Medvedev to Romney: It's 2012, not the 1970s
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev tweaked Mitt Romney for his characterization of Russia as the "No. 1 geopolitical foe" of the United States, saying the comments did not reflect the current relationship between the two countries, Gabriella Schwartz reports on CNN's Political Ticker.
"It is very reminiscent of Hollywood and also of a certain phase in Russian-U.S. relations," Medvedev said at the end of the nuclear security summit in South Korea Tuesday.
Medvedev was responding to the Republican candidates comment on CNN's Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer who criticized President Obama over a private conversation caught by microphone with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, in which the president said he could be more flexible on the missile defense system in Europe after the election.
“Who is it that always stands up with the world's worst actors? It's always Russia, typically with China alongside. In terms of a geopolitical foe, a nation that’s on the Security Council, and as of course a massive nuclear power, Russia is the geopolitical foe. The idea that our president is planning on doing something with them that he's not willing to tell the American people before the election is something I find very, very alarming,” Romney said.
Here is Medvedev's full response response:
"As to ideological cliches, I have already spoken on the subject. I always get very cautious when I see a country resort to phrasings such as "number one enemy." It is very reminiscent of Hollywood and certain period of history. I would advise two things to all US presidential candidates, including the person you just mentioned. My first advice is to listen to reason when they formulate their positions. Reason never harmed a presidential candidate. My other advice is to check their clocks from time to time: it is 2012, not the mid-1970s. No matter what party a candidate represents, he has to take the current state of affairs into account. That is the only he could count on winning."
Over on our 1600 blog, White House producer Alexander Mooney reports that Obama tried to clarify those remarks this morning before he departed Seoul, South Korea.
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
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Recovery???? What recovery. Had Obama let thgins alone we would have recovered with low unemployment and growth at or above 5%. His,"fixing," the problem is directly responsible for this mess and the arroance of him laughing at it no matter what the reason insults Americans who are struggling to survive in HIS economy.
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OBAMA WILL WIN THIS ELECTION. THE RIGHT THING TO DO IS TALK TO OTHER COUNTRY TO GET SOLUTION
OBAMA IS DOING THE RIGHT THING. THE BEST WAY TO WIN A WAR IS NOT GOING TO WAR.
TALK TO COUNTRIES, TALK TO PEOPLE IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. PEACE..
Same old republican scare tactics they have been using for more years than I can remember – create a bogeyman to try to scare voters into thinking they are in imminent danger. then try to convince voters that only a republican is strong enough to stand up to the make-believe enemy. Worked really well for Bush but it's getting really old now.
We have more to fear from the fools in Washington who can't understand that "it's the economy stupid". All they seem to care about is partisan point-making rather than working to get the country on its fiscal feet!
“Who is it that always stands up with the world's worst actors? Ummm its the good ol' USofA! We stood by Saddam, we stood by Mubarak, we stood by the Shah of Iran, we stood by countless other dictators in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The only time the USA cares about democracy in other nations is when it 's served with our interest too. Thats why we support and prop up dictators that are willing to bend over for us. frack the USA! biggest hyocirte nation on Earth and its full of ignorant, whiny, and pomous people. It's like talking to Charlie Sheen. Completely oblivious.
If you support Russian Foeign Policy , VOTE FOR OBAMA !
Well written article. Medvedev's arguments are valid. It is quite disturbing that Romney should try to appeal for votes by depicting Russia in an incorrect, old world way of thinking. It seems as though the Republicans would find any excuse to go to war with anybody rather than trying to engage in conversation and improve relations- especially with Russia in order to tackle difficult issues such as nuclear weapons or the Syris crisis. On that subject- Romney should re think his statements as Russia said it's ready to support a United Nations resolution endorsing Kofi Annan's plan for settling the Syrian crisis and they will provide any assistance at any level. Please visit http://www.russia-insights.com for more comment!
With comments like Rommey's the people of the USA need to say NO to republican presidential leadership. They are another foreign policy disaster waiting to happen. The world will not stand by and allow the US to act irresponsibly
like during the BUSH days. We need statesmens not gunslinging shoot from the hip ignorant people to secure the US
as the SUPER POWER OF REASON!!!!!
LOL even Medvedev know's what a joke Mitt Witt is.
Don't forge the rest of them. It's an absolute carnival show...what an embarassment!!!
Russia is far from our worst possiblefoe. As a global power the Russians are has beens. They are a third world resource economy with little in the way of a manufacturing base aside from some declining military industries hamstrung by low wages and the complete inability to retain new engineering talent. Degreed professionals are fleeing Russia for places that will pay them what they're worth and average life spans and their birth rate are both in decline.
