President Obama announced today that America will withdraw nearly all troops from Iraq by the end of the year, effectively bringing the war in Iraq to an end.

“After nearly 9 years, America’s war in Iraq will be over.” – Barack Obama

His announcement isn’t without controversy. It came after negotiations, that might have allowed a continued military security presence (which some reports say the Obama administration was dragging their heels on), broke down amid disputes as to whether U.S. troops would be immune to prosecution by Iraqi authorities.

Earlier in the process, U.S. military officials on the ground in Iraq recommended 15,000 troops were needed in Iraq beyond 2011 to help with the transition – aid in training and security. Obama decided 3,000 troops were sufficient. Last week, the AP reported a number of 1,000 troops would be the final number, spurring more concerns that Iraq would be at risk.

Of the 39,000 troops currently in Iraq, about 150 will remain to assist in arms sales. The remainder will be out of Iraq by December 31.

Mitt Romney issued the following statement on President Obama’s decision to withdraw troops from Iraq:

“President Obama’s astonishing failure to secure an orderly transition in Iraq has unnecessarily put at risk the victories that were won through the blood and sacrifice of thousands of American men and women. The unavoidable question is whether this decision is the result of a naked political calculation or simply sheer ineptitude in negotiations with the Iraqi government. The American people deserve to hear the recommendations that were made by our military commanders in Iraq.”

House Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon, R-CA, released a statement shortly after the announcement, expressing concern that a full withdrawal was premature:

Multiple experts have testified before my committee that the Iraqis still lack important capacities in their ability to maintain their internal stability and territorial integrity,” he said. “These shortcomings could reverse the decade of hard work and sacrifice both countries have endured to build a free Iraq.”

Was Obama’s failure to secure legal immunity for U.S. soldiers a matter of political expediency? He’s had nearly three years to negotiate. Despite the President’s assurances that all will be well in Iraq, the outcome of this complete withdrawal of U.S. troops in such a hasty process remains to be seen.

I will close this post by issuing a deep, heart-felt thanks on behalf of MRC to all who have served in Iraq, to those who have been wounded, to their families, and especially to the loved ones of those who gave their lives in liberty’s cause. We pray for the safety of those still on Iraqi soil and for Iraqis earnestly seeking to strengthen a democratic system of governance.

May the sacrifice of United States and allied blood and treasure not be in vain.

► Jayde Wyatt

Two great endorsements from Florida for Governor Romney have been announced. Justin Sayfie, former senior policy adviser for FL Gov Jeb Bush and recent FL Co-Chair for Gov Tim Pawlenty, is backing Romney. Slater Bayliss, who also served under Jeb Bush in the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development and as Director of Florida’s Committee of 100, has also endorsed Romney:

“Florida is one of the most critical states for my campaign and for the 2012 election,” said Mitt Romney. “Having Justin and Slater join my team in Florida only makes us more competitive in the state. I look forward to working with them as I continue to visit Florida, reach out to voters and work to bring jobs back to the state.”

In announcing his support, Justin Sayfie said, “We need a president who will create jobs, keep taxes low, and cut spending. Mitt Romney will bring leadership and experience to the White House that will be critical to solving our country’s economic problems. I am proud to support him.”

Slater Bayliss said, “Florida voters need a leader who will get our economy back on the right track. Mitt Romney understands how to create jobs and restore fiscal sanity. His record speaks for itself. His experience in the real economy will provide real leadership in Washington.”

(emphasis added )

Background On Justin Sayfie and Slater Bayliss:

Justin Sayfie co-founded Blosser & Sayfie In 2001. He recently was Florida Co-Chair for Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s presidential campaign. Previously, he served in Gov. Jeb Bush’s administration as a senior policy advisor, spokesman, and chief speechwriter. Prior to entering public service, he practiced law in Miami. President George W. Bush appointed him to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows in 2007, where he served until 2009. He is a Trustee of the Museum of Discovery and Science and serves on the board of theBroward Workshop. Sayfie also publishes Florida’s top political news site, SayfieReview.com.

