.

Specifically, Romney noted Obama's handling of NSA leaker Edward Snowden and Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Snowden is now residing in Russia under temporary political asylum. "We are, and I've said this before, geopolitical adversaries," Romney said. "Not enemies but adversaries geopolitically. And Putin lines up with Assad and gave Assad the cover that he needed and won a diplomatic battle with regards to Syria."

Romney characterized Russia's acceptance of Snowden as "a bit of a stick in the eye at America. And I think most observers of the international political scene suggest that Russia has elevated itself in stature and America has been diminished."

The White House shrugged off the comments. "I obviously disagree with that," press secretary Jay Carney said in response to a reporter at a daily briefing.

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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/romney-says-putin-outperformed-obama-on-foreign-policy

[DFW]

1. Apples and catci

If Rolls Romney means that Obama should never tell an ally when he thinks they're wrong (like Israel) and that political adversaries are to be either jailed indefinitely after mock trials (Khodorkovsky) or just outright eliminated (Berezovsky, Politovskaya), then yeah, Putin is the better man.

But if that's "outperforming" in Willard's eyes, then he's maybe not the kind of guy our country needs in the White House (as the country, not incidentally, just decided some 15 months ago). The USA cannot--and should not--be run like Bain Capital (or the KGB), much as that may come as a surprise to certain losers of presidential races.

[DonCoquixote]

2. Mitt, Mitt, Mitt

Putin knows you would have been an easy chicken to pluck, as your knowledge of foreign policy extends to that luxury Missionary work you did in France. The right wing policies of always assisting and obeying the corporations, and letting AIPAC write our middle east policy, does more for Russia then Obama ever could.

[Blue Idaho]

3. Said the failed politician struggling for attention...

It's over Mitt, let go and walk into the light.

[DFW]

5. He's a Mormon

Let him go sing "Hasa Diga Eebowai."

[Blue Idaho]

6. Amen brother... Nt.

[tanyev]

4. Romney...where have I heard that name before?

Seems vaguely familiar, but I can't quite place it.

[karynnj]

7. Republican nonsense - Wasn't it just 2012 when Romney said Russia was the number 1 geopolitical foe

Not to mention, that is not what it looks like to anyone not biased against Obama. A Russian ally is giving up chemical weapons and another is moving towards proving they will not build a bomb. Yet this is ALL said to be Putin's clever strategy to make Obama look bad.

I have seen hundreds of articles that credit Putin - and often just Putin - for Syria giving up chemical weapons. What is ignored is that this was a US, not Russian, goal and Russia pressured Syria only to avoid the threat of US attacking Syria. Go back and look at what Lavrov and Kerry said the first day they were in Geneva - EVERY thing Kerry said was necessary is in that agreement - and the timing was as ambitious as experts said was possible.

Now Iran. This is not Russia vs the US - and clearly the US will be in better position if Iran is not seen as getting closer and closer to a nuclear weapon. In fact, Romney's possible choice for SoS, John Bolton, has wanted to bomb them for at least 5 years to prevent their getting a nuclear bomb.

It is one thing to try to minimize the achievements of the other party - or argue they are doing things that make things worse, but it takes a certain cravenness to credit a country that we have been at odds with - rather than credit the President.

Not to mention - as seen in 2012 - foreign policy was definitely not Romney's strength. In fact, it is a good time to link to Kerry's 2012 convention speech - as he was the main person given the task of challenging Romney's ridiculous missteps.

[Whisp]

8. and some DUers agree with Uncle Mittie...

I know, so sweet.
Putin the freedom loving Snowden protector of all human rights, and that mean spying Obama you can't trust.

lol.
they look, *ahem, silly and just like Mitt.

[davidpdx]

9. Yes, where are the Putin asskissers?

[Whisp]

10. in Pucker Town, I'm guessing. :)

[davidpdx]

11. Warming up I guess

I'd post the picture I'm thinking of, but since it's obvious and I don't want to get a hidden post, I'll just leave it to your imagination.

[bigdarryl]

12. Has there ever been a Presidential candidate LOOSER who has gotten the attention from the media as

this guy.I mean every week the media is interviewing him or quoting his statements.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

13. They still listen to and publicize McCain a whole lot too

and we hear far too much about what Sarah Palin thinks on any given day no matter how asinine it is. Oddly enough, it sometimes seems like the person who has gotten almost no (positive) coverage during the last 5 years has been President Obama. We also don't get to hear too much from many intelligent and thoughtful Democrats either.

[JoePhilly]

14. Putin absolutely outperformed ROMNEY, that's for sure.