Deval Patrick in Council on Foreign Relations


On Foreign Policy: Crime for Trump to ask Ukraine to investigate Biden

Patrick has issued no policy proposals regarding U.S. policy toward Russia, though he criticizes Trump for his willingness to solicit foreign interference in U.S. elections.

He says that Trump's request that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky investigate fellow presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden is "a crime in and of itself" and calls for Trump's impeachment.

Source: Council on Foreign Relations on impeaching Trump Dec 24, 2019

On Free Trade: Deeper trade ties between U.S. and China

Patrick has issued no policy proposals relating to China or the ongoing trade war, though as governor of Massachusetts he advocated for deeper trade ties between the two countries.

As governor, he made his first foreign trade mission to Beijing in 2007, where he spoke of Massachusetts's historic trade ties to China.

During his tenure, he worked to arrange direct Boston-Beijing flights, deepen U.S.-China research cooperation, and increase U.S. companies' investment in China.

Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary Dec 24, 2019

On Homeland Security: Don't cast anti-terror policies on any one group

Patrick has released no policy proposals on his counterterrorism approach, but he points to his experience responding to the 2013 terror attack in Boston. In the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Patrick warned against anti-terror efforts that cast suspicion on any particular group of people.

Patrick, who weathered criticism over his decision to shut down Boston's public services and bring in National Guard troops during the attacks, also argued that law enforcement must use their surveillance power prudently and that a mentality of "permanent lockdown" must be avoided to preserve American liberties.

Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary Dec 24, 2019

On Technology: Additional spending on cybersecurity and robotics

Patrick has long been a proponent of using government leverage to boost technology research and innovation, both domestically and internationally, and he promises additional spending on cybersecurity.

Patrick's campaign website promises increased investment in cybersecurity, expanded broadband internet, and emerging technology sectors such as robotics.

As governor, he expanded funding for technology research, especially biotech and information technologies.

Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary Dec 24, 2019

On War & Peace: Our Generation Speaks: Israelis & Palestinians together

As governor, Patrick pushed for closer relations between Massachusetts and Israel. He visited Israel twice on trade delegations, meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and founders of Israeli tech firms. He successfully implemented the first direct flights between Tel Aviv & Boston and signed a $1 billion law to support joint US-Israel research exchanges. He is the founding chairman of Our Generation Speaks, a program that brings together Israelis & Palestinians in joint entrepreneurship projects.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary Dec 24, 2019

The above quotations are from Council on Foreign Relations.
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Page last updated: Mar 16, 2022