On Thursday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stated that deterring America’s adversaries should be the “top priority” for the next President. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong military, supporting allies, especially war-torn Ukraine.
During a speech to the public in Kentucky, McConnell quoted former President Ronald Reagan’s words “peace through strength” and highlighted the emergence of a new “axis of evil” that the United States is facing, calling for bolstering the country’s defense capabilities.
“What kind of enormous challenges will we face in the future? You could say this may be a situation more challenging than World War II,” he said. “Facing an axis of evil – North Korea, China (CCP), Russia, Iran, and Iran’s proxies – all in cahoots.”
“What do they have in common? They are all authoritarian regimes. They hate democracy. They are competing with all democratic countries around the world,” said McConnell.
He stressed that in order to tackle such challenges, the United States should form a united front with allies and take strong defense measures.
“I firmly believe that as long as we are prepared, we can avoid the next war,” he said.
The senior Republican senator stated that addressing these challenges should be the top priority for the next President.
“Whoever wins the presidential election, it’s obvious I have my own preferences… This issue must be given top priority,” McConnell said.
He emphasized that assisting allies is not just a benevolent act but also in America’s interest.
“This has nothing to do with charity. This is not charity. This is in our own interest, because the democratic world needs a leader, and no one can replace the United States in its leadership position,” he said.
McConnell supports Republican presidential candidate Trump. In the past, McConnell had criticized Trump over the January 6 Capitol unrest but now supports his return to the White House, marking a significant turnaround.
However, during his speech at the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Country Ham Breakfast, McConnell did not mention Trump or Democratic competitor Holly Hege’s name. The event, initiated in 1964 to promote Kentucky’s agricultural industry, is known for attracting business leaders and politicians.
In his speech, McConnell focused on policies, particularly in foreign affairs. Earlier this year, McConnell worked with Democrats to secure congressional approval for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Addressing opposition to aid, he pointed out that most of the funds are being spent in America, “We are restructuring our industrial base to face future enormous challenges, and sending old weapons to Ukraine.”
“Russia cannot succeed; this is more important than the border between Ukraine and Russia,” McConnell said.
“These brave people are fighting for independence, against one of our biggest adversaries in the world. Why wouldn’t we want to help them?” he said.
“I think the American people understand the importance of supporting Ukraine. I think regardless of who takes over the White House, we will continue to do so,” he added.
After concluding his speech, McConnell briefly spoke to the media, stating that if Trump continues to focus on inflation and immigration issues, the Republican Party will win in the November U.S. election.
(This article is based on relevant reports from the Associated Press.)