State of Ohio Archives: on Foreign Policy
Al Gore:
Nation-building: preferable to WWIII, and a stunning success
Q. Bush made nation-building a point of difference with you [in the Oct. 3 debate]. A. I think that phrase taps into a legitimate concern about how far we should go and how long we should be involved. But it’s not a new mission. The Marshall Plan was
about nation-building. And the generation that won World War II, having seen the catastrophe of the interwar period in the 20’s and 30’s, wisely decided that nation-building was a preferable alternative to World War III. And it was a stunning success.
Source: Press Interview in Ohio
Oct 4, 2000
Al Gore:
Cuba: Hard-liner on Castro; keep sanctions
Q. Would you press for the lifting of sanctions against Cuba?A. No, I’m a hardliner on Castro. I still find it incomprehensible that he would release mentally ill criminals, prone to violence, onto an innocent population here in the US. I find his
whole penchant for repression and his whole style abhorrent. We have been asking Castro to have elections for a long time [with no response]. Cuba has been moving headlong in the wrong direction. I do not favor any openings to the Castro government.
Source: Press Interview in Ohio
Oct 4, 2000
Al Gore:
North Korea: Continue exploring rapprochement
Q. What about lifting sanctions on the North Koreans?A. Incredibly enough, we have seen a positive response to initiatives there. The strategy for getting North Korea off its nuclear bent has yielded some tentative positive results. Of course, the
jury is still out. We have seen a very emotional beginning of rapprochement on the peninsula. There is clearly a desire to explore the changes that would make it possible for them to have a more normal relationship with the rest of the world.
Source: Press Interview in Ohio
Oct 4, 2000
Al Gore:
Russia: US’s abiding interest, but troubled by Putin
Q. On Russian president Vladimir Putin? A. I am very troubled by his apparent backtracking on press freedom for Russia in the postcommunist era. I am very troubled obviously by their conduct in Chechnya. We have to put first things first, and
recognize that the US has an abiding interest in continuing to manage the nuclear threat, and we should not ever forget that Russia has thousands of nuclear warheads and the delivery systems capable of targeting them on the US.
[But we have]
all kinds of leverage. We are very deeply involved in helping them construct the institutions of a free society, helping them write their basic contract law, helping them put in place basic accounting standards. We just completed an effort
on disaster assistance. The space station, of course, is one of the flagship cooperative efforts. So we certainly have leverage with them, there’s no question about that. And they do listen. They do listen to us. There are limits to the use of leverage.
Source: Press Interview in Ohio
Oct 4, 2000
Bernie Moreno:
China unleashed coronavirus, socialist/fascist ideology
The Chinese Communist Party is an existential threat. Our elected leaders, of both parties, severely underestimated the threat from China. Donald J. Trump was right that China was our greatest threat.
They have all but declared war on America. They not only unleashed the coronavirus on the world, they are looking to unleash a greater threat: their socialist, fascist ideology.
We should spend more time and energy making America great than worrying about what other nations think of us.
A strong American military, the best in the world, is the only way to ensure peace.
Source: 2021 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Apr 19, 2021
Bernie Moreno:
Always, always, put America First!
President Trump's National Security Strategy gave us a great roadmap to pursue our vital security interests: Protect the American Homeland, People, and Way of Life; Advance American Prosperity; Preserve Peace through Strength; and Enhance American
Influence. Our foreign policy must follow this roadmap and always, always, put America First! We need to spend more time and energy making America great than worrying about what other nations think of us.
Source: 2022 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Dec 24, 2021
Bernie Moreno:
United States must always stand unequivocally with Israel
America has no greater friend than Israel and we should always be their number one ally. In a region full of hostility toward the United States, Israel is a source of freedom and stability in the region. It is the only state in the region that shares
our democratic values. As Israel's neighbors want to wipe them off the face of the earth, the United States must always stand unequivocally with Israel.