China is by far the most serious foe we face but everyone seems to be afraid to talk about it. They are not so far from what the Japanese were circa 1910 or so and they must be handled with a great deal of wariness.
so if russia is nothing more than a has been why did assad beat the usa at the UN ?
If the west desires to act , just as it did with Serbia and Libya when the Russians weilded their UN veto, they go around the UN and make it a NATO op. What could Russia do then? Nothing. The Russians were hamstrung in Serbia and in Libya. They have no capability to intervene.
But, why waste NATO'a blood and treasure? Let the Syrians bleed a while. Few nations are more deserving. It also destabilizes Iran and Hezbollah. Let them all twist in the wind a while. The Syrians won't value elected government if it's handed to them. Let them bleed to earn it and they will treat it seriously.
TO AGRRE WITH RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY IS TO ALLOW ASSAD IN SYRIA MURDER WOMEN AND CHILDREN ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, AND RUSSIA WANTS OBAMA IN OFFICE ,,,, RUSSIAN FOREIGN POLICY IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF RUSSIA !
Why do so many people fail to grasp simple concepts? Just because we disagree with Russia's stance on Syria doesn't mean we should cut diplomatic ties with that nation... People are so dumb. Diplomacy is VITAL to prevent war.. if you think it's wrong for our Government to engage in diplomacy with foreign nations then you are an idiot and you don't understand how the world works... WE CAN'T JUST GO TO WAR WITH ANY COUNTRY THAT DISAGREES WITH US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nor can we disengage diplomacy whenever another country disagrees with us. You idiots would see us at war with the world over the dumbest things... this is why thankfully there are more calmer level-headed folks running this country.... because morons like you would get us all killed in hurry.
Clinton, your post is why afgahanistan , pakistan , taliban , north korea, iran , syria , and egypt is a desaster ,
the diplomacy of the obama foreign policy has failed in many eyes , but hey if things look good to you than I guess north korea rolling out its ICBM while obama was in town was not a slap in the face to you.
WELL PUP IT WAS A SLAP IN THE FACE TO MANY IN THE USA , BE ASSURED THAT WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED TO ANY OTHER USA PRESIDENT. so this method of foreign policy from obama is working so well for you , than enjoy.
Russia is reconstructing the Berlin wall. Americans and freedom should maintain it down.Romney will not apologize what he said cause he meant it.
They're not building it with concertina wire and concrete as they did before. They're building it with petroleum might and ethnicity. A majority of the countries that used to be part of the Warsaw pact have a strong Russian minority population, and ethnic pride and nationalism seem to be more powerful then the former Soviet Union's military might ever was. So they have a more solid block in the Baltic States, Georgia, Ukraine, and several other countries then is reported in the media. If Russia becomes more of an economic powerhouse, then they have a natural ally base that can be relied on to support them politically.
Dear President Medvedev,
I think you meant the 1870's. The current crop of Republican candidates and their behavior is less refined then you think. nd what does it say when officials from other countries have to weigh in on the absolute, and STUNNINGLY stupid comments made by possible presidential candidates?
Its just further proof that the Three Stooges have no concept of foreign relations. Hell even Nixon got foreign policy and relations. Seriously, these people are stupid. I mean out and out STUPID.
Wow- You must have had your head in the sand somewhere when the current Pres started. Talk about no freaking concept of foreign policy, tact, character, class, I could go on, but to use your own word, STUPID.
Lisa, your comments are confusing. Please formulate cognitive responses to people's posts or don't post at all. You go off on this person for calling the crop of republican candidates stupid yet you don't even argue what the person had to say.... This person I believe is posting their honest opinion. Be honest with yourself, during the candidacy, have you truly heard much from this group about foreign policy besides, 1. wanting to get involved in Syria, if not militarily, financially (what happened to Republican responsible spending) 2. wanting to bomb Iran (really? another war?) 3. Not engaging in diplomacy with Russia. Seriously Lisa, think about it... that's not how the world works, Diplomacy keeps Nations from fighting Nations... the last thing we need right now is more wars... If you think that's a bad thing, then i think you're a dumb person.