Slater Bayliss is a partner at Cardenas Partners and a Florida Co-Chair of Maverick PAC, a political action committee comprised of next-generation Republicans who promote conservative principles of personal and fiscal responsibility in public service. He recently served as Florida Co-Chair for Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s presidential campaign. Previously, he was the Executive Director of “Floridians for Responsible Spending” and served in Governor Bush’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development where he focused on business recruitment efforts. From December 2000 through November 2002, he served as personal assistant to Governor Jeb Bush. He also was Director of the Republican Party of Florida’s Committee of 100 and a Bush-Cheney 2004 Maverick. He serves on the board of the Florida Sports Foundation.

After Mitt Romney delivered his excellent foreign policy speech this week, he sat down with Judy Woodruff (PBS News Hour) for a thoughtful 20-minute-plus interview:

H/t Jeff for interview

► Jayde Wyatt

“This century must be an American Century. In an American Century, America has the strongest economy and the strongest military in the world. In an American Century, America leads the free world and the free world leads the entire world. … Let me make this very clear. As President of the United States, I will devote myself to an American Century. And I will never, ever apologize for America.” – Mitt Romney

Governor Mitt Romney delivered his first major foreign policy address of his 2012 presidential campaign today at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. It was a muscular and inspiring speech in which he outlined four core principles and eight steps he would take in the first 100 days as President of the United States. He emphasized the necessity of making this an AMERICAN CENTURY:

But I am here today to tell you that I am guided by one overwhelming conviction and passion: This century must be an American Century. In an American Century, America has the strongest economy and the strongest military in the world. In an American Century, America leads the free world and the free world leads the entire world.

God did not create this country to be a nation of followers. America is not destined to be one of several equally balanced global powers. America must lead the world, or someone else will. Without American leadership, without clarity of American purpose and resolve, the world becomes a far more dangerous place, and liberty and prosperity would surely be among the first casualties.

Let me make this very clear. As President of the United States, I will devote myself to an American Century. And I will never, ever apologize for America.

From The Washington Post:

Romney as the anti-Obama commander in chief

By Jennifer Rubin
October 7, 2011

The roll out of Mitt Romney’s foreign policy team, a major address and a comprehensive white paper on his views on national security reveal two things about the candidate, one we have seen before and another less apparent up until now.

As he did on his jobs plan, Romney’s foreign policy rollout is detailed, organized, professional and aided by very smart people. The logistics of assembling a big team of top advisors, crafting a short but bold speech and coming up with a detailed written document are daunting and impressive. The level of detail is unlike anything any other candidate has attempted, and far exceeds what we usually get in campaigns. This is Romney the executive, Romney the smart guy and Romney the polished professional. His message is clear: I’m prepared and I know what I am doing.

…[H]is foreign policy statements are bold, unqualified, and not couched for political advantage.
[…]
He repeatedly distinguished himself with Obama and timid voices in his own party: “I will not surrender America’s role in the world. This is very simple: If you do not want America to be the strongest nation on Earth, I am not your President. You have that President today. The 21st century can and must be an American century. It began with terror, war, and economic calamity. It is our duty to steer it onto the path of freedom, peace, and prosperity….Let future generations look back on us and say, they rose to the occasion, they embraced their duty, and they led our nation to safety and to greatness.”

(emphasis added ) Continue reading here.

Here’s a quick ‘tout’ video of Romney with cadet Kyle Taylor at The Citadel before giving his foreign policy speech:

UPDATE – Here is the complete video of the speech:

“I will not surrender America’s role in the world. This is very simple: If you do not want America to be the strongest nation on Earth, I am not your President. You have that president today.” – Mitt Romney

Read Mitt Romney’s white paper on foreign policy here.

A fact sheet on Romney’s strategy to ensure an AMERICAN CENTURY may be found here.

Transcript of Romney’s speech:

Read more…

Standing aboard the USS Yorktown today, a World War II-era aircraft carrier in South Carolina, Mitt Romney addressed veterans and offered a preview of his foreign policy speech which he will present tomorrow:

“The speech will present a strategy for securing America’s enduring interests and ideals in a world of growing threats, and it will discuss specific policies to implement that strategy. It is a strategy that does not assume American decline, but recognizes that American strength — in our values, economic strength, and military strength — is the best ally peace has ever known. “Andrea Saul a Romney for President Spokesperson said in a statement.” This is a strategy of American leadership, one in which our ties with our allies are strong and our policies clear and resolute.”

