Herman Cain's defense strategy is to ensure China does not develop nuclear capabilities.

[Firebrand Gary]

I am not joking. He actually said that.

Reporting thru Morning Joe.

Here is a link through TPM. http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/herman-cain-warns-china-is-seeking-nuclear-capability.php



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BENJY SARLIN NOVEMBER 1, 2011, 10:58 PM 8992 204
Herman Cain may have some surprises at his first national security briefings should he win the presidency.

In an interview with PBS, Cain appears to suggest that Americans should consider China dangerous in part because they’re pursuing “nuclear capability.” In fact, China tested its first nuclear device in 1964 and has had a stockpile of warheads for decades.

The relevant passage:

HERMAN CAIN: I do view China as a potential military threat to the United States.
JUDY WOODRUFF: And what could you do as president to head that off?

HERMAN CAIN: My China strategy is quite simply outgrow China. It gets back to economics. China has a $6 trillion economy and they’re growing at approximately 10 percent. We have a $14 trillion economy — much bigger — but we’re growing at an anemic 1.5, 1.6 percent. When we get our economy growing back at the rate of 5 or 6 percent that it has the ability to do, we will outgrow China.

And secondly, we already have superiority in terms of our military capability, and I plan to get away from making cutting our defense a priority and make investing in our military capability a priority, going back to my statement: peace through strength and clarity. So yes they’re a military threat. They’ve indicated that they’re trying to develop nuclear capability and they want to develop more aircraft carriers like we have. So yes, we have to consider them a military threat.

[Scuba]

1. Yeah, 'cause I'm sure China wants to nuke their largest market. n/t

[pampango]

8. Actually the EU is their largest market, but I doubt they want to nuke either of us.

;)

[Scuba]

9. Thanks for the correction!

[Turbineguy]

2. Uhhhh...... Dude......

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. I knew China had nuclear weapons capabilities when I was in the third grade and that was 47 years

ago - it was VERY big news at the time. How did the current leading GOP candidate for President of the United States miss that?

[FreakinDJ]

5. He is not qualified to walk and chew gum at the same time

[exboyfil]

4. In fairness to Cain

he may be stating that China wants to improve its nuclear capability and misspoke.

Not that I agree with his sentiments regarding China.

[FreakinDJ]

6. fairness my ass

They have been selling missel technology and launching satelites for years.

[Firebrand Gary]

10. If thats the case he certainly misspeaks rather often, don't you think?

The guy has studied foreign policy about as much as Sarah Palin has. He is a joke! Uze Beki Beki Beki Beki Stan Stan...

[SpiralHawk]

7. "I intend to make... investing in the military a priority." - Hermy (R)

While America falls deeper and deeper into the shithole under Republicon pandering to 1% war profiteers.

[Firebrand Gary]

11. LOL, I know right. Because thousands of lives and trillions of dollars is not enough.

This guy is off the map.

[Warren Stupidity]

12. He probably meant Korea (north).

But the stunningly stupid is this: "My China strategy is quite simply outgrow China". Seriously? We are going to outgrow China? Good luck America if you elect any one of these malevolent fucking idiots.

[Bucky]

15. Is North Korea trying to develop aircraft carriers? That's what China's doing

It's kinda scary, but I don't think he's able to distinguish between the two countries. They're both, you know, over there someplace.

[LeftinOH]

13. It's bad enough that the Soviets have nukes.. Get on it, Hermie!

[Jello Biafra]

14. This proves that reading is not a prerequisite for becoming President...n/t

[opihimoimoi]

16. What the Hell does this man noes??? He sounds so uninformed and the result of being pampered

[redqueen]

17. Wow. (nt)

[DirkGently]

18. But, but but, ignorance is a virtue in a political candidate. It makes them unspoiled & pure!

(sarcasm)

[True Earthling]

19. He said nuclear "capability" ... maybe referring to nuclear powered carriers

and/or nuclear power plants. I don't believe he meant weapons.

[chrisa]

23. I agree. I don't think anyone would think China doesn't have nuclear weapons.

[Exultant Democracy]

20. Good for him or bad for him in republican primary?

[Javaman]

21. this is what you get when you mix "foreign policy" with pizza making. nt

[redqueen]

22. ...

:kick: