(CNN) - Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry said Monday he didn’t think some State Department employees were working in the best interest of the country.
“I’m not sure our State Department serves us well,” the Texas governor said on a radio program with Fox News host Bill O’Reilly. “I’m not talking about the Secretary of State here. I’m talking about the career diplomats and the Secretary of State who, all too often, may not be making decisions, or giving advice to the administration that’s in this country’s best interest.”
Perry said Congressional action might be required to ensure the nation’s diplomatic corps is taking actions that benefit America.
“We need to have a discussion with Congress to make sure that the decisions that are being made are in America’s best interest,” Perry said.
Perry said tougher action was required in Pakistan, where he suggested the Pakistani intelligence agency was involved in actions harmful to America. Perry said the message to Pakistan hasn’t been clear enough from the United States.
“We need to lay down the law to Pakistan,” Perry said.
Perry also downplayed President Barack Obama’s role in killing Osama bin Laden, saying the military infrastructure that was already in place had a greater role in finding al Qaeda leader.
“I’ll promise you, those Navy SEALs that took out bin Laden, they knew what they were doing a long time before the president of the United States took office,” Perry said.
“So please don’t come in here and say, ‘I inherited all these problems’ and over here, ‘I did all this.’ No thank you, Mr. President. We know how those things were done. It was because of the dedication and the focus and the professionalism of the military men and women of this country; not because he ended up being the President of the United States.”
From CNN Politics
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Sounds like a career politician talking about a career diplomat !
Perry / Enron
It is often said voters have short memories but we dont. I seem to recall in 2008 when Bush was defeated that he and several agencies said they had no idea where Bin laden was or Mullah Omar.
Regarding the state department state. The second " " is ridiculous He starts off saying he is not talking about the secretary of stae and ends up in the very next breath including her. His comment is even more farcical re state and the Bin Laden matter since there are congressional oversight committees where these kind of critiques should be directed thats why they are there.
Sovreign state clearly has no meaning to Candidate Perry " We need to lay the law down to Pakistan" brilliant diplomacy that is not. Pakistan has ademocratically elected government and they will do as they wish in the best interests of thier country and people who elected them. America does not rule the world.
He ends up syaing nothing done should accrue credit to Obama, only all those support people but we can blame him for everything.
What a joke no wonder it was on Fox news.
Regards,
Hodgson.
Does Mr. Perry know the constitutional roles of Congress and the Executive branches of government in foreign policy? It sounds like he wants the Congress to tell the Executive branch and its diplomatic corps to do its bidding. I suggest he go down the street and ask President Bush how this all works in reality.
“I’m not talking about the Secretary of State here. I’m talking about the career diplomats and the Secretary of State..." I thought this guy was not ready for prime time. Jeeze! He's not ready, period!
So is Perry saying that the Seals didn't need the Commander in Chief's ok to take out Osama. Perry needs to know that we had Osama within our sights when Bush was President and Bush did not give approval. Like it or not the President must give the yea or nay and thus they get the win. To say that Obama was not significant in taking down Osama is then saying that the failed attempt of getting our hostages our of Iran was of no blame to Carter. Did Reagan not give approval for Noriega? So getting Noriega was not a Reagan win?
Someobdy cart him off to an asylum, especially after that hopped up/drunk speech he gave. He's not fit to give a lecture to a statue, let alone be president of the United States.
There just aren't words to describe how ignorant he is. President Obama didn't have anything to do with OBL wipe out? Then he should explain why President Bush, just 6 months after 9/11, said on camera he isn't interested in getting OBL. Then in 2005, he dismantled the unit looking for him.
But what the heck, it's obvious Perry is in over his head and is just squawking at anything that gets his attention.
Obama/Biden 2012
Here we go with ignorant Rick Perry making inflammatory statements about something he knows very very little. He knows nothing about foreign affairs and you can bet he is itching to get us into a war with Pakistan. Voters, do not underestimate this candidate's aggressive and ego-driven makeup. The last thing the USA needs is Rick Perry. Do not be fooled by his wacky persona.
This guy is a moron. Congress cannot even be trusted to do THEIR job without at least irrational fighting and at most intense corruption. Do NOT put diplomacy in their hands for they will surely jack it up...
WOW! Parry believes we were focusing our attention on binLaden before Obama was elected. Maybe we got him because Parry was praying.