Russia, though hobbled by their ineptness, is still a major threat contrary to the public view of them. China, India/Pakistan , and some say Iran may be greater threats, the knowledge and experience the Russians built up while still the Soviet Union is still widely used and respected by those within their sphere of influence. With a strong intelligence network, a insurmountable seat on the Security council, and a chance to turn their current economic/military situation if they marshal their resources effectively; it would be foolish to count them out yet. China would take decades to literally modernize their forces to be more then a domestic police force, India and Pakistan are more focused on each other (besides India's occasional efforts to break into the south-east Asian states,) and Iran is more focused on political/propaganda capital as well as fighting off an internal moderating force. Russia already has the bases, the manufacturing ability, the internal knowledge of weapon development and deployment, and the will to place the military forces in a position best suitable for political gain. All they need to do is clean up their political and economic corruption. And Putin may be able to do that, or at least start it, if he is given more free reign (contrary to what those who want more democracy want.)
I agree with you totally! It is kind of hard to believe that the republican canidates are so reckless with their comments. And they want to be President of the United States. What an absolute joke and embarassment.
republicans all about money!if Romney get power he will try to recover not only cold war from his memory-in his brain SLAVERY also very proffitble...Mitt-rotten-brain-egg
well spoken guys, i love ur comments
" .. listen to reason when they formulate their positions... clocks from time to time: it is 2012, not the mid-1970s... to take the current state of affairs into account. " Gov. Romney does not have the political courage enough to face the truth , current realities in U. S. – Russian relations. Romney 's opportunistic attitude would not be able to compensate for his incompetence and flip flopping on major social and economic issues facing the Country . Romney in the GOP primary contest has an opportunity to win the nominations , beyond that no way . Romney would not be able to win hearts , minds and votes of millions of voters in November
http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/gentlemans-agreement/
Its very alarming when you have Romney mouthing at the Russians when he can't speak the truth himself.
With A open MIC with Dmitry and that Body language,Obama is now a"POLITICAL MAFIA BOSS"of the WORLD@
Romney’s comments seem to be a theme through his entire campaign. In his speeches, he does nothing but bash on the current administration and uses hot button issues that stir up anger and outrage. That is not in any conducive to actual discussion and sharing of ideas. There are never any talks and debates that are actually based in fact (and no party is blameless). For instance, take Health Care reform (I do not like to use the word Obama-care as he did not do it all alone). We only hear from the candidates what is wrong with it, not what is right about it. The economy is always laid at the feet of any president when things go wrong. It is not the president who regulates commerce and trade, that is congress so why do we never hear people blaming all of them? Neither party ever wants to meet in the middle; it is one way or no way. The president’s remarks about waiting until after the election make sense. The countries focus right now is on its own internal struggles. We have the 2012 elections, the future of healthcare being argued in front of the Supreme Court, the outcry of the attack on religion ( so far my religious rights are intact so what attack?) and the list goes on. Despite your political views, I am sure you would want any president focused on the internal conflicts versus taking on a major external issue like world weapons at this time. In all the comments I read, each have valid points. My argument is, that we need to discuss each of the points and compromise and come to the best conclusion we can as to what is right for everyone, otherwise things are going to continue as there are, badly.
It would be foolish to take their word at face value, given the make-up of their most influenctial sectors of government. Of course they'll laugh off such assertions. How wonderful it must be to live in such naivety.
– F.R.
This are the sort of issues that tests the viability of woul-be US president, and Romney seems to be making a mess of it. There can be no permanent foes or friends in International politics. You have to know when to negotiate, you have to know where to be flexible. The time is long past when one country sneezes and the rest of the world caught cold. This 2012.
Romney doesn't know how to do anything right it seems. He would be a disaster to America especially when all he cares about are the super rich he ONLY represents.
Dear Mr. Medvedev,
I have to ask, why are you doing politics for President Obama? I believe he already has a staff for that. Please, keep your hand out of our pot, and mind your own stew. (Are these words to 1970'ish for you too?) By the way Mr. Medvedev, were you not defeated in this last election? Am I missing something? Your country is exactly what Governor Romney says, if you weren't why did you play politics with the lives of so many Syrians by not voting for a resolution to end the war that the government started against their ow people? You sided with China, another Country that treats their people like they are trash.
Mr. Medvedev, i do not like you, and I guess I write this without having to worry because the country Ilive in, I have a right to do this. Another thing Mr. Medvedev, as soon as this election is over, and President Obama completes his one term, and Governor Romney is swron in, I am sure there will be plenty for you and he to talk about, you will no longer be surrounded by microphones, so you do not have to worry about your secrets coming forward any longer, please, pass this on to President Putin will you? Let him know that Barack Obama will have more felxibility, because he will no longer be in office! I am sure you all will have plenty to discuss then.
Good luck with your future endeavourers, maybe you and Barack Obama can write a book and title it "Our Secret Gaffes: Not so secret anymore".
