National Security

Of all the candidates in this congressional race, I have the most reasoned foreign policy positions. My national security and foreign policy expertise is shaped partly by my son’s tremendous personal sacrifice in the Iraq war and the even graver sacrifices of thousands of our brave men and women in uniform. I will bring this experience with me to the House. With respect to national security and our foreign policy, I promise to have:

• The Courage to Stand Up
  Our country needs leadership that is not afraid to tell the truth. I spoke up against the Bush Administration’s baseless war decision long before my son was injured, while urging our elected leaders to take responsibility for the war. I know firsthand that opposition to the war does not mean lack of patriotism, and I dare anybody to challenge my patriotism credentials. I stood up to Don Young by running against him and against the odds, after he refused to visit our wounded warriors at Walter Reed.
• Judgment Americans Can Trust
  I have met with military commanders, soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. I have spoken to lawmakers and have watched literally thousands of hours of congressional coverage, analyzing the ways by which we can extract ourselves from Iraq while protecting the lives of Iraqis, Americans and preserving our strategic interests abroad. None of my opponents have this judgment or experience. As Alaska’s representative in Congress, I vow to be deeply involved in our nation’s defense, and will seek to work on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees to effectuate Alaskans’ common sense views on the War and our place in the world.
• Commitment to Building a Modern Military
  If our experience in Iraq has taught us anything, it is that the days of conventional warfare are done. In Congress, I will support our military by voting to modernize our military and provide our warriors the best and most modern equipment so that they return from combat safely.
• Diplomacy as Strategy
  The Bush Administration’s stubborn and arrogant policies have alienated many of our closest allies. We must restore America’s reputation as a country that leads by example, by principle, with modesty. In Congress, I pledge to support the next President’s efforts to improve our diplomatic relationships the world over.