June 3, 2009
Posted: June 3rd, 2009 03:21 PM ET

From
 Join the conversation on Jack's blog.
Join the conversation on Jack's blog.

As President Obama gets ready to address the Muslim world in Cairo tomorrow, one Republican is accusing him of being too apologetic about America's past mistakes. Mitt Romney refers to it as a "tour of apology," and says that of course the U.S. makes mistakes, but that it’s inappropriate to "go around the world apologizing."

The former - and perhaps future - Republican presidential candidate says there's nothing wrong with showing our respect for the Muslim world. But he thinks President Obama should spend more time talking about the sacrifices the U.S. has made for other countries - like during World War II.

Romney points to an interview that the president gave on Arabic TV where he said the U.S. had dictated to the world; and he says a British newspaper declared Obama the president who’s the most critical of his own country while on foreign soil.

To read more and contribute to the Cafferty File discussion, click here

Filed under: Cafferty File


barry   June 4th, 2009 10:34 am ET

Is another way to clean bush's mess. Bush has paint america the wrong paint.

Frank   June 3rd, 2009 8:17 pm ET

Someone should tell Mitt that the rest of the world is well aware, and not at all ignorant of the sacrifices and aid the US has given the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the last administration so alienated the Muslim world by its actions (again, the Muslim world is full of very intelligent people, Mitt) that we have much damage to undo, as in so many other areas. Obama is not being apologetic, simply respectful, and oh yes-not consecending. This last is a lesson Mitt could learn from.

Brandon V in DFW   June 3rd, 2009 8:12 pm ET

Thanks Mitt, thanks, you are so wise and so informed.

I guess the President should go around acting like we are the best thing since sliced bread and everyone should shut up and do what we say.

Seeing how that didn't go over to well the last several years the President is trying something new. Treating other nations and other peoples with respect and dignity.

There is nothing wrong with admitting wihen your wrong or have been wrong, and many people feel we do have things to apologize for.

But exactly who and when on this trip has the President apolgized to so far? Just asking.

Tatianna   June 3rd, 2009 8:12 pm ET

America is unique in history, a super power unlike no other nation ever seen before. America has spread precious blood to liberate not triangulate. If America loses its place in the world, who will step up in replace?

annie for Palin   June 3rd, 2009 8:11 pm ET

After all the good the USA

Tomkat   June 3rd, 2009 8:10 pm ET

It IS appropriate to apologize for murder, deceit, lying and cheating of the administration that you supported and the philosophy that you still support. In 2012, Obama will ask Americans if they are better off than they were 4 years ago under Republican leadership, the consensus will overwhelmingly put Obama in the White House for 4 more years. Romney, you are a stupid, stupid man.

-Tkat-

G Hensley   June 3rd, 2009 8:09 pm ET

We have spent 8 years being the bully! why is it bad to be nice?

John Poggendorf; Prescott, AZ   June 3rd, 2009 7:54 pm ET

Jack:

This is a two-part question right?

[1] Is Obama too apologetic about the US overseas?: Absolutely NOT! Our international stance, reputation, posture and action over the past eight years of the bush regime has been deplorably arrogant and insular. Obama has to start someplace, and with our having stepped on the rest of the world for so long, the only place we HAVE to start is with an "I'm sorry!"

[2] Is Romney right? Absolutely YES! Remember when LBJ ran against Goldwater and Goldwater had the campaign slogan "In your heart you know he's right." and the LBJ campaign came back with "Yes....EXTREMELY RIGHT!!!". Well.....Romney is that kind of Right: Right Wing, Reactionary, Wingnut, Floth-Flecked-Fringe, Religious-Nutcase-Right Right!

kishen c.rao   June 3rd, 2009 7:54 pm ET

no....this guy does not know what he says...

Ken in NC   June 3rd, 2009 7:44 pm ET

Mitt is a nitt witt. All he knows is how to hold his silver foot in his mouth.

kima   June 3rd, 2009 7:43 pm ET

I believe that our President is aware that our great country has not always acted like the greatest country in the world, especially the past eight years. I don't think he's been apologetic on the world stage; I think he recognizes our faults and mistakes of the past and is willing to demonstrate to the world that we have learned from them. Humility is a sign of a great leader.....the respect we as a Nation will garner in return for Obama's actions will speak for themselves.

robert Loveridge   June 3rd, 2009 7:43 pm ET

Obama is much to apologetic.

No To Obama   June 3rd, 2009 7:40 pm ET

Obama has sold the USA down the muslim river, next he will say its our fault for 9/11> Obama needs to worry about the USA instead of working with his muslim brothers in a pattern of the anti-christ to destroy the American way of life.