From ABC News:

“You would think the President would recognize the importance of the US military,” Romney said. “My view is, we cannot and should not shrink the Department of Defense budget.”

Romney says he would rebuild the Navy, Air Force, and add 100,000 active duty personnel. He also says he would treat veterans the way they should be treated.

“I will protect the United States of America by protecting a strong military,” said Romney. “I don’t want to go down the path Europe did by cutting back their military. Europe doesn’t have it right. America has it right. I will not shrink the military budget.”

More:

Romney said he would protect the United States by protecting the nation’s military and cut spending at the Defense Department to reduce waste. But he said the nation would be mistaken to follow the example of European nations, which cut their military and then use the savings for social programs.
[…]
The investment is necessary, he said, because the U.S. faces increased threats from emerging countries such as China, India and Russia as well as threats from unstable nations such as Pakistan, which possess nuclear weapons.

With the Citadel as his backdrop (also known as the military college of SC), Romney will deliver his foreign policy speech tomorrow morning (Oct 7th) in the Buyer Auditorium in Charleston at 10:45 AM ET.

On October 3rd, Romney did a radio interview with Sean Hannity. He was asked about his upcoming speech. Listen here.

Later tomorrow afternoon, The Gov will also speak to veterans at 2:00 PM at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC.

When/if viewing info becomes available, we’ll post it here and on MRC chat. Check back for updates.

UPDATE: I’ve removed the CNN link; it isn’t working. The speech is also being livestreamed here. Another livestream link may be found here. H/t to Mitch for this Politico link.

► Jayde Wyatt

Today, Mitt Romney announced today his very impressive Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team:

Boston, MA — Mitt Romney announced today his Foreign Policy and National Security Advisory Team. This group draws on a wide array of experience to advise Governor Romney on foreign policy strategy, defense issues, intelligence matters, counterterrorism, and regional policy. These advisers will assist Governor Romney as he presents his vision for restoring American leadership in the world and securing our enduring interests and ideals abroad.

“America and our allies are facing a series of complex threats. To shape them before they explode into conflict, our foreign policy will have to be guided by a strategy of American strength,” Governor Romney said. “I am deeply honored to have the counsel of this extraordinary group of diplomats, experts, and statesmen. Their remarkable experience, wisdom, and depth of knowledge will be critical to ensuring that the 21st century is another American Century.”

(emphasis added)

Special Advisers and Co-Chairs of regional and functional working groups are listed below. Titles and affiliations are for identification purposes only.

SPECIAL ADVISERS

• Cofer Black
• Christopher Burnham
• Michael Chertoff
• Eliot Cohen
• Norm Coleman
• John Danilovich
• Paula Dobriansky
• Eric Edelman
• Michael Hayden
• Kerry Healey
• Kim Holmes
• Robert Joseph
• Robert Kagan
• John Lehman
• Walid Phares
• Pierre Prosper
• Mitchell Reiss
• Daniel Senor
• Jim Talent
• Vin Weber
• Richard Williamson
• Dov Zakheim

Read more…

Mitt Romney sat down with members of the New Hampshire Eagle Tribune editorial board last week. They shared about an hour together.

The Gov spoke about the economy, foreign policy, Obamacare and MA private-market insurance, Social Security and Medicare, national defense, and trade. He also spoke about wisdom gained from political losses…

Mitt Romney gets down to business

Oct 2, 20121 – By John Toole

Romney wants to help business. In helping business, he thinks the United States will grow jobs and find its way out of the current economic mess.

“I understand how business works and am intent on making this the most attractive place for enterprise, small and large,” Romney said. “I want America to be the most pro-business, pro-investment, pro-jobs nation in the world.”

Romney, 64, is the former governor of Massachusetts, a man who once led the Olympic games in the U.S. He met with The Eagle-Tribune editorial board for more than an hour last week to talk about his run for president.