Sincerly,
An American Citizen who loves her freedom
Monique Manna
If you love your freedom why are you voting for Republicans? If it weren't for President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat from TEXAS, you wouldn't even have the RIGHT to vote in an election.
Especially as a woman, your freedom means nothing to Republicans.
"If you love your freedom why are you voting for Republicans? If it weren't for President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat from TEXAS, you wouldn't even have the RIGHT to vote in an election.
Especially as a woman, your freedom means nothing to Republicans."
WOAH WOAH WOAH. Are you implying that Monique Manna is black? How do you know this? Are you guessing because of her first name "Monique," a French name? Sounds of racism to me! There you go contradicting your grand-old "democrat values."
Second off, if women's freedom means nothing to republicans, then why is one of the most prominent (if not moronic) Republicans Sarah Palin?
Your statements are ignorant. Go somewhere where people will think you're cool, like a high school young democrats session.
Yeah, the same loser who got us into Vietnam. Way to go, genius
My Dear Monique Manna.
About what freedom and democracy country are you talking???? I think you are not travel a lo if you think that US democracy country!!! Last September i visited US cross from E to W...mda... briefly, i'have no idea how can i live in your "democracy" country, where people poranoic patriotic, where people very selfish, they don't want to know nothing except US, where ideological propaganda more fanatic comparison even with USSR. And think a little bit about how many lives you and your government destroyed in Vietnam, Iraq, Afganistan, Egypt, Serbia, Lebanon ad so on. And one more advice... read more books, less watch TV, you should have your own opinion not opinion of Mr Romney.
Alexander. St Petersburg.
Romney is the kind of person who would just label other countries and stereotype different culture to grossly mislead and misrepresent the opinion of the public.
There are times when, during moments of introspection, I question my beliefs and worldview. Then I read a post like this and it makes my day, giving me the reassurance I'm on the right side.
First of all, let's point out the obvious of how factually wrong you are. President Medvedev did not lose his reelection. He did not run for reelection against Vladimir Putin. That you didn't know that obvious fact should disqualify you from opening your mouth on the subject. So no, Medvedev doesn't need to take your sage advice of conducting his politics in a more introverted fashion. As for his future endeavors, I'm pretty sure his job as Russian Prime Minister will occupy the time he would need to co-author a book with President Obama. Plus I'm also confident he'll still have access to many microphones.
As the second ranking leader of a country dubbed 'America's number one geopolitical foe,' I believe he has the right to interject or "play politics" as you say on behalf of his country. But if we're on the subject of 'playing politics' in another country's affairs, perhaps we should tell Gov. Romney to temper his enthusiasm for starting a war in Iran. As an eight year veteran of the U.S. Army I take great offense to the warmongers in the GOP unable to hide the bulge in their trousers for such blusterous talk toward any nation while diplomatic avenues still exist.
Overall your hilarious grammar and spelling, combined with your Toby Keith concert-esque bumbling patriotism shows that you're probably not knowledgeable enough on international affairs to bring much added insight to this article. Though as you state repeatedly, you certainly have the freedom to do so.
thank you very much for correcting me as i did not know that he did not run again, you are correct. I am also glad that you pointed out my grammar mistakes too, I did not know I would be taking an English class on here. Yes, I may not be fluent in international affairs, however I can voice my opinions, in anyway I see fit. Now, my little rant may not be correct, but it did get your attention and I am sure you got a laugh or two out of it. If that is the case then, my mission is complete. I made someone laugh today.
Have a great day!
I forgot to say thank you too, for serving our country for eight years. I have three boys of my own in the service.
PS..I really don't care about my spelling when it comes to the internet. Cheers!
Dear msmanna,
Then Maybe Mittens should STFU and not talk **** about other countries if he doesn't want them to respond. Apparently neither you, nor Mittens gets how foreign relations works. Which more then anything else should be a perfect indicator of what type of President he would make.
GOOD FOR YOU GIRL , well said , is not true freedom priceless .
THANKS TO ALL THOSE THAT PROTECT OUR FREEDOM !
Yeah, and you probably are right there with Carter giving away the Panama Canal.............. Fear Romney, you moron. If you can support the bozo we have now, there's no hope for you (or America) anyway. Seriously.
Once again CNN ups the ante in its Obama election campaign. Talk about twist the facts???????? They misquoted the text of the'open mic' conversation in Obama's favor. He did NOT say "after THE election" – He said:
"This is my last election. After MY election I'll have more flexibility..."
