Dodd illustrates record of results, grasp of issues, bold ideas at Iowa’s NPR/IPR Debate
DES MOINES – Coming off of a strong performance at the Iowa Brown and Black Forum where he drew a clear distinction between himself and his competitors, today Senator Chris Dodd continued to highlight his record of results and his understanding of the issues, the importance of nominating someone electable in the general election, and his ability to bring people to the table to get things done.
The National Public Radio/Iowa Public Radio focused on fewer issues – Iran, Iraq, China, immigration and trade issues – but allowed Sen. Dodd to display his depth and breadth of understanding on these critical topics.
A 26-year member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Dodd called again for a cautioned, diplomatic approach with respect to Iran and its connection to our involvement in Iraq. “It’s very important to understand the linkage obviously, not only between Iran but between Iraq and Iran; and our ability to build this kind of international support for efforts to convince Iran on a variety of issues to move in a different direction is being seriously compromised by our continued military presence in Iraq.”
Sen. Dodd characterized the Kyl-Lieberman amendment, which he opposed, as language that specifically eliminated any option except a military one in Iran. About the vote and his opposition to it, Dodd said, “Those critical moments come periodically but it demonstrates leadership on a critical issue.”
Sen. Dodd, who called for an immediate suspension of food, toys and pet food imported from China over the summer after safety concerns were cited, characterized the United States’ trade relationship with China as ‘adversarial.’ “When you manipulate your currency as they (China) do; when you’re in violation of the World Trade Organization; when you employ slave labor in the production of your manufactured goods; when you deny access on your shelves to the products and services we produce, it is not a competition, it’s adversarial. We need to stand up and say: “This is a market you want to be in. If you want to be here, then you’re going to have to play like an adult.”
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