ORLANDO, Fla. — While several of his Republican rivals have criticized President Obama’s strategy to defeat the Islamic State following the terrorist attacks in Paris, France, Ohio Gov. John Kasich took a more somber tone Saturday during remarks to Florida voters.
“Today is not a day of politics or promoting a candidacy. I wouldn’t be comfortable with that today,” the GOP presidential hopeful told a crowd at the 2015 Sunshine Summit.
Related Story: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/article/2575923
“What we saw last night, what we observed on 9/11, what we observed at Fort Hood, what we witnessed in Chattanooga, and what we saw of the murderers who invaded Charlie Hebdo … we need to understand that these attacks really represent an attack on Western civilization,” Kasich said.
He continued, “I don’t know that this is the time for political criticism or the blame game.”
“But I must say that we as a nation, the United States of America, have not shown leadership. We’ve had an unwillingness to lead,” he said.
The two-term governor, who’s been dubbed the “compassionate conservative” in the Republican field, said the devastating attacks in Paris provide an opportunity for the U.S. and its European allies to be brought together.
“The president of the U.S. must travel to Europe and convene meetings with our allies to work on critical intelligence operations. The erosion of the trust that must exist between us and our friends has created holes in our ability to work together and protect ourselves,” Kasich said.
Kasich suggested invoking Article 5 of the NATO treaty in response to the attacks in Paris which declares an armed attack against one or more of the NATO countries “an attack against them all.”
“Our thoughts and our prayers go to the people of France, but that is not enough,” he said. “Negotiation, ambivalence or delay are not acceptable. There is no doubt that we can win the battle with bullets and weapons and we must engage it now.”
“I have plenty of time left to speak, but I don’t think today is the day for long, winded remarks,” Kasich said as he concluded.
Before leaving the stage, he assured the crowd, “the message I’ve given today comes from the bottom of my heart.”
