Ignore the 'Neocon' Smears. GOP Isolationists Aren't Living in Reality | Opinion
Nov 29, 2023 at 2:50 PM EST
https://www.newsweek.com/ignore-neocon-smears-gop-isolationists-arent-living-reality-opinion-1848114
Ignore the 'Neocon' Smears. GOP Isolationists Aren't Living in Reality | Opinion
Nov 29, 2023 at 2:50 PM EST
https://www.newsweek.com/ignore-neocon-smears-gop-isolationists-arent-living-reality-opinion-1848114
Former president Donald Trump and Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have attacked former governor and U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley for being a "neocon" on foreign policy. Haley's seen a surprising bump in the polls since her last two debates not in spite of her foreign policy experience, as opponents might imply, but likely because of it. Unlike other candidates, Haley is in a unique position to reframe "neocon" as a criticism and showcase that a strong American military and robust free market are the best path forward for America.
Opponents might smear Haley as a traditional "neocon"—someone who supports an interventionist foreign policy and a larger military—but she's no Dick Chaney, regardless of what Ramaswamy might say. Haley's experience as governor of South Carolina, ambassador to the U.N., and as the wife of a commissioned officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard sets her apart from Ramasway's isolationist policies and Trump's spur-of-the-moment foreign policies, which are muddled at best and contradictory at worst.
Thanks to President George Bush's Operation Iraqi Freedom, "neocon" came to mean not just a warmonger but a failed one. Critics who harp on never-ending wars don't have a good response to what they would have done after 9/11 (Ramaswamy was 16 when it happened) and opponents of a "neocon" worldview rarely can articulate how they would have dealt with the new, unique tactics of an enemy like Al Qaeda.
Critics mostly hated Operation Iraqi Freedom after it was clear it would last longer and be more expensive than anyone predicted. People forget everyone wanted to exact revenge on the Taliban on 9/12. Criticism in hindsight is easy. Knowing how to address an enemy, in real time, that managed to murder nearly 3,000 people on our soil is much harder. Even so, Haley is no Bush/Cheney impersonator and there's no reason to think she would be.
Ramaswamy is a clear isolationist who's suggested that the U.S. remain uninvolved with our allies, hidden away in a corner of the world where we make and thrive in our own utopia. This is not even a possibility for the U.S. in 2023, nor should it be. In fact, isolationism often encourages war—that is where a "live and let live" mantra takes us when it comes to foreign policy.
On November 13, Ramaswamy tweeted that "Neocon ideology cost the US trillions $$ and killed millions in pointless wars that didn't advance our interests. Time to move to a realist future." He went on to say that his administration would avoid World War III and commit to putting U.S citizens first.
"A strong America doesn't start wars," Haley said at one debate. "A strong America prevents wars." Isolationist policies would have America do the opposite. Haley supports our allies and believes the U.S. should use its military might to do so. The U.S. is not an island, nor should it govern like one. This stance is neither "neocon" nor warmongering—it's just good policy.
Let's consider three foreign crises happening right now: Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas, and China. By supporting the idea of offering weapons to Ukraine, Haley is in no way beating the drum for World War III. After all, her husband would likely be fighting in it. By contrast, Trump already said that he'd deal with the Ukraine/Russia conflict by just halting U.S. support immediately once he began another presidential term. That decision would undoubtedly embolden Russia.
(cont'd)
The Hamas/Israel conflict has further highlighted Haley's credentials. Her support for Israel while U.N. ambassador demonstrated a clarity of thought and courage in a difficult moment. This is what it looks like to be a strong ally, and this is what creates strong allies. As for China, Haley has advocated for directly confronting a country that's become one of our most aggressive adversaries.
Haley's foreign policy stances aren't just the strongest among her Republican foes—they're better than what Democrats offer too. President Joe Biden not only appears physically and mentally weak, but his foreign policy decisions have created mess after mess. His botched withdrawal from Afghanistan was a strategic failure. He has failed to handle, with any clear strength, the triangular threat Iran, China, and Russia present. Biden has also put U.S. national security at risk with his border policies, an extension of foreign policy by way of domestic disaster. The Biden administration is a cautionary tale of what happens if America continues down this path.
