Foreign policy took center stage Monday morning, as the latest presidential push targeted Southwest Virginia.
Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney spoke to a group at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.
Romney spoke to a crowd of about 500 VMI cadets and local supporters.
His message to those who might one day protect our country and those gathered in the Hall of Valor was that it's time to change our course in the Middle East.
He referenced the recent murder of the U.S. ambassador in Libya, saying that this is not an isolated incident, and that the attack has ties to the terrorists of 9-11.
Romney says this country needs to take a leadership role.
"America has a proud history of strong, confident, principled global leadership. A history that has been written by patriots of both parties," Romney said. "That is America at its best. And it is the standard by which we measure every President, as well as anyone who wishes to be President. Unfortunately, this President's policies have not been equal to our best examples of world leadership. And nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East."
Romney went onto say: "America must have confidence in our cause, clarity in our purpose, and resolve in our might."
Romney also said he would roll back the cuts to our nation's military.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell introduced Romney, saying that Romney's support for Israel has been "unequivocal."
After being introduced to the crowd by the governor, Romney didn't mince words.
"I know the President hopes for a safer, freer, and a more prosperous Middle East allied with the United States. I share this hope. But hope is not a strategy," Romney said.
Romney's message was that the United States has taken a wait and see approach for way too long, especially when it comes to the Middle East.
"We can not support our friends and defeat our enemies in the Middle East when our words are not backed up by deeds," Romney said.
And, to the group of young men and women, which more than half will be going onto the military, he offered support and a chance to change our country's image worldwide.
"I will make the critical defense investments that we need to remain secure. The decisions we make today will determine our ability to protect America tomorrow," Romney said.
Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
--------------------------------
An event featuring a foreign policy speech from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has started at Virginia Military Institute.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell introduced Romney, saying that Romney's support for Israel has been "unequivocal."
Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
To watch live, click here.
--------------------------------
Mitt Romney will be in Lexington in just a few hours delivering a speech at Virginia Military Institute on foreign policy.
WDBJ7 will carry Romney’s speech live on air and online, starting around 11:20 a.m. To watch live, click here.
He landed at the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport last night.
In his speech, Romney is expected to say it's time to change the course in the Middle East and accuse President Obama of passive leadership in the world.
He's proposing the United States should take a more assertive role in Syria, put conditions on aid to Egypt, and tighten sanctions on Iran.
Romney is looking to paint President Barack Obama as a weak leader, who has limited America's influence on global affairs.
According to prepared remarks, Romney plans to say the U.S should work with other countries to better arm rebels fighting in Syria's civil war.
Excerpts from the speech he plans to give Monday morning have been released.
Romney wants a change of course in the Middle East, including tougher sanctions on Iran.
He promised to be a strong international leader if elected.
Obama's campaign is criticizing Romney as unprepared to be commander in chief.
After his speech at VMI, Romney will head to Newport News.