Source: 2022 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Dec 24, 2021
Jane Timken:
Stand up for Israel, Iran is a threat to Israel and US
I've had several conversations with folks in the Jewish community. They're very concerned about Iran. They want to make sure that Israel is protected as our number one ally in the Middle East. We need to stand up for our ally, Israel, and,
I'm very concerned about the Biden's administration's approach to Iran. We cannot have Iran develop nuclear capabilities. It is a threat to Israel, our ally, and is a threat to the United States's security.
Source: Jewish Insider on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Mar 26, 2021
Jane Timken:
BDS movement antisemitic, would push back with legislation
We really need to push back on the BDS movement. That is a leftist policy that is antisemitic, and I see it on college campuses, I see it in their dialogue and rhetoric, and I will stand up and push back against that because
I think it's leading to some real disastrous effects. I think there's some things we can do in terms of college campuses, how these movements are being pushed on to college campuses, that I'd like to get some legislation passed to push back on that.
Source: Jewish Insider on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Mar 26, 2021
Jane Timken:
Abraham Accords have been a significant development
I absolutely applaud President Trump's approach to our foreign policy in the Middle East. I was very proud when he moved the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as had been promised by several presidents before. And the
Abraham Accords have been a significant development in the Middle East. Look, it's peace through strength. He has stood up for Israel, and I will always do that as the next United States senator. We need to make sure that Israel is protected.
Source: Jewish Insider on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Mar 26, 2021
Jane Timken:
Advocates strong and public support for Israel
Israel has a right to defend itself and America must stand resolute with Israel against these terrorist attacks. Where is Joe Biden and Democratic leadership?
I am praying for peace and will always #standwithIsrael.
Source: Twitter posting on 2022 Ohio Senate race
May 11, 2021
Jane Timken:
I will always work to advance policies that weaken Iran
America--and Israel--cannot afford Biden being wrong again when it comes to rejoining the Iran Nuclear Agreement. An Iran armed with nuclear weapons would pose an unacceptable danger to Israel and the United States. We must continue a policy that
prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and holds them accountable for their support of terrorism. As a U.S. Senator, I will always work to advance policies that weaken Iran, not embolden them.
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Apr 22, 2021
Matt Dolan:
Hold China accountable; stand up to China's aggression
Long before communist China unleashed a virus on the world, they were cheating on trade, stealing our intellectual property and wreaking havoc on our foreign policy aims. For America to remain the global leader in job creation and innovation
we need public leaders who aren't afraid to challenge China. I will be a leading voice in holding China accountable, advocating for the return of America's strength in the world and leaving no doubt that the US will stand up to China's aggression.
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Sep 21, 2021
Mike Gibbons:
Support American Exceptionalism
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Support American Exceptionalism"?
A: Strongly support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Ohio Senate candidate
Apr 24, 2018
Morgan Harper:
Israel has right to exist; so does Palestine
[On Mideast policy]: "Israel has a right to exist," she told JI through a spokesperson. "So does Palestine. I firmly believe in the peace process. Like many, I have been increasingly concerned about the actions taken by former Prime Minister [Benjamin]
Netanyahu and his government that undermined the peace process, and I am also concerned about any exacerbation of violence. I am eager to see what the new government in Israel does to rectify past wrongs and move forward toward a lasting peace."
Source: Jewish Insider on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Aug 19, 2021
Ted Strickland:
Support Iran nuke treaty; opposes ground troops against ISIS
Q: On Iran: Support the US-Iran treaty that limits Iran's nuclear capability in return for lifting economic sanctions?Portman: No
Strickland: Yes
Q: On Iraq: How should the US combat the success of ISIS?
Portman: Special operations and building coalitions. No to major US ground troops.
Strickland: Increased special forces, air strikes, and cyber warfare, but no major ground troop additions.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
JD Vance:
Put Americans first in response to Russia-Ukraine war
[Democratic opponent Rep. Tim] Ryan and Vance want the U.S. to have different roles in the war between Ukraine and Russia. When asked how the U.S. should respond if Russian President Putin uses nuclear weapons against Ukraine, Vance said "nobody knows"
what the best course of action would be. He went on to argue that foreign policy should put Americans first, and he believes the Biden administration hasn't done enough to deescalate the conflict.Ryan called for a "swift and significant response" if
that occurs and argued Vance is weak on Russia. The congressman also criticized his opponent for saying he doesn't "really care what happens to Ukraine."