Proud DHS radical   June 3rd, 2009 7:39 pm ET

To hear Obama tell it, we're actually a Muslim nation. Maybe in his Cairo speech he will come out of the closet and declare that he really is a true Muslim after all.

Randy, Indiana   June 3rd, 2009 7:35 pm ET

Now who in their right mind would name there son Mitt?

evelin   June 3rd, 2009 7:31 pm ET

of course not, he is realistic!

deb   June 3rd, 2009 7:30 pm ET

mitt who?

JR   June 3rd, 2009 7:19 pm ET

Romney WHO?

Stan   June 3rd, 2009 7:19 pm ET

Jack...is he ever?

Stan
Dumfries, VA

Dan in KS   June 3rd, 2009 7:18 pm ET

We all know and appreciate the sacrifices that have been made by the US. As a former officer in the Army, I understand the sacrifices that are being made today as well. But honestly, how long can we continue to throw WWII out there as evidence that we are the world leader. Rather than base our power and right to lead on something that ended over 60 years ago, how about we make new accomplishments? Why don't we prove that we are still a world leader by what we are doing now?
I think it's necessary to address that past mistakes we've made as a country to heal old wounds with those we hope to consider allies in the future.

It is any Wonder?   June 3rd, 2009 7:16 pm ET

Romney is wrong.

Derek   June 3rd, 2009 7:12 pm ET

There's a balance. President Obama is off the opposite direction that President Bush was off. He shouldn't be arrogant, but he also shouldn't be apologetic.

Carnell Terry   June 3rd, 2009 7:10 pm ET

Hello Mr. Jack Cafferty. My Name Is Carnell Terry From Detroit, MI USA. My Comment To Your Blog Is This, The Day President Barack H. Obama Should Apologize For Speaking His Mind Is The Day Mitt Romney Should Admit He's Got Nothing But A Big Mouth And An Ego To Match It.

Pleeze   June 3rd, 2009 7:10 pm ET

Romney is a joke. I take nothing he says seriously.

Tyler G.   June 3rd, 2009 7:02 pm ET

This is not the message America should be sending out. This nation has reached out to help people and nations in need for decades and sent humanitarian aid everwhere it was needed. Until the recent unprovoked wars we had a pretty good reputation among free nations. This nation owes no apologies except for electing a war mongerer as president in 2000.

Sick -n- Tired   June 3rd, 2009 7:00 pm ET

And all this coming from an irrelevant, "stuffed suit" who wasn't even capable of winning his own parties nomination for President! Hey Mitt, how's the sale of that 9500 sq.ft. 13 bedroom 9.5 bathroom (cough) "ski cabin" coming along? Give me a break!!!!!

Sharon-NY   June 3rd, 2009 6:52 pm ET

Please Obama, no more apologize to Muslim world. You already overacted to European and US enemy, Hugo Chavez, and Cuba.

This is Mr. Obama told the French (the French!) that America "has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive" toward Europe. In Prague, he said America has "a moral responsibility to act" on arms control because only the U.S. had "used a nuclear weapon." In London, he said that decisions about the world financial system were no longer made by "just Roosevelt and Churchill sitting in a room with a brandy" — as if that were a bad thing. And in Latin America, he said the U.S. had not "pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors" because we "failed to see that our own progress is tied directly to progress throughout the Americas."

Steve, Columbia SC   June 3rd, 2009 6:49 pm ET

Absolutely. His American apologetics is sickening. We have so much to be proud of as a nation, even when we are wrong, but our new president doesn't get it.

Maybe his apologetics is a carryover from his time as an executive community organizer.

yen   June 3rd, 2009 6:49 pm ET

Romnny, why don't you stop criticizing Obama.

Tim   June 3rd, 2009 6:43 pm ET

After the debacle that was Bush foreign policy, a tour of apology is EXACTLY what we need. I would like to personally thank Romney for coining this phrase.

America during the Bush years has a LOT to apologize for.

Anonymous   June 3rd, 2009 6:43 pm ET

Why doesn't Mitt Romney just come out and tell the American people that he is not running in 2012 and stop playing games with us. He is a phoney rich fraud.

franck   June 3rd, 2009 6:41 pm ET

When I was little I was told to apologize when I make a mistake and not to brag about what I have done right

Minnesotan   June 3rd, 2009 6:37 pm ET

I don't know if he's right or not Jack. But I do know one thing for certain... Romney is doing and saying whatever it takes to position himself to lead the GOP against Obama in 2012. So whatever issue that comes up that Obama supports you can always count on good ol' mitt to be on the opposite side of the issue and lambast Obama for whatever stance it was he took.

