Romney keeps up strong rhetoric on Russia

CBS News/CHRIS USHER

(CBS News) Showing no sign of backing down on his hawkish stance on Russia, Mitt Romney said in a radio interview broadcast on Tuesday that the country is continuing "to pursue a course which is antithetical" to that of the United States.

In the interview with Fox Radio, Romney repeated his earlier characterization of Russia as "geopolitical foe" - a remark that has raised questions among Democrats and even some Republicans about whether he remains stuck in a Cold War mindset. He sought to put the notion to rest, but did not deviate from his earlier controversial assertions.

"The nation which consistently opposes our actions at The United Nations has been Russia," Romney said. "We're of course not enemies. We're not fighting each other. There's no Cold War, but Russia is a geopolitical foe in that regard."

Romney's remarks came as President Obama has been meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin at Mexico's G20 summit to try to seek common ground over how to deal with Syria, one of Russia's allies. Romney blasted Obama for what he called an ill-advised concession on withdrawing missile-defense sites from Eastern Europe, which he called Putin's "number one foreign-policy objective."

Obama, Putin call for end to violence in Syria

"I think it was an enormous mistake to give them that and what he got in return shows the extraordinary naivet? of a Presidency that does not understand the power of resolve and strength," he said.

Asked if he thinks Putin respects Obama, Romney replied: "I believe that people around the world tend to act on their own self-interests as they perceive it. I do not believe that they respond to magnetic personalities and pleasantries, and believe that the best way to shape the course of American foreign policy is show strength -- strength in our homes and our economy and our military. And to have a president who shows resolve and locks arms with our allies, as opposed to attacking our allies and trying to control our geopolitical foes."

On another subject, Romney was asked about the heckling between his supporters and Obama supporters that has escalated at his recent campaign stops. He said it would be "a nice thing" if he could reach agreement with Obama strategist David Axelrod, but added: "I'm not sure it's possible."

[vengenceofgod100]

Look at who is counseling Romney on foreign policy, the hacks of the former administration. These are the nut-jobs who started two unpaid for wars. These are the screw-balls who couldn't catch or kill Osama Bin Laden. These are the reactionaries who got caught with their pants down on 9/11. And these are the idiots who will start the next world war if they can, if their nit-wit man with the big mouth is elected president. It is the blind leading the blind. Putin may want to work with Romney if he is elected, but there is no question these rightists will not work with Putin.

[LtSmily]

Who cares, every nation follows their own national interest. Russia subjugates its people by force and bloodshed, America subjugates its people with dumbed-down public education and stealing liberties regardless of party. This is not newsworthy.

[syslmod]

GOP looking for another boogie man. Russia has sided with us and not sided with us. They are still a super power that needs to be delt with. The fact that Romney doesn't understand this speaks volumes about his ignorance when it comes to geo-political issues. It is very freightening.

[w_roos]

This is an astute tactic by Romney. If he should be elected as our next president, and if his economic policies should fail as they likely would, then a new Cold War with Russia, or even a hot war, would serve as the perfect distraction from our economic troubles.

[sharong59]

He is lying again! Our relations with Russia are the best they have been for years and President Obama and Premier Putin just shook hands yesterday and agreed that the bloodshed in Syria must end! Robme has his head up his ass! He sounds more like a male version of Sara (airhead/quitter) Palin everyday! Next, he will be telling us he can see Russia from one of his houses! Obama 2012

[55minus5]

Is Romney just a fool? I've always suspected so, but now it's a more urgent question, asking for other people's opinion. Are hims dat stupid?

[laraine1944]

'fraid so. But then, I'm underwhelmed by what passes as Republican intelligence. And, face it, Romney is the best they have. Eek.

[55minus5]

littlered, perhaps... But guess what? I'm not a candidate, and never will be! How'bout you?

[baileycccc]

Any republican president needs a war for his resume and the pocketbook of his supporters.

[edwardw69]

Uhh, this will make three wars. Although, he might find Russia to be something of a tall order. Perhaps, he should just stick to Cuba and Iran.

[mountainstates1]

Does Romney know where Russia even is?? I know he looks confounded when he enters a Walmart...I'm just sayin'.

[laraine1944]

Sarah told him that she can see Russia from her porch, so, yeah, as soon as he finds out where Alaska is, he'll have it knocked.

[wheear]

Stick and move... I mean point and hide, point and hide. Rhetoric without substance. This guy blames, blames and blames with no alternatives. "I can't wait to get my finger on those buttons, I'll show ya how ta run a country"!

[Yeah_Its_Me]

An once again we see the GOP hate and war machine firing up! No war means no profits!

[hypnotoad72]

Well, if it's antithetical to the US, let's stop offshoring jobs there.

That seems to be the new normal - an incompatible set of two not-so-disparate paradigms.

[Lindag20]

Yeah, Romney we know you're just itching for the next invasion of some other country. America is tired of these endless, useless wars you want so badly.

[hypnotoad72]

I don't know how "useful" would be used to describe a war (self-defense, or saving others), but war is usually a last resort. Given its cost, it's nothing to go into so readily or quickly... or based on non-truths...