What's that old saying... the last acts of desperate men. Well, it looks like this desperate man is saying whatever he can to get a little attention before his ship goes down.
First he says he is not talking about the Secretary of State, and in the next sentence he says he is talking about the career diplomats and the Secretary of State.
What a moron
Perhaps Perry would be interested in having discussions with Congress about acting in the interest of the American people with regard to policies that would positively impact the economy and by extension unemployment instead of blocking any effort to affect the current situation in order to gain political advantage by hanging a poor economic situation around the neck of the person that "ended up being President of the United States"
This guy is so clueless that if he god forbid ever did become President, we would be in such a world of hurt. The ignorance is absolutely astounding.
Yeah, we know. 9/11? Clinton's fault. The Clinton economic prosperity? Republican's victory. Iraq and Afghanistan waver between NECESSARY and Obama's fault, despite Obama drawing down both wars immensely to stop the loss of lives and money - DEFINITELY not Bush and the Republicans' fault. bin Laden? If only Bush had a few more years, he'd have got him despite disbanding the task force searching for him in 2005. Recession that occurred completely in Bush's term due to Bush's economic idiocy? Obama's fault. But those new jobs being made, that's nothing we can credit Obama with. High gas prices under Bush? Not Bush's fault. High gas prices under Obama? Clearly it's because of socialism.
The Republican candidates are all hypocrites of the highest order and I wouldn't trust them to run a faucet (they'd keep it on for kicks to spite environmentalists), let alone a country.
So,..by that logic,.. Perry the imbecile, should not be taking credit , like he has been, for all the jobs created in Texas,.. they were created by business owners, and companies, established long before Perry became Governor. What a joke of candidate .
"“I’m not talking about the Secretary of State here. I’m talking about the career diplomats and the Secretary of State"
How did someone of this intellectual caliber even get out of bed in the morning, let alone mount a Presidential bid?
This man can't even put a thought together in an interview and yet he thinks he understands foreign diplomacy?
Just stick to admiring bottles of syrup.
Well I finally agree with an idea the Perry has. We need to get tough with Pakistan. Of course, neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan are making decisions or taking actions that are in America's best interests because THEY AREN'T AMERICA! Duh! They don't really want America coming into their country and dictating how their country should run. They just want our money and our politicians gladly give it to them so long as they military contractors keep dumping campaign money into their coffers.
We know that the Navy SEALS that took out Osama bin Laden were trained to do what they did long before Obama took office and nobody (including Pres. Obama) has tried to suggest otherwise. However the 9-11 attacks occurred in late 2001. It is now 2011. 10 years pasted and 8 out of those 10 years was with a Republican President in office yet no Osama bin Laden even with those trained Navy SEALS. Ask yourself what changed? The Navy SEALS were still the same trained professionals they are today as they were 5 years ago, right?
I'm not sure this guy knows what he is talking about... There is to much of this "I'm not sure if", I don't know if" accusations in this year's campaign. Making so many accusations with absolutely no substance.
This Republican circus clown wants President Obama to take credit for the economic mess left behind by the Bush Administration but doesn't want him the share the credit for success in the killing of Bin Laden – and a host of other terrorists. This bumbling "W"(lite) is so poorly prepared to offer his opinion on world affairs his handlers must cringe every time he speaks. He should stick to what he knows... like giving tips on eating corny-dogs or spending contributions from oil men.
Unfortunately, all the negative stories regarding every current candidate, is the biggest problem with finding a suitable candidate to support. None of them stand out. All of them sling mud and bad-mouth their opponents. I have not heard a single viable idea, from any of them, as to how to fix the mess that Obama has created. Most are career politicians, which simply means that they have had more time to perfect their lying technique. They will pull a "Woodrow Wilson" and end up re-electing the worst president that this country has ever had. We're finished.
What an outburst of incompetence, hogwash, and insult coming out of Perry again. Who does this uneducated, bully and pretender think he is? The GOP/TP should be ashamed of the “choices” they offer us for President! One worse than the other!
Mr.Perry, Your comment is a putdown to all the men and women working tirelessly at the state department to engage a world gone wild and fix the haphazardness of the previous administration. Your statement is idiotic and amateurish at best.