Margaret in NC   June 3rd, 2009 6:35 pm ET

In my opinion, we have a lot of apologizing to do. That he is willing to do it with courage and grace is something we should applaud, not quibble about. Got a problem with apologies? Sorry.

josh   June 3rd, 2009 6:35 pm ET

If you ask me Romney and Rep's are a bunch of idiots in suit who lacks a simple life gift, common sense.

When you make a mistake you say sorry. Period. Forget apologizing let me take it to the next level, so many of the previous government had committed all kind of crimes. They are lucky that Obama is smart enough and not ignorant enough to put them in jail.

And that would be something Obama shouldn't do, cause it would send a wrong message abroad as if we are falling apart inside.

P.S. Who is voting for these guys? Can only wonder...

Carl from MI   June 3rd, 2009 6:31 pm ET

Let me think... is Mitt right?

That would a complete and resounding NO!!

I'm from Michigan and everyone I know thinks he's an idiot too.

He's no son of ours....

Tracy   June 3rd, 2009 6:30 pm ET

He says that of course the U.S. makes mistakes, but that it’s inappropriate to "go around the world apologizing."..... it takes a great nation and individual to admit their errors and apologize for any harm done. Clearly he does not have any concept of leadership.

roberto   June 3rd, 2009 6:27 pm ET

SOMEONE has to apoligize about o' GWBs behavior. If Romney had gotten into the WH, he would be continuing the "cowboy" legacy and we would really be further hated by the people around the world. Why do people have to HATE so much!? Is it because when they slander other peoples views, it make them feel better? Can you say "Limpballs"?

Mike Dallas   June 3rd, 2009 6:22 pm ET

It is more important what the Muslim countries think of us than what we Americans think of them.

That is why President Obama's scheduled "apology tour"(as it will be billed by the Party of NO on this blog) to Egypt and the area so we can begin to assure the Muslim countries that we are not afraid nor do we hate 95% of the globe's Muslims. Maybe that 95% will join in and help us fight the 5% that are intent on our downfall.

If President Obama does not condemn all Muslims for the actions of a few and rejects the "you are either with us or against us" attitude of the shrub then maybe President Obama's talking to the "enemy" will actually be a down payment on the peace dividend..

marie schultz   June 3rd, 2009 6:22 pm ET

Yes Romney is right. Please tell your audience which country does more in the world than the U.S. You can't come up with one can you. World War II is just the quintessential example of the sacrafice of lives we made for Europe. We continue to sacrafice fiscally to help other countries. You are so incredibly bias you are hard to stomach and your onesidedness only makes me want to throw-up when anything is said in praise about Obama.

Anonymous   June 3rd, 2009 6:19 pm ET

"Mitt said that a British newspaper declared etc..." and so on.
Anyone could give a better speech than that. Is this what this man is being paid big dollars for. OH MY GOD! A high school kid could give a better speech than that. Mitt, you are a fraud.

Alfred E. Neumann   June 3rd, 2009 6:16 pm ET

Running out of non-sensical thoughts to discuss eh Jack?

Next time try renting a bigger mind!

mo0ther and sister of a soldier   June 3rd, 2009 6:15 pm ET

Obama should not be apologizing for past american behavior. It makes him look weak and someone that can be easily challenged. Oops, North Korea already recognized that!

Susan, California   June 3rd, 2009 6:08 pm ET

There is a difference between giving an apology and acknowledging that something needs to be changed or modified. The President is not apologi.zing

Joshua College Station, TX   June 3rd, 2009 6:06 pm ET

Shut up Romney.

daleesp   June 3rd, 2009 6:03 pm ET

Romney a big baby. Anyone of any spiritual character knows that sincere appology is required before fences can be mended. Romney may not understand this because he has no sincerity in his ever changing political stances and rhetoric. Whaaaaaa!!!

Anonymous   June 3rd, 2009 6:02 pm ET

What is the point of Mitt Romney doing these speeches. He is not going to be running in 2012. He wouldn't get elected. No one is listening to him. His speeches are horrible. He is not a good speaker. If these republicans are listening to him, there is something wrong with them. He is a lousy politician.

Kwesoe   June 3rd, 2009 6:01 pm ET

To suggest that America must live on past glories like WWII is to suggest that the Devil (Hilter) made us do it. America must face the world as a strong leader. A strong leader is never too big to apologize. Go Obama!

JonDie   June 3rd, 2009 5:59 pm ET

Mitt Romney is an idiot.