He KNOWS he'll get in then.......? HOW? Promises from big money? Sheer arrogance or what?
He looked at what he's up against.
Did you cry "promises from big money!" when Newt promised he'll be elected TWICE?
Or Romney who won't even tell us WHO these big money donors are in his campaign? Teabaggers rarely make any sense and all they know how to do is lie about the President and ignore the MANY faults of their own WEAK and incompetent candidates.
All the people running for President believe they will win. You afraid of big money? Then I'm sure you aren't voting for Romeny.
WHEN THE LEADER OF RUSSIA IS SUPPORTING OBAMA FOR RE-ELECTION YOU KNOW THE COUNTRY IS HEADED IN THE WRONG DIRECTION BIG TIME.
I WONDER WHY OBAMA DID NOT ASK THE RUSSIAN LEADER , HOW HE COULD SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING THAT HE IS SUPPORTING ASSAD IN THE SLAUGHTER OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
if you think this post is being tough on obama because of political reasons you are very wrong , I am just stating the facts.
Even Bush had more sense than you and Romney are showing.
It's scary that people like you, who is so unaware, are even allowed to vote. Even Republican John Boehner is criticizing Romeny for his stupid remark.
Sadly, Medvedev is absolutely right... it irks me that presidential candidates like Romney are so desperate to win the election that he will literally attack ANYTHING the current president stands for, including diplomatic relations with the world's most powerful nations. Romney is alarmed that the President is talking to the Russian president about huge issues that affect all of us? He would prefer what? That the president not discuss the Missle shield situation? Seriously Romney? With regards to Romney's comments, the only thing we should be alarmed about, is Romney's candidacy. He has tried so hard to act like Bush Jr. over the course of this campaign and somehow he expects this to boost his ratings..... We are the most powerful country on the planet, does that mean we're not supposed to engage in diplomacy? Diplomacy is what keeps us from war... If Romney is elected, i truly fear we'll find ourselves in a few more of those.
Romney, Ron Paul, Santorum, Gingrich, Huntsman.................hell Mickey Mouse for 2012 rather than the ineffectual wannabee you have now!
Still, if he loses it won't be CNNs fault – they run a 100% biased campaign for Obama. Shame on you for failing as journalsists CNN!
Youbetcha – Quit crying because your political party is no longer popular and no longer represents a majority of Americans. You blame the media for everything... There's an Entire NETWORK known as FOX NEWS that is ENTIRELY DEVOTED to the Republican Party and offers NO BIAS... How can you say that CNN is pushing the Obama agenda and blame them for giving the election to the republicans when the republicans essentially OWN a network OUTRIGHT
Then... Please, please, dear Americans..do NOT vote for such people. Do not vote for people who throw caution and reason to the wind like that. Americans re-elected Bush Jr regardless of the fact that his actions were pernicious to American politics.
With any luck, Romney will be elected president if only to stop pandering to the 'new' Soviet Union where we constantly give, and they constantly take. Since when has Russia been on the correct side of any geopolitical matter? Their entire motivation is do things or support things to weaken the US and Europe so as to gain influence and power for themselves. Obama always plays the useful idiot. Good on Romney. What he said can be described by one word whose meaning is increasingly lost us these days....it's called the "truth."
Thomas, are you really that stupid? You really think that it's in America's best interest to declare the Russian Government enemies because they disagree with our foreign policy... you're the same kind of idiot that would re-elect Bush given the opportunity... Diplomacy is VITAL between nations because WAR results from disagreements between leaders and always it's the people that suffer. If you care about human life, then you would value Diplomacy. If you're really that STUPID that you think our Government engaging in Diplomacy with another country is "pandering" then you're too damn stupid to vote in the first place. Get a clue moron, War is what results from the kind of anti-diplomacy you're talking about... Declaring enemies every time someone disagrees with you is a good way to get a lot of enemies. ... people like you make me so angry it's ridiculous... you're too stupid for words.
It really is scary how hawkish Republicans still are. If Repugs got their way we would be dragged into another war. The World economy very fragile and Republicans are just not capable of maintaining the balance.
All Republicans now how to do is spend our money giving rich people tax cuts they don't deserve, start unnecessary WARS that they don't pay for and blows up the deficit, and run the American Economy into the ground. What President Obama has managed to do by lifting us out of the recession Bush threw us in before he was booed out of the Whitehouse, is nothing short of remarkable.
I eagerly await the new Job report for March that is coming out soon. It's all about the economy and creating JOBS for Americans. Obama is focusing on THAT which would explain why he is crushing every Republican candidate in the polls right now.