Cotton Releases Statement On Pryor's Refusal To Debate Foreign Policy

Statement

U.S. Senate candidate Tom Cotton released the following statement today about Senator Pryor's insistence on excluding foreign policy as a topic from the October 14th Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce debate:

"As I travel the state, I hear from Arkansans who are truly fearful about our national security and their family's safety. The Islamic State has rampaged across the Middle East, beheading Americans, crucifying Christians, and enslaving women and girls. They're reportedly attempting to cross our porous southern border to attack us on our own soil. Meanwhile, Iran continues its race toward nuclear weapons, while developing missiles that, according to the U.S. Air Force, could in less than four months be capable of reaching Arkansas. Vladimir Putin is carving up Ukraine and other European democracies at will--aggression unprecedented since the 1930s--and supplying missiles to thugs who shoot civilian aircraft out of the sky. And Chinese pilots are buzzing American aircraft as if they're Maverick in Top Gun."

"The world is a dangerous place today, unfortunately made worse by the president's weakness and lack of a clear national-security strategy. President Obama's trembling indecision has telegraphed to our enemies and allies alike that America is irresolute, uncertain, and hesitant. His chickens are now coming home to roost, but unfortunately the coop is ours and we will pay the price for his failed policies unless we change course dramatically and immediately."

"The first responsibility of our government is to keep America safe. Thus, I'm surprised and disappointed that Senator Pryor refuses to debate these issues, especially when President Obama has asked us to cast the most consequential vote any Congress can take. I respectfully urge Senator Pryor to reconsider and join me for a second, one-on-one, statewide-televised debate that would include the topic of national security. Whether it's Arkansans who worry about America's role in the world and the safety of our own families and communities or Arkansas's 6,000 active duty military personnel, 4,000 military civilians, and approximately 250,000 veterans who are especially interested in national security topics, all voters deserve to hear both candidates' views. I am eager and happy to provide mine."

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