"I've been to Parma," said Ryan, referring to the Cleveland suburb with a large Ukrainian-
American population. "I've met with the refugees. I meet with the women and the daughters and sons because the husbands are in Ukraine fighting. That's the kind of freedom we need to support, and J.D. Vance would let Putin roll right through Ukraine."
Source: The Columbus Dispatch on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Oct 10, 2022
Bernie Moreno:
Stop Chinese communist party from taking our data and land
He saw schools shut down and China go unpunished for unleashing a virus on the world. He saw politicians afraid to take on the CCP for stealing our jobs and technology; buying our farmland; and influencing young minds via TikTok and
Confucius Institutes. Solving our country's problems requires common sense. In Washington, Bernie will fight to shrink government, protect our freedoms, stop the Chinese communist party from taking our data and land, and always put America First.
Source: 2024 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Apr 19, 2023
Matt Dolan:
Strong believer that America must be a presence in the world
[On US role]: "I am for supporting the Ukrainian effort with American resources," Dolan said, "so that we make a strong statement to tyrants all over the world that any invasion of other countries is not going to be sat idly by."
"I am a strong believer that America needs to be a presence in the world," he insisted. "It's not to decide not to engage in wars. It's not to change regimes. It's to maintain law and order."
Source: Jewish Insider on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Jan 20, 2023
Frank LaRose:
Oppose communist aggression, counter Iranian terror
Frank will oppose communist aggression and treat it like the direct threat to America's economic strength and international security that it is. Frank will also stand with our allies around the world, especially the people of Israel.
We should strengthen our strategic relationship with Israel and counter Iran as the leading cause of terror in the Middle East. Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
Source: 2024 Ohio Senate campaign website FrankLaRose.com
Jul 25, 2023
Vivek Ramaswamy:
Reinvigorate Monroe Doctrine: limit China in Latin America
The Monroe Doctrine is experiencing a resurgence. This time-hallowed foreign-policy principle--which declares that Washington will oppose political and military incursions into the Western Hemisphere by powers outside of it--is once again at the
forefront of political debates in the US.Republican presidential candidates such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis are calling for the doctrine's reinvigoration to take aim at China's growing presence in Latin America and are offering it as a
justification for a potential U.S. military attack on criminal organizations in Mexico. They are following the lead of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who hailed Monroe on the floor of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as advisors such as
John Bolton and former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Anticipating renewed great-power rivalry, this time with China, the seeming simplicity and persistence of the Monroe Doctrine mean that it has regained adherents in the US.
Source: Foreign Policy magazine on 2026 Ohio Governor race
Dec 16, 2023
Matt Dolan:
Selectively help countries: pro-Israel and anti-China
Q: NATIONAL SECURITY: Which view most closely resembles yours: A) The US should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The US should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The US has become too involved in others'
policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The US should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.A: B) The US should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny.
Q: I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the
rights of Palestinian refugees.
A: Strongly Disagree
Q: The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
A: Strongly Agree
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2022 Ohio Senate race
May 3, 2022
Jon Husted:
Put financial pressure on Russia for them to withdraw
Husted said he supports legislation that would be tough on Russia. "Essentially saying to Putin and to his allies around the world, like India and China, that continue to finance the war, we want to put secondary tariffs on them. If they're going to
buy oil from Russia and Putin's not going to back away from invading Ukraine, then we're going to slap tariffs on them," he said. "Which will put financial pressure on Russia for them to withdraw and stop the advances and the strikes on Ukraine."
Source: News5 Cleveland on 2026 Ohio Senate race
May 30, 2025
Sherrod Brown:
Supported military aid to Israel & humanitarian aid to Gaza
I've been clear: Israel and Hamas must agree to a ceasefire that ends the war, frees the hostages and delivers desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
I strongly believe that Israel has a clear and undeniable right to defend itself against Hamas' brutal terrorism, and I voted to send military aid to Israel along with much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Source: Columbus Dispatch on 2026 Ohio Senate race
Oct 6, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026