State of Wisconsin Archives: on Foreign Policy
Alex Lasry:
US/Israel alliance special, for two-state solution
Israel is dear to my heart, especially having grown up in a religious household. I understand the unique security risks facing Israel, and I will be a strong, committed friend to the Israeli people from Day One. The US must continue its historic and
special role as Israel's strongest ally. The US has a unique responsibility and must play an active role in resetting the peace talks. I will work with the Biden Administration as an active partner to achieve lasting peace through a two-state solution.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website AlexLasry.com
Nov 16, 2019
Bernie Sanders:
America stands for hope; we should take Syrian refugees
CLINTON: This is a humanitarian catastrophe. The US has to support our allies in Europe. We have to provide financial support. We have to provide the NATO support to back up the mission that is going on. And we have to take properly vetted refugees
ourselves. SANDERS: I went to a Turkish refugee camp on the border of Syria. What a sad sight: Men, women, children forced out of their homes. Turkey did a decent thing, providing reasonable housing and conditions for people.
Given our history as a nation that has been a beacon of hope for the oppressed, for the downtrodden, that I very strongly disagree with those Republican candidates who say we've got to turn our backs on women and children who left their home with
nothing. That is not what America is supposed to be about. I think that the entire world needs to come together to deal with this horrific refugee crisis.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin on Syrian Refugees
Feb 11, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
Need to look at consequences of removing dictators
CLINTON: Senator Sanders voted in 1998 on what I think is fair to call a regime change resolution with respect to Iraq, calling for the end of Saddam Hussein's regime. He voted in favor of regime change with Libya, voted in favor of the Security Council
being an active participate in setting the parameters for what we would do, which of course we followed through on. SANDERS: Where Secretary Clinton and I disagree is the area of regime change. We can overthrow dictators all over the world.
The point about foreign policy is not just to overthrow a dictator, it's to understand what happens the day after. In Libya, Secretary Clinton, as secretary of state, working with some other countries, did get rid of a terrible dictator named Gadhafi.
But what happened is ISIS came in and now occupies significant territory in Libya. But this is nothing new. This has gone on 50 or 60 years where the United States has been involved in overthrowing governments.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
Won't take advice from Henry Kissinger; he assisted genocide
SANDERS: Where the secretary and I have a profound difference, in the last debate, she talked about getting the approval of Henry Kissinger. Henry Kissinger was one of the most destructive secretaries of state in modern history.
I will not take advice from Henry Kissinger. Kissinger's actions in Cambodia created the instability for Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge to come in, who then butchered some 3 million innocent people, one of the worst genocides in the world.
CLINTON: With respect to China, one of the most challenging relationships we have, Kissinger's ongoing relationships with the leaders of China is an incredibly useful relationship for the United States.
SANDERS: Kissinger was one of
those people during the Vietnam era who talked about the threat of China. After the war, he opened up relations with China, and pushed trade agreements, resulting in American workers losing their jobs as corporations moved to China.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
We should try and talk to enemies, even Iran
CLINTON: I think we have achieved a great deal with the Iranian nuclear agreement. That has to be enforced absolutely with consequences for Iran at the slightest deviation from their requirements under the agreement. I do not think we should promise or
even look toward normalizing relations because we have a lot of other business to get done with Iran. Yes, they have to stop being the main state sponsor of terrorism. Yes, they have to stop trying to destabilize the Middle East, causing even more chaos.
SANDERS: I recall when Secretary Clinton ran against then-Senator Obama, she was critical of him for suggesting that maybe you want to talk to Iran, that you want to talk to our enemies.
Iran is sponsoring terrorism in many parts of the world, destabilizing areas. Everybody knows that. But our goal is to try to deal with our enemies, not just ignore that reality.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Bernie Sanders:
Beef up NATO against Russian aggression
Russia's aggressive actions in the Crimea and Ukraine have brought about a situation where President Obama and NATO--correctly, I believe--are saying we're going to beef up our troop level in that part of the world to tell
Putin that his aggressiveness is not going to go unmatched. We have to work with NATO to protect Eastern Europe against any kind of Russian aggression.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
Hillary Clinton:
We achieved a lot, but not yet normal relations with Iran
SANDERS: I recall when Secretary Clinton ran against then-Senator Obama, she was critical of him for suggesting that maybe you want to talk to Iran, that you want to talk to our enemies. Iran is sponsoring terrorism in many parts of the world,
destabilizing areas. Everybody knows that. But our goal is to try to deal with our enemies, not just ignore that reality. CLINTON: I think we have achieved a great deal with the Iranian nuclear agreement.
