Romney Picks National Security Fight with Obama

Romney Picks National Security Fight with Obama....

Perhaps seeking to replace Dick CheneyDick Cheney as Obama critic-in-chief, Gov. Mitt Romney pitted himself against the Obama administration today on national security by calling for an increased defense spending budget in a speech he gave at the Navy Memorial, a week short of the 65th D-Day anniversary.

"This is the time for strength and confidence, not for apologizing to America's critics," Romney said, referring to President Obama's recent diplomatic efforts abroad and on Arabic TV, which Romney called "a tour of apologies."

The once and potentially future presidential candidate charged that Obama's domestic social programs like health care reform are crowding out what he sees as higher priorities for the administration, namely completing the US missile defense system and a stepped-up US nuclear arsenal.

"Don't imagine for a single moment that China, Russia, and the jihads have no intention of surpassing [the US] and leading the world. Each is entirely convinced that it has the capability, long term, to do so," Romney said.

On North Korea, he urged President Obama to move beyond talk. "Arrogant, delusional tyrants can't be stopped by earnest words and furrowed brows. Action. . . is the only deterrent."

Obama's willingness to cut missile defense systems is a "grave miscalculation," according to Romney.

"It is essential that Congress fully fund and deploy a multi-layered missile defense shield that alone could protect our people from the terrible threat that's gathering around us."