Maggie's Farm

Mitt Romney’s speech today (text) on foreign policy stands in stark contrast to President Obama’s muddling, kowtowing to despots, undermining allies, and hollowing of our military readiness, and in contrast to the isolationism of Ron Paul and the sentiments but lack of meat from Perry and Bachmann.  A reaction:

Romney’s unapologetic statement of American exceptionalism and devotion to the promotion of freedom as well as his understanding of the threats facing the country from Islamism, Iran, as well as China and Russia, provides encouragement for conservatives who have been waiting to hear whether he is up to the task of being commander-in-chief…. some of the most interesting points concerned Romney’s commitment to reversing Obama’s cuts in defense spending….Romney’s speech, like the roster of foreign policy advisers his campaign released yesterday, should quiet worries he isn’t prepared to meet the dangers a feckless Obama will leave for his successor.

Another:

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.

But what is surprising about his foreign policy effort is that unlike his economic plans and what has come top be seen as a character defect (e.g. lack of strong convictions) his foreign policy statements are bold, unqualified, and not couched for political advantage.

A skeptic can say it’s just campaign talk. A cynic can say that we can’t afford to be leader of the free world and the free world of the world. An opponent can say it’s rewarmed George Bush or neoconservative.

This Republican must say this is real leadership. There are many reasons for many Republicans to be shy of Romney as less conservative than they would like. True. And, if this is the best that can be gotten, it exceeds any realistic alternative, by a long shot.