State of Kentucky Archives: on War & Peace


Amy McGrath: Support NATO alliance; support two-state Israel solution

We need strong alliances to face the global challenges ahead, and NATO is the most capable alliance in world history. The alliance includes members that together account for more than half of all global military spending, and it's critical because it's values-based. At the same time, we must think practically about the benefits and drawbacks to an eastern expansion of NATO. Given Russian actions, we must make clear-eyed assessments about how NATO expansion could reshape the geopolitical map.

The survival and security of Israel is in the United States' interest and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fundamental to Israel's security. Additionally, I'm in full support of maintaining Israel's QME (Qualitative Military Edge) and strengthening our nation's special relationship based on shared values.

Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com Jun 30, 2020

Amy McGrath: No nukes in North Korea; nuke deal with Iran

Iran is now moving toward further enrichment of uranium which should never have happened. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the "Iran deal," was implemented to prevent this scenario from happening. The goal now should be to bring back the kind of limitations on Iran's nuclear program that existed in the last administration's "Iran deal" but to extend them indefinitely, in exchange for a lifting of the relevant sanctions on Iran.

China certainly does not wish to see a war on the Korean peninsula, either. It is critical that the approach to North Korean nuclear progress should be a rest of the world vs. North Korea, not just a US vs. North Korea. We need a multi-national approach and should be developing such an option today.

I support the U.S. providing defensive arms to Ukraine and exerting more pressure on Moscow using economic sanctions. We need leaders willing to patiently but consistently stand up to Russian aggression.

Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com Jun 30, 2020

Amy McGrath: All major military actions must be approved by Congress

Article I of our Constitution grants Congress (not the president) the sole power to authorize the use of force. We need leaders who will take this oversight responsibility seriously, regardless of political party and regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. As someone who has fought in these wars, I will demand that Congress do its job. All major military actions overseas (not defensive in nature) must be explicitly approved by Congress--and therefore, the American public.
Source: 2020 Kentucky Senate campaign website AmyMcGrath.com Jun 30, 2020

Rand Paul: Congress needs to take back power to go to war

I think presidents of both parties have been trying to usurp the authority. But our Founding Fathers wanted it to remain in Congress. They wanted to make it difficult to go to war. And I think we've been drifting away from that for a long time. But that's why I'm willing to stand up. Not because I distrust President Trump. I actually think he has shown remarkable restraint. But I'm willing to stand up even against a president of my party, because we need to stand up and take back the power.
Source: Meet the Press 2020 on 2016 Kentucky senate race Jan 12, 2020

Jim Gray: We must destroy ISIS where they are

We need leaders in the Senate who understand the threat and have the strength and resolve to meet it head on. That includes supporting the military, our intelligence community, and diplomacy that unifies the world behind this mission.

We can't afford US Senators who put politics above the safety and security of your family. Jim is willing to do what it takes to defeat these terrorists, and he has the strength to make the choices we need to get the job done.

It's clear that ISIS will stop at nothing and use unconventional methods to strike fear into our hearts. We must destroy ISIS where they are and prevent them from attacking us here at home. To stay ahead, we must be strategic, strong and innovative. Vital American assistance has enabled our allies in the region to shrink the territory ISIS controls and we should continue that aid as long as it is achieving results.

Source: 2016 Kentucky Senate campaign website, GrayForKentucky.com Aug 8, 2016

Alison Grimes: Israel has the right to defend herself

As foreign policy inches its way into a debate that has largely focused on the economy, Grimes was asked about congressional efforts to aid Israel's missile defense system, known as the Iron Dome.

"Obviously, Israel is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East, and she has the right to defend herself," Grimes said. "But the loss of life, especially the innocent civilians in Gaza, is a tragedy. The Iron Dome has been a big reason why Israel has been able to withstand the terrorists that have tried to tunnel their way in.

"My hope is that a cease-fire can be structured. Ultimately, I think the long-term solution though is not one we can impose. It has to come from within. It's a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine."

[OnTheIssues note: Iron Dome is an anti-missile system, not an anti-tunnel system.]

Source: Herald-Leader on 2014 Kentucky Senate race Jul 29, 2014

Alison Grimes: Don't send US troops back to Iraq; but support role ok

Today, Alison Lundergan Grimes released the following statement on the situation in Iraq:

"This is a very dangerous and concerning development in Iraq, and I will continue to monitor reports and evaluate new information as it develops in the coming days. Ultimately, this fight is up to the people of Iraq. I would not support the United States reintroducing troops in Iraq. The United States should continue to play a supportive role by providing useful intelligence."

Source: 2014 Kentucky Senate campaign website, AlisonForKentucky.com Jun 13, 2014

Steve Beshear: Gratitude for troops who fight terror & keep America free

In the last ten years, our nation has continued to fight the war on terrorism at home and around the world. These men and women volunteer to protect our freedoms and willingly put themselves in dangerous circumstances because they believe in something bigger than themselves. They truly deserve not only our utmost respect, but also our everlasting gratitude.
Source: 2011 Kentucky gubernatorial press release Sep 8, 2011

Chuck Pennacchio: Shred Bush’s preemptive war doctrine

As an American historian, Cold War specialist, and national security expert, I will shred the Bush preemptive war doctrine as illogical, reckless, and feckless. Its application in Iraq alone is a devastating indictment of the neoconservative, corporatist approach that destroys America’s moral leadership, America’s economic interests, American lives, American trade, and American goodwill.
Source: Interview with Kentucky Democrat Blog Jan 24, 2005

  • The above quotations are from Commonwealth of Kentucky Politicians: Archives.
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2020 Presidential contenders on War & Peace:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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