Romney admits he is a different candidate than the one who lost to John McCain four years ago in the 2008 race for the Republican nomination.

“You learn from losses,” Romney said.

He learned not only from his loss to McCain, but also his loss in a Senate race to Ted Kennedy, he said.
“I’m one of those hard learners,” Romney said. “I’ve got to lose once or twice to figure out what to do right.”

What he’s learned is that, unlike business, a lot of what happens in politics is out of your control. He’s learned, too, to deliver a clear message. Romney said a candidate has to say what he believes, express his convictions, describe his experience.

“If the American people want that group of qualities, then you get elected,” Romney said. “If they don’t, you don’t.”

The political lessons have enabled him to, in his words, be a little more calm. He knows he has a great life, a great wife, children and grandchildren who love him. There’s always business, too.

“I’m focused on telling people what I believe, honestly and directly,” Romney said. “If they like it, wonderful.”

Besides, Romney thinks the time is right for him.

“Today the issue America cares about most is the economy,” Romney said. “It’s a time which is more geared to someone for whom the economy is their wheelhouse, like me.”

Romney said he is worried about the country’s future.

Mitt and Ann Romney with some of their grandchildren, Dec 2010. (click to enlarge)

“I’m really concerned for my grandkids,” Romney said. “Kids in their early teens and younger. What will America be like for them? Will there be jobs there?”

There are tough challenges ahead, he said, but the American people not only are up to the challenges, they will welcome the sacrifices to meet them. That means working together, working longer and harder, taking risks, he said.

“As a people, we like being called to do something great,” Romney said. “Politicians have been getting elected by promising free stuff. …

Romney said he believes the people are looking for a leader to restore America to greatness.

On the Obama economy:

“I think they are badly disappointed with this president,” Romney said. “He’s been a disappointment. Both internationally he’s failed and domestically.”

Unemployment is extremely high and in one term President Obama has stacked up as much debt as all other presidents combined, Romney said.

“It’s a presidency that is now casting about to blame somebody,” Romney said.

He has no use for a second stimulus from Obama.

“It’s too late for a stimulus,” he said. “We need a fundamental restructuring of America’s economy to make sure we’re a competitive economy that attracts employers, investment, entrepreneurs and jobs.”
Romney would build economic recovery around seven categories, what he describes as “the seven habits of highly effective economies.”

He would lower taxes on business.

“I’d bring our corporate employer tax rates down at least to the level of competing nations,” Romney said.

He would loosen regulation to encourage free enterprise, rather than burden it.

“Streamline, update, modernize regulation and get regulators to see business as their friend and their ally,” Romney said.

CEOs have told Romney that paying taxes and complying with regulatory policies, as well as energy expenses, cost them nearly 18 percent more here than doing business in foreign countries.

On foreign trade:

Romney wants more foreign trade, agreements with other nations to open more markets. He wants to crack down on competitor nations that unfairly undercut America.

“China is cheating,” Romney said. “You have to say, ‘stop.‘”

(emphasis added ) Read the entire interview here.

Romney during an Eagle-Tribune editorial board meeting (Sept 29, 2011):

► Jayde Wyatt

Former Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman, a prominent figure in the Republican Jewish community, will serve as Mitt Romney’s Special Adviser on Policy:

“I am happy to announce Senator Coleman as an adviser to my campaign,” said Mitt Romney. “His advice will be critical as I lay out my vision for improving our economy at home and strengthening our partnerships around the world.”

“The United States is facing an important moment in our nation’s history,” said Senator Coleman. “Whether it is turning around our struggling economy or maintaining our relationships with international allies, the next President must have the experience and leadership to keep America strong at home and abroad. Electing someone who has not been tested by the fire of experience results in failure. The last three years have proven that. Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has displayed the leadership that will be needed to get our economy back on track and to preserve, and in some cases mend, our relationships with allies around the world. As a strong supporter of Israel, I am also confident that he is the best candidate to restore America’s relationship with Israel.”