Perry no fit to run a hotdog stand
Lay down the law to a nuclear power whose countries government is overran with alqueda. The truth needs to be told not covered up. Not shot unarmed and buried in the middle of nowhere. Not stuck in a file cabinet with top secret stamped on the front. Perry or any of thee canidates except for Ron Paul including tbe current president are agents of corporate america our country is infested with power hungry ceo's with big wallets. 17000 to eat dinner with the president.
To fund his re-election what about giving that money to families in need getting men and women all across this country some type of check from figthing all these oil wars we taxpayers paid for. I mean the federal reserve credit limit scam these bankers stole this country a long time ago but we can take it baack once we taake money out of politics. It is the only real solution.
Anyone telling you different is not a patirot and should be tried for treason
There is someting called motivation and belief and that is what obama has put in the hearts of the navy. Yes,Continuous dedication and focus of these people could be as a result of obama being president
Considering Pakistan is a sovereign nation we can't lay down the law. I'm trying to frigure out if Governor Perry honestly believes he can blame the current administration for a financial collapse that did in fact start before their term, and not give credit for a military operation that was ordered by the sitting administration. This is utter nonsense, was he drunk when he made these statements too?
Is he talking about the Sec of State or not? This guy is confused. Please don't vote for him.
Has Rick Perry even read "Three Cups of Tea"? And just what does he mean by "laying down the law" to the Pakistanis? Like THAT would be a great idea (my sarcasm). Perry had best leave the very complex world of diplomacy to the diplomats who actually have extensive education and training in the field. Unlike Rick Perry.
Mr. Perry what on earth would you know about diplomacy?
OMG! And some people want this guy to be president! Specifically what decisions are not in the best in the country? Lay down what law to Pakistan? President Obama's re-election chances improve every day during this republican primary.
The ugliest feature of Perry's ugliest candidacy is his habit of calling anyone whose views aren't exactly his own a traitor. I would fear for our freedom if that man ever became President.
I’m not talking about the Secretary of State here. I’m talking about the career diplomats and the Secretary of State who, all too often, may not be making decisions, or giving advice to the administration that’s in this country’s best interest.”
Perry is trying to out flip Romney here but flopping within the same sentence, I am not talking about the Secretary of State but the Secretary of State and diplomats. Perry is calling everyone anti American and and claiming that President Obama did not make the final call on Osama Bin Laden but he fails the history test as everyone knows Bush lost interest in his freind Bin Laden. I am pretty certain that all military families did not sacrifice their lives to come home to be held hostage by the Republican party that only serves 1% of the country.
Perry, it sometimes better to keep your friends close and your enemy closer. By the way, the President has always given credit to the military for there accomplishments. But, the President is the Commander and Chief of the military so the buck stops with him. Perry, you may gain some credibility if you would give the President some (just a little) credit for the things that goes right.
It was because of the dedication and the focus and the professionalism of the military men and women of this country; not because he ended up being the President of the United States.”
As a Navy vet I know about professionalism of our military. I also know that the military does not act until the Commander in Chief gives the order. Pres. Obama constitutionally fills that role right now. The plan to take out OBL would not have happened if the CIC had not given the order to do so.
The more these Republicans talk, the more they demonstrate that they are not fit to lead.
WE SALUTE YOU, PAKISTAN......The Americans acknowledge the innumerable sacrifices made by Pakistanis in this ongoing war. The Americans appreciate the bullets taken on the chest by the Pakistanis in fighting the enemy. The Americans appreciate the ultimate sacrifices made by Pakistanis in sacrificing their lives while trying to make America and the world safe.
Who won the Viet Nam war for Americans on the battlefields of Afghanistan.....PAKISTAN. Who defeated the communist Soviets.....in the killing fields of Afghanistan......PAKISTAN. The road to peace and prosperity in this world has been paved with the blood of Pakistanis. If this is the intelligence level of Perry, then I am afraid he does not have a chance in the Prez elections. He should stick to being a cowboy. Adios Amigo.
“So please don’t come in here and say, ‘I inherited all these problems’ and over here, ‘I did all this.’ No thank you, Mr. President."
So, would that be anything like the shrub dressed in a jumpsuit standing on a carrier yammerin' about what HE had done in front of a "Mission Accomplished" banner after bombing an entire country looking for phantom WMD's?
What is it that makes republicans so paranoid? Maybe because they know their own intentions are not good.