That has to be enforced absolutely with consequences for Iran at the slightest deviation from their requirements under the agreement. I do not think we should promise or even look toward normalizing relations because we have a lot of other
business to get done with Iran. Yes, they have to stop being the main state sponsor of terrorism. Yes, they have to stop trying to destabilize the Middle East, causing even more chaos.
Source: 2016 PBS Democratic debate in Wisconsin
Feb 11, 2016
John Schiess:
Get rid of the communist United Nations
Candidate John Schiess says the last time he ran for US Senate was 28 years ago. "And my platform hasn't changed--get rid of federal reserve system and department of education and get rid of the communist
United Nations, it's a trojan horse on our soil," said Schiess.
Source: Fox11online.com coverage of 2012 Wisconsin GOP Senate Debate
Mar 26, 2012
Kelda Helen Roys:
Oppose American Exceptionalism
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Support American Exceptionalism"?
A: Oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Wisconsin Governor candidate
May 5, 2018
Mandela Barnes:
Israel is a strong ally and strong partner in Middle East
[On Mideast policy]: "I had an incredible opportunity to visit Israel 10 years ago, got to bear witness to the harsh reality of Israel's national security, and I do support the MOU," Barnes said referring to the memorandum of understanding between the
U.S. and Israel that guarantees such funding. "It's important," he emphasized, "that Israel remains a strong ally and a strong partner in the Middle East."
Source: Jewish Insider on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Jun 24, 2022
Mark Neumann:
Supports non-interventionist foreign policy
Question 9. Do you believe we should go back to the principles of the Founding Fathers and adopt a non-interventionist foreign policy that first and foremost protects Americans and American interests?
Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
Aug 13, 2012
Mike Gallagher:
Reverse the disastrous policy of leading from behind
When America leads, the world is safer and more prosperous. Sadly, over the last seven years we've abandoned American leadership, abandoned our allies, and undermined our credible military deterrent. As a result, we are no longer safe here at home.
I will reverse the disastrous Obama-Clinton foreign policy of leading from behind and rebuild our military to ensure we deter our adversaries,
destroy radical Islamic terrorism, and stand with our allies, especially Israel.
We must demonstrate to the world there is no greater friend, no worse enemy, than the United States of America.
Source: 2016 Wisconsin House campaign website MikeForWisconsin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Russell Feingold:
Supports Iran nuclear deal
Q: On Iran: Support the US-Iran treaty that limits Iran's nuclear capability in return for lifting economic sanctions?Feingold: Yes
Johnson: No
Q: On Iraq: Should the US recommit significant additional ground troops to Iraq to combat the success of ISIS?
Johnson: Organize global military coalition, including as many as 25,000 US combat troops.
Feingold: Use all resources except boots on the ground.
Attack leaders, cut off funding sources, use targeted military action. Was one of only 23 senators to vote against authorizing President Bush to go to war in Iraq to begin with.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Wisconsin Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Sarah Godlewski:
Did microfinance work in rural India
Sarah's microfinance work in rural India was transformative. She saw firsthand how access to capital can strengthen communities, help alleviate poverty while addressing gender inequalities. Her brief stint in India served as an inspiration
that eventually led to co-founding an impact investment firm, MaSa Impact. The portfolio is mission-driven and invests in renewable and clean energy, women-owned businesses, and agriculture in Wisconsin and around the world.
Source: 2022 Wisconsin Senate campaign website SarahForWisconsin.com
Jan 10, 2022
Sarah Godlewski:
Supports continued U.S. security assistance for Israel
Godlewski expressed a strong affinity for Israel, not least, she said, because Golda Meir, the first female prime minister of the Jewish state, was raised in Milwaukee. "We have, I think, a really special relationship with Israel that goes back a
long ways," she said, "and that is something that we have to continue to foster and thrive." She supports continued U.S. security assistance for Israel and rejects the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement as antisemitic.
Source: The Jewish Insider on 2022 Wisconsin Senate race
Jul 19, 2021
Scott Walker:
Terrorists are cowards who are afraid of freedom
Last week, innocent people were targeted in France by terrorists [killing staff of Charlie Hebdo, a political news magazine which had run cartoons mocking Mohammed]. These cowards are not symbols of confidence. They are overwhelmed by fear.
They are afraid of freedom.They are afraid of those who have the freedom of the press. They are afraid of freedom of speech. They are afraid of freedom of religion.
