2012 Nebraska Senate Debates: on War & Peace

Bob Kerrey: We all get worked up about Iran, but there's a price

I was actually concerned when I saw that 2/3 of Nebraskans want to get out of Afghanistan and 2/3 want to go to war in Iran. We all get worked up and wave the flag and get patriotic. I was in a war where that was the case. And after three or four years we ran out of gas. You've got to answer the question: What happens afterwards?

I think we have to be very, very careful. Simultaneously, we're making clear to Iran that we have a tremendous amount of military capability and we'll use that military capability if necessary to prevent you from acquiring nuclear weapons.

FISCHER: Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

Bob Kerrey: Be conscious of what it means to draw a line for Iran

KERREY: It's not as simple as saying we're just going to go in there. I believe we've got to draw a line, but I think we've got to be very conscious of what it means when we do.

FISCHER: I would just reiterate that we need to have leadership here in this country when it comes to foreign policy. We haven't seen that in the last four years. And we're witnessing now the turmoil which I believe is due in part to that. This world is not a safe place. It's become less safe. And if we don't have strong messages sent from Washington, it makes it even less safe.

Deb Fischer: Draw a line on Iranian nukes; no mixed signals

FISCHER: Iran cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. But we have an administration that has sent mixed signals. We have a strong, strong ally in Israel, the only democracy in the region. This is not just their problem. We're looking at the country of Iran, where it's estimated that in three years they will have ICBMs that can reach the United States. This is a concern for the world. It's a concern for our country. We have an administration that hasn't been clear on foreign policy, and there's been a lack of leadership. We need to have a strong administration who's going to make it clear that a line needs to be drawn. If the United States of America is going to be a leader in foreign policy and keep stability in this world, as has been our mission in the past, then we need to make it clear. We have an administration that has sent mixed signals.

Deb Fischer: Prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability

There was far more agreement than disagreement, and no sudden confrontations, during the debate before about 150 in the Johnny Carson Theatre at Norfolk High School.