Lee Oates   June 3rd, 2009 5:58 pm ET

Romney is dead wrong. Ignoring the problem is not going to resolve it. The US has done some terrible things in the name of preserving democracy and our foreign resourse base, expecially in South America. Admitting to it signals that we are dealing with it and that we won't repeat it. When the US admitted to the terrible treatment of North American Indian tribes, the abuses were corrected to some degree.

Peoples Voice   June 3rd, 2009 5:57 pm ET

Mitt must have been raised by some very sorry parents. People who taught him to never apologize for doing something wrong.

It's only common courtesy to apologize when you're wrong. Not to do so is nothing but same-old-same by the GOP.

Donna Mansfield   June 3rd, 2009 5:56 pm ET

President Obama is CORRECT in apologizing. I apologized every day for eight years to my friends – now it's time for our leaders to apologize so we can get on with trying to make the world safer! It will not happen overnight. Thank you, President Obama!!!!

Peter E   June 3rd, 2009 5:50 pm ET

Just because the GOP never ever apologizes for all the evil they committed doesn't mean nobody should. The GOP still has yet to apologize for leading us to a distracting, unjustified war and hence never capturing Bin Laden. They have yet to apologize for the banking bailouts (starting with AIG in 2005) that created the current economic depression. They keep lying and blaming others for their pseudo-conservative agenda that ruined the party of real conservatives. There haven't been ENOUGH apologies yet!

mtv   June 3rd, 2009 5:50 pm ET

I think Romney and Cheney and others who offer nothing but bash the New President for the world to see set a worse example than the President apologizing for these nutcases years of bashing and bullying other countries.

Henry, WA   June 3rd, 2009 5:49 pm ET

No, once again Mutt Romney is WRONG. Barack has a brain and his leadership has been spot-on. He knows what he's doing and he is not playing politics and trying to sound "tough". If things were left up to Mutt, we'd be in 5 wars by now. What does he care, he has five sons, none of whom have served, and yet he wants to send everyone else's son to war.

Shut up Mutt, you plastic windbag. Take your meds, and leave us alone.

LikingThisChange   June 3rd, 2009 5:48 pm ET

It seems many Republicans just don't get it. If we continue to behave and talk in the same old way, there is no chance that we will improve how the rest of the world regards us. One of the things I'm proudest of as an American is that we can admit our mistakes. We're not perfect. When we acknowledge our mistakes, we can then work to overcome them.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   June 3rd, 2009 5:48 pm ET

Actually as an apology for Bush, I recommend tar and feathering.

Robulous529   June 3rd, 2009 5:48 pm ET

An apology by the US for its horrednous foriegn policy is long overdue.

Samilton   June 3rd, 2009 5:47 pm ET

He had better apologize as Much as he can. We are trying to restore relationships – not walk in pride and arrogance. We were WRONG!.

GOP – get over it! The President is doing what is needed.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   June 3rd, 2009 5:47 pm ET

SOmebody's needs to apologise for the bad behavior of the previous administration. Sort of like a parent does when their 3 year old gets caught a check out with a pocket full of cookies outta the bakery department at the grocery.

Dawn in Pa   June 3rd, 2009 5:44 pm ET

He has too, Bush made enemies of every Countries in the world.

We need our allies, not as enemies but friends. Remember Freedom Fries? In England on our flag, GO HOME BUSH and the most recent, Shoes thrown at Bush... The Republican's believe that the whole world will listen to us?

Mary   June 3rd, 2009 5:44 pm ET

Its about time we admitted our mistakes, apologize and vow to st true to our principles. No more torture or unnecessary wars or overthrowing elected governments that we don't like.obama has it just right.

AIB   June 3rd, 2009 5:42 pm ET

This guy is the most stupid politician ever. I cannot compare him with President Obama in all angles. President Obama is smater, more courageous and more paragmatic than him

Patrick   June 3rd, 2009 5:41 pm ET

I used to be a staunch Republican, but now I think if Mitt Romney says something, the opposite must be true. He is one of the most self-serving, phony politicians of our generation. And after the last 8 years, we should be begging the rest of the world for our forgiveness. By at least acknowldging it, Obama shows strengh, humility, honesty, and is helps to repair our damaged relationships all over the world

Change in America   June 3rd, 2009 5:39 pm ET

Romney is getting on everybody nerds I wish the republican would go and take hike somewhere....The republican party remind me of racism people because everytime President Obama try to accompolish anything the same old farts criticize President Obama.

I cant wait until 2010 and 2012 to vote republicans out the office

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