Trump and Ramaswamy might smear Haley as a "neocon." But wanting to aid our allies, maintain a strong military, and demonstrate strength to our adversaries doesn't mean itching to jump into another world war, and it's disingenuous to say it does. Voters would be lucky to have Haley's foreign policy experience, patriotism, and advocacy for a robust military in the White House. At least, by consistently addressing where the United States' position is in the world, she's living in reality.
"You don't do something like this to be Vice President. You don't sacrifice emotionally, mentally, physically with your family everything to come in for second. That's not me. I've never done second a day in my life… I'm not going to start now"
"I'm doing this because we have a country to save."
One campaign is run with grit and grace! Everyone attacks you Nikki because you on Fire! Stay focused and continue to share your message with the people! So proud of you!
Imagine someone coming in with a reply saying they don't care, but in actuality they do. Thanks for gathering and highlighting for me. Hope you are doing well this morning!
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Philadelphia's 6ABC helicopter crashes in South Jersey
philadelphia
BY CBS NEWS PHILADELPHIA STAFF
UPDATED ON: DECEMBER 20, 2023 / 7:55 AM EST / CBS PHILADELPHIA
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/6abc-news-helicopter-crashes-in-south-jersey/
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) – Federal investigators will travel to New Jersey Wednesday after a local Philadelphia news helicopter crashed in the Wharton State Forest Tuesday night.
State park police found the wreckage in a wooded area off Mullica River Road in Washington Township, Burlington County, just after midnight after getting reports that a helicopter had gone missing in the area.
The chopper was contracted through U.S. Helicopters and worked for Philadelphia's 6ABC WPVI.
According to 6ABC, the helicopter went down after 8 p.m. The pilot and photographer, who were contracted with U.S. Helicopters and part of the 6ABC family, died in the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Wednesday that they were the only two people onboard the Eurocopter AS350B2 helicopter.
6ABC says the chopper crashed as the crew made its way back from an assignment in Galloway Township.
Any other anons having trouble the last few days with posting sometimes? After hitting "reply" it just sits on "uploading" and not sending post. Have to refresh screen a few times for it to actually send sometimes.Then it will take me to screen to view certificate and advanced to enter 8kun.
One campaign doesn't need drama, grandstanding, or lies. Can you find it?
According to this link: https://thegunzone.com/what-does-nikki-haleys-husband-do-in-the-military/#:~:text=Nikki%20Haley%E2%80%99s%20husband%2C%20Michael%20Haley%2C%20served%20in%20the,Nikki%20Haley%20was%20the%20Governor%20of%20South%20Carolina.
What does Nikki Haley’s husband do in the military?
December 18, 2023 by Robert Carlson
Nikki Haley’s husband, Michael Haley, served in the South Carolina National Guard. He deployed to serve in Afghanistan in 2013, during which time Nikki Haley was the Governor of South Carolina.
What rank did Michael Haley achieve in the military?
Michael Haley achieved the rank of captain in the South Carolina National Guard.
Did Michael Haley see combat during his deployment?
Yes, Michael Haley was deployed to Afghanistan and served in a combat zone.
Has Michael Haley received any military awards or honors?
Yes, Michael Haley was awarded the Combat Action Badge and the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Afghanistan.
What branch of the military did Michael Haley serve in?
Michael Haley served in the South Carolina National Guard.
How long was Michael Haley deployed to Afghanistan?
Michael Haley was deployed to Afghanistan for a one-year tour of duty.
What is Michael Haley doing now after his military service?
After his military service, Michael Haley has been involved in business and public service initiatives.
Did Nikki Haley’s military service influence her political career?
Nikki Haley’s experience as a military spouse and her understanding of military issues did influence her political career, particularly when she served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
How did Nikki Haley balance her political career with her husband’s military service?
Nikki Haley has spoken about the challenges of balancing her political career with her husband’s military service, highlighting the support network and resources provided to military families.
Did Michael Haley’s military service impact his family?
Michael Haley’s military service did impact his family, particularly during his deployment to Afghanistan.
Did Michael Haley’s military experience influence Nikki Haley’s policies?
Nikki Haley has acknowledged that her husband’s military experience has influenced her understanding of national security and defense issues, which in turn may have influenced her policies.
Has Michael Haley been involved in veterans’ advocacy efforts?
Yes, both Nikki and Michael Haley have been involved in veterans’ advocacy efforts, supporting military families and addressing veterans’ issues.
He is just grandstanding to get attention and a rise in his poll numbers. He knows damn well it will go to the Supreme Court.