Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) criticized President Obama Sunday for giving the United States a weak image at home and abroad that has in turn enabled ISIS militants to escalate violence in the Middle East.
Appearing on “Fox News Sunday,” the Republican senator described himself as “very concerned for the safety and security of the American people.” He explained that the ISIS leaders in Iraq have filled the “vacuum” left by the United States when it withdrew support from the country.
Barrasso spoke particularly of a recent speech given by a leader of ISIS claiming victory.
“He must feel safe in that large area that they have taken control of,” the senator detailed, “which shows you that when the United States leaves a vacuum, others will go in, others will fill it, bad actors will show up, and we’re seeing that right now. And, my greatest concern is for what he intends to do and I think they have the capability and the intent to attack the United States.”
Barrasso said Obama’s foreign policy failures have contributed to the turmoil not only in the Iraq but in other nations as well.
“I believe President Obama is projecting worldwide U.S. weakness, “the senator asserted, “and I think that it’s hurting us all across the Middle East, but other places worldwide as well, including Russia and the Ukraine.”
According to Barrasso, the president’s inability to make the U.S. look strong is coupled with his utter lack of authority.
“The president, I think, really has not been leading,” said the Wyoming senator. “I want to know what the president’s plan is. He bluffed with his red line in Syria. I think he was slow to recognize what was happening with ISIS, and we need a plan from a president who’s engaged, not who seems to be just running out the clock.”