Tonight, we must stand together--Democrat and Republican--and denounce those who wish to threaten freedom anywhere in this world. We need to proclaim that an attack against freedom-loving
people anywhere is an attack against us all. And we will not allow it. When we take a stand, we will make it easier to work for freedom and prosperity--right here in Wisconsin.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Wisconsin Legislature
Jan 13, 2015
Tommy Thompson:
Supports non-interventionist foreign policy
Question 9. Do you believe we should go back to the principles of the Founding Fathers and adopt a non-interventionist foreign policy that first and foremost protects Americans and American interests?
Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
Aug 13, 2012
Eric Hovde:
Lead through deterrence, send a clear message of strength
By appeasing dictators and funding evil regimes, Senator Baldwin and President Biden have put American troops at risk and endangered nations all over the world. We must lead through deterrence, prioritizing our national security and the security of
our allies by sending a clear message of strength to the world, to put an end to these wars and stop future ones from occurring.
Source: 2024 Wisconsin Senate campaign website EricHovde.com
Feb 29, 2024
Eric Hovde:
Trump put crushing sanctions on Iran; Biden lifted them
Hovde: Let's go back to what this conflict is really about. It's not so much between the Palestinian people and Israel. It's really between Iran and Israel and the U.S. Iran controls Hamas and Hezbollah. President Trump put in crushing sanctions and had
Iran on its back. Senator Baldwin goes back and votes for the deal that Joe Biden lifted the sanctions that funded terrorism. That's why we are in this war today.Baldwin:
Israel has the right to defend itself. But as we've seen this war unfold, we've also seen untold civilian casualties. children, women. We have to help foster a path towards cease-fire. so that the hostages can be released and so that humanitarian aid
can be searched into Gaza. I'm hopeful that with the confirmed death now of the Hamas leader, that we will have a path to that peace and keep some hope alive of the two-state solution in the region.
Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate
Oct 18, 2024
Eric Hovde:
Don't think we should endlessly fund money into Ukraine
Hovde: Do I think that Vladimir Putin is an absolutely evil man? Absolutely. But I think we need to try to find a way to get to peace. Sadly what's happening in Ukraine is wiping out generations of their people and turning a lot of their cities into
rubble. While I was supportive of Ukraine at first, the amounts of tens of billions of dollars that have gone to Ukraine that are not accountable causes great concern for me. so I don't think we should continue to fund endlessly money into Ukraine.
Baldwin: This conflict is truly about democracy versus dictatorship and we have to stand on the side of democracy. Vladimir Putin is a dictator. He illegally invaded a sovereign democratic nation. The free world stood up to Ukraine's defense.
But it seems that Donald Trump doesn't know the difference between our allies and our enemies. Eric Hovde would have voted against the legislation to fund Ukrainian weaponry.
Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate
Oct 18, 2024
Tammy Baldwin:
Keep some hope alive of the two-state solution in the region
Baldwin: Israel has the right to defend itself. But as we've seen this war unfold, we've also seen untold civilian casualties. children, women. We have to help foster a path towards cease-fire. so that the hostages can be released and so that
humanitarian aid can be searched into Gaza. I'm hopeful that with the confirmed death now of the Hamas leader, that we will have a path to that peace and keep some hope alive of the two-state solution in the region.Hovde: Let's go back to what
this conflict is really about. It's not so much between the Palestinian people and Israel. It's really between Iran and Israel and the U.S. Iran controls Hamas and Hezbollah.
President Trump put in crushing sanctions and had Iran on its back. Senator Baldwin goes back and votes for the deal that Joe Biden lifted the sanctions that funded terrorism. That's why we are in this war today.
Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate
Oct 18, 2024
Tammy Baldwin:
Ukraine is about democracy versus dictatorship
Baldwin: This conflict is truly about democracy versus dictatorship and we have to stand on the side of democracy. Vladimir Putin is a dictator. He illegally invaded a sovereign democratic nation. The free world stood up to Ukraine's defense.
But it seems that Donald Trump doesn't know the difference between our allies and our enemies. Eric Hovde would have voted against the legislation to fund Ukrainian weaponry.Hovde: Do I think that Vladimir Putin is an absolutely evil man? Absolutely.
But I think we need to try to find a way to get to peace. Sadly what's happening in Ukraine is wiping out generations of their people and turning a lot of their cities into rubble. While I was supportive of Ukraine at first, the amounts of
tens of billions of dollars that have gone to Ukraine that are not accountable causes great concern for me. so I don't think we should continue to fund endlessly money into Ukraine.
Source: C-Span transcript of 2024 Wisconsin Senate debate
Oct 18, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026