Room for foreign-policy talk on convention stage

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Wed, November 29, 2023 | 02:27

Today`s Column

Room for foreign-policy talk on convention stage

Posted : 2012-08-30 16:38

Updated : 2012-08-30 16:38

By Arthur I. Cyr

The 2012 Republican National Convention provides an opportunity to reflect on what remains to be done, and said, in the presidential campaign between now and the November general election.

The most important subject neglected by both sides is foreign policy. Polls over the past decade show voters favor the Republicans over the Democrats regarding handling of national security, and by implication other aspects of foreign relations.

This was true even in 2008, a strongly Democratic year in which the party ― then in control of the House of Representatives ― added the White House and Senate. The most obvious and immediate reason is that Republican President George W. Bush was in office during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the resulting Allied occupation of Afghanistan and struggle against al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.

However, this opinion trend goes much deeper, rooted in the intense national conflict over the war in Vietnam, which shattered the Democratic Party. Before that terrible time, the Gallup poll regularly showed that Republicans were more cautious than Democrats about military spending and intervention, reflecting both lingering isolationism and the fiscal conservatism of the Eisenhower administration.

In short, soon-to-be Republican nominees Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have an opportunity to assert foreign policy leadership, beginning with defense but including the global economy, human rights and other topics. Even the threat of Hurricane Isaac could be appropriately referenced. Our nation has a fine record of deploying military and other capabilities for disaster relief, at home and abroad.

So far, Republicans have put symbolism over substance. Romney announced Ryan as running mate with the aircraft carrier USS Wisconsin as backdrop, in the politically important state of Virginia. On Memorial Day, he spoke in San Diego, site of a massive Navy base and home to an enormous population of retired and active-duty military.

Such occasions have emphasized broad pledges to maintain a national defense second to none. Yet the deficit-control agreement reached by Congress and the Obama administration mandates drastic spending cuts soon, including at the Pentagon. Romney has limited himself to abstract statements about maintaining defense spending.

Knowledge of foreign policy remains important for aspiring presidents, and the party convention provides opportunities to make the case.

Romney faces a challenge similar to that of 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain in having to both reassure the Republican right and mobilize the party overall. While McCain is often criticized for reacting too emotionally to policy questions, Romney for many personifies a privileged and insulated economic elite. He is the first financial executive to be nominated for president by a major party.

Today, convention acceptance speeches essentially set the stage for the televised presidential and vice presidential debates of the fall campaign. In 2008, Obama was clearly superior to McCain in style and tone of delivery. He remains a formidable public speaker, and the Republicans must assume his debating skills remain intact.

Romney and Ryan usually steer clear of foreign policy statements of any substance. Their convention speeches will provide an opportunity to address this significant oversight.

Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., and author of "After the Cold War." Email acyr@carthage.edu.