Speech at 2015 CPAC conference: on War & Peace

Ben Carson: Untie the military's hands; let them destroy ISIS

In February, Carson said America must step up its leadership in the effort to combat Islamic State. At CPAC, Carson said he would order the military to destroy the group and would not "tie (the military's) hands."

Donald Trump: Hit ISIS hard and fast

When asked about ISIS, Trump said he "would hit them so hard and so fast that they wouldn't know what happened." He later claimed his approach would be one that historical military figures General Douglas McArthur and General George Patton would approve of.

Marco Rubio: ISIS plan: US air support for Sunni forces on the ground

Obama's strategy to defeat ISIS is largely identical to Marco Rubio's. The senator fleshed this out at CPAC: target ISIS by using local ground forces, coupled with air support from the United States, all while U.S. officials take the lead in assembling an international coalition. That, as of this morning, is Rubio's plan. It's also exactly what Obama has been doing since August.

Rick Perry: ISIS is the biggest threat since communism

In a focused 15-minute speech, Perry also took aim at the White House's ongoing negotiations with Iran over the development of its nuclear program and reiterated his support for the state of Israel.

"These are Americans," Perry said. "You are talking about, in the case of ISIS, people who are beheading individuals and committing heinous crimes, who are the face of evil. To try to make the relationship between them and the unions is inappropriate."

Sarah Palin: Yes, we can kill our way to victory in the Mideast

She also pointedly noted: "Did we actually win in Iraq and Afghanistan before we waved the white flag? The jury is still out."

Of course, Palin is still Palin. At one point she said, "The Middle East is a tinderbox, and it is coming apart at the seams," which isn't wrong but is a slightly convoluted way of thinking about how those Old Tyme boxes actually worked.

Joni Ernst: Cohesive and strong strategy to confront threats

In the end, we will not be judged by what's on the outside--our physical perfection and strength--but by what's on the inside. Our inner perfection and strength. That strength which enables us to stand up for what is right and to stand against what is wrong.