Background On Senator Norm Coleman:

Senator Coleman Served In The Senate From 2003 To 2009. He was a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Chairman of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, and Ranking Member of the Near East Subcommittee. As Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senator Coleman led a major investigation of the United Nations Oil for Food scandal. Senator Coleman was the Mayor of St. Paul from 1993 to 1998. Prior to his election, Senator Coleman served as a Chief Prosecutor in the Minnesota Attorney General’s office and as the Minnesota Solicitor General. Currently, Coleman is the Chairman of the American Action Network, a Senior Governmental Advisor at Hogan Lovells, and a member of the Board of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

(emphasis, italics added)

This is wonderful news. Welcome aboard, Senator Coleman!

► Jayde Wyatt

In comments published from an interview this afternoon, a Rick Perry campaign adviser said Perry does NOT support a withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan:

“Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry kicked up a firestorm inside the GOP when he seemed to endorse Jon Huntsman’s call for a speedy withdrawal from Afghanistan during this week’s debate, but his real views on Afghanistan don’t match those of Huntsman, the GOP hawks, or President Barack Obama, a senior Perry foreign policy advisor told The Cable. ‘In the dynamic of a debate when you follow someone, you kind of play off of them, and what Gov. Perry wanted to do was to express a similar sentiment to Gov. Huntsman that he very much wants to bring the troops home, we all do, but he wasn’t saying “I want to bring the troops home now,”’ the advisor said.” (Josh Rogin, “Rick Perry Clarifies: No Speedy Withdrawal From Afghanistan,” Foreign Policy’s The Cable Blog, 9/15/11)

Perry adviser:

“A precipitous withdrawal is not what he’s recommending.” (Josh Rogin, “Rick Perry Clarifies: No Speedy Withdrawal From Afghanistan,” Foreign Policy’s The Cable Blog, 9/15/11)

However, Governor Perry – on two separate occasions within the last week said he wanted to withdraw our forces from Afghanistan:

On Monday, Perry said that the best way to “deliver our aid” to Afghanistan is to “bring our young men and women home.”

PERRY: “I think the entire conversation about, how do we deliver our aid to those countries, and is it best spent with 100,000 military who have the target on their back in Afghanistan, I don’t think so at this particular point in time. I think the best way for us to be able to impact that country is to make a transition to where that country’s military is going to be taking care of their people, bring our young men and women home, and continue to help them build the infrastructure that we need, whether it’s schools for young women like yourself or otherwise.” (Gov. Rick Perry, CNN Tea Party Debate, Tampa, FL, 9/12/11)

Perry, from remarks published earlier today:

“I think we need to try to move our men and women home as soon as we can – not just in Afghanistan, but in Iraq as well.” (“Rick Perry Exclusive,” Time’s Swampland Blog, 9/15/11)

What does Rick Perry really believe? Will he change his mind tomorrow?

► Jayde Wyatt

Governor Mitt Romney was in Rick Perry territory today. He delivered an impassioned speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) at their 112th convention in San Antonio, Texas.

What’s interesting is that Perry was invited to speak at the same event three months ago and didn’t respond – until the VFW called him out.

Politico’s Maggie Haberman reports:

“The VFW also has a tradition of inviting the governor of the host state where its annual convention is being held to come and welcome and greet our convention delegates. Although Governor Perry was similarly sent an invitation 3 months ago, apparently our invitation was deemed not important enough for the governor’s office to at least accept or decline the invitation. Governor Perry’s candidacy for president does not provide him an excuse for bad manners. The White House and Governor Perry can rest assured that the 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries will remember this discourteous treatment for a very long time to come.”

Obama never changed course on attending, but Perry did the next day, and the VFW took note of it in a press release.

Jennifer Rubin from the Washington Post watched Romney’s address and was impressed. Here are a few of her comments:

A bolder Romney

Jennifer Rubin, before picking at the substance of Rick Perry’s VFW speech from yesterday, reports that the group had actually slammed him and President Obama for not attending in a press release on its web site on Aug. 22:

As those in and around the Mitt Romney campaign have explained privately and on the record, the frenzy about Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s surge in the national polls hasn’t panicked them. They, of course, lived through the 2008 race when Sen. John McCain came from far behind, Rudy Giuliani melted and Fred Thompson turned out to be much to do about nothing. That isn’t to say they intend to sit back. Their game plan was in full view at the VFW speech today in Texas.

