GOP’s Santorum pledges to lead on foreign policy

WAVERLY - Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum set to distinguish himself from other Republicans running for their party's nomination - particularly those leading the polls - when it comes to foreign policy experience.

'If you look at the Republican candidates for president, and the popularity of people who have zero experience on anything having to do with government - zero - ask what their foreign policy background (is) or thoughts on foreign policy,” Santorum said Monday to a crowd of about 40 at Wartburg College.

Those candidates may have answers on foreign policy issues but haven't proved those beliefs, said Santorum, who averages 1.5 percent in Iowa polls, according to Real Clear Politics.

Santorum made the case that during his tenure in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007, he led on foreign policy matters, especially after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Since then, Santorum said, he has continued to study and be vocal on foreign policy.

'My feeling is the commander in chief is not an entry-level position, and the White House is no place for on-the-job training,” Santorum said.

'It'd be a good idea to have someone with some experience … actually try to get something done, (and) who has a track record of getting things done, which I do.”

While Santorum, the 2012 Iowa caucus winner, criticized those in his party for lack of experience, he reserved more of his ire for Democratic President Barack Obama's foreign policy leadership.

'They got stuff they didn't even ask for,” Santorum said of the proposed nuclear deal with Iran. 'What's that show? That shows weakness. It's pathetic that we have a leader of this country who's afraid to lead the greatest nation in the world, and as a result, evil will flourish.”

He criticized the president for his lack of leadership on cybersecurity attacks on the country attributed to China, on working with Iran and on allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to gain a foothold in the Middle East.

Santorum's strong defense of experience didn't fully convince Truman Stone of Waverly.

'I see where he's coming from, but I'm still somewhat dissatisfied with the career politicians. I'm more interested in non-career politicians at this point,” Stone said.

Kendall Kurt of Independence, however, said while she has some favorites among the presidential hopefuls, she believes any of the Republican candidates would make a good choice.