Wow. Someone please tell this guy that it's the career Foreign Service officers who have the knowledge and experience, yet Congress, the Defense Dept and the White House don't really listen to them all that much. That's reflected in the less than 1 percent of the federal budget that's devoted to foreign affairs. Mr. Perry has betrayed his ignorance on this subject, I'm afraid.
"I’m talking about the career diplomats and the Secretary of State who, all too often, may not be making decisions, or giving advice to the administration that’s in this country’s best interest." - This sounds like he's trying to resurrect the ghost of Senator McCarthy. What comes next? - accusing them of treason?!!
@CNN: With regard to State Department concerns, why have you not reported the gaffe committed by Obama and Sarkowsky at the G20 Summit last week when they were caught trashing the Prime Minister of Israel while not knowing their microphones were still on? Considering the fact that Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East, Obama's comments certainly don't help our State Department with diplomacy there. Still, you focus on Rick Perry and chose to "overlook" the more important story! Wonder why???
This guy says he's not talking about the Secretary of State then, in the very next sentence, says he is talking about the Secretary of State. Instant flip-flop. Quite frankly, I'll take the foreign policy advice of a career diplomat over some Texas 'cowboy' any day. We've all seen what kind of a mess that gets us into. It's taken us 3 years to recover from the last one.
“So please don’t come in here and say, ‘I inherited all these problems’ and over here, ‘I did all this.’ No thank you, Mr. President. We know how those things were done. It was because of the dedication and the focus and the professionalism of the military men and women of this country; not because he ended up being the President of the United States.”
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Hey, Governer. I hate tell you this but the President of the United States holds the title Commander-In-Chief for a very good and simple reason. Because he is. President Obama made the decision to go in, and how to go in after Bin Laden. I see from your earlier remarks in the article that you probably would have invaded Pakistan. Good-bye, Governer.
i find it amusing that democrats continue to say that the republicans only stand to defend 1% of the country .... even by their own standards.... by their own words.... what they are saying, that more that 50% of the nation (REPUBLICANS) are all about 1% of the country.... anyone notice any contradiction here ????. Democrats.... REMEMBER how many times REAGAN won on a LANDSLIDE ????... BUSH himself was NEVER defeated by your party.... TWICE he kick your rear ends.... Winning elections is what republicans are best known for....even Bill Clinton continously remind you of that... and Yet you continue the same silly line... REPUBLICAN are about 1%.... if that was true, republicans would never win any ELECTION... ask OBAMA if He remembers the SHILLACKING (obama's own words) of 2010. Oh yes, only 1% keeps kicking your teeth in, in the history of contry's electoral process.... REALLY !!!! lol...
How is this any different than our own elected officials in Congress not doing what's best for the country. Another career politician ...
Perry takes credit for jobs created under his (Perry's) administration as governor, but fails to give credit to the President for what happened under his (the President) command. This should have been otherwise because the Republicans do not believe that government create jobs.
"have not heard a single viable idea, from any of them, as to how to fix the mess that Obama has created."
It doesn't help when you start with a false premise. Obama inherited this mess from GWB and the GOBP deathcult, who have continued in their efforts to make things even worse since President Obama was elected. Open you eyes, robot.
The nerve of this shyster impuning Sec. of State Hillary Clinton and the state department! They have done and continue to do a stellar job in the face of mounting international crises and the whole country should be proud of their service. Go back to Austin, Governor and rope some cattle or something you know about.
This guy has NO IDEA what he is talking about. He shoots from the hip way too much to represent America as its President.
So the guy who wanted to have Texas secede from the US is questioning the patriotism of everyone from Ben Bernanke to the State Department. There's some irony for you. Like a lot of wingnuts, he confuses a difference of opinion or philosophy with a conspiracy to destroy America. What's crippling us right now are these extremists who disparage everyone that sways from their party line.
@Josh Jaye
"I have not heard a single viable idea, from any of them, as to how to fix the mess that Obama has created."
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You ignore the absolute fact that the economy crashed BEFORE President Obama took office! The first bailout package was issued by President Bush! Over 8 million jobs had been lost BEFORE President Obama took office. Every initiative was blocked by the Republicans – with over 90 filibusters in the Senate used to prevent a vote and the House introducing nothing but political theater w/o any plan to create jobs. Step away from Fox News and think!
If he said this about people who serve in the military, he'd be drawn and quartered by the media and the public.
Some Texans would say to Perry ... "We have cows, we don't need your bull."