Whoever Romney has fired or hired to assist with speechwriting, the change was somewhat dramatic. Gone were equivocations and recycled stump speech lines. This is a more aggressive and more colorful Romney.

He began with the list of enemies — “Some are jihadists, some are communists, and some are simply tyrants who clothe themselves in any convenient political manifesto. And so once again, American heroes are called upon to defend liberty.” Notice “liberty,” a word that’s fallen out of fashion with many conservatives. If Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s speech was limiting (not “military adventurism” and only fight when “vital national interests” are at stake), Romney’s (again, not his usual style) was anything but.

Then came the quick shift to the economy, which remains Romney’s focus and, his team contends, his best issue. He told the crowd:

25 million Americans are out of work, or have stopped looking, or have only part time jobs but want full-time work. Home values have dropped more than they did during the Depression. National debt is almost as large as our entire economy, and we owe a huge chunk of it to China. Incredibly, unfunded government promises now total about $530,000 per American household. This cannot possibly stand as the legacy we will leave the next generation.

And the peril of this mismanagement may even be more imminent. We stand near a threshold of profound economic misery. Four more years on the same political path could prove disastrous.

I am a conservative businessman. I have spent most of my life outside of politics, dealing with real problems in the real economy. Career politicians got us into this mess and they simply don’t know how to get us out!

And that is his pitch both in the primary and the general election. He doesn’t mention Perry by name, and until the debates, I wouldn’t count on him doing so. But the message is that pols don’t get how the private sector works. They know about bailouts, crony capitalism, borrowing and spending. Expect to hear a whole lot about that in Nevada next week when he rolls out his jobs speech and in the fall debates.

Then it was back to foreign policy. Here, he put some meat on the bones. That’s going to be another theme you’ll see more of: He’s got answers, the other guys and gals have rhetoric.
[...]

Romney’s team has insisted that as voters turn the attention back to the campaign and the fall debates dominate the political news, we will see some robust policy pronouncements. This had the feel of a warm-up, an effort to lay down some markers and begin to introduce some themes. It was a different sort of speech than Perry’s, more specific and more attention paid to the economy. Expect more of that and a clearer delineation between the candidates, if not on ideology then on experience and capability.

(emphasis added) Read entire article here.

To see VIDEO of Mitt’s speech and read the TRANSCRIPT click here.

If you’d like to watch a quick little video of Mitt behind the scenes before speaking today, click here.

Proud to have the opportunity to speak today at the 112th #VFW National Convention in San Antonioless than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyMitt Romney
MittRomney

► Jayde Wyatt

(Other sessions of the conference may be viewed here.)

UPDATE: It looks like Mitt Romney has opened up a new TOUT account. I’m not even sure what TOUT is but it appears to be short video sharing in a Twitter-esque format. There is a short clip of Romney behind the scenes of his speech today: http://www.tout.com/u/mittromney

Mitt Romney’s full remarks as prepared for delivery:

It’s a privilege to be addressing the veterans who defended our liberty in the past, and who defend the memory and dignity of every veteran today.

I was born in 1947 – a quintessential baby boomer. I grew up in the shadow of World War II, and then came the wars in Korea and Vietnam. As a boy, I knew that it was American soldiers and sailors and Marines and airmen who had saved us from German Fascism, and who protected us from Soviet Communism. You were our heroes then, and you are today.

You know better than most that the world is still infected with purveyors of hate and oppression. Some are jihadists, some are communists, and some are simply tyrants who clothe themselves in any convenient political manifesto. And so once again, American heroes are called upon to defend liberty.

We rightly call our fathers and mothers the Greatest Generation, but every man and woman who has or now defends American liberty – from the beaches of Normandy, to the Mekong Delta, to the valleys of the Hindu Kush – shares in their heritage of greatness. Every veteran is the greatest of his generation.

The quiet heroes who have fought for our country come from the most diverse backgrounds imaginable: from farmers and subway riders, Ph.D.’s and high school graduates, and from every ethnic background of the American melting pot. But they are united by far more than what divides them.
Read more…