Rep. Keith Self Critiques Biden's Foreign Policy at CPAC Hungary 2024
At the Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary, Republican Congressman Keith Self voiced strong criticism against President Joe Biden's handling of foreign affairs.
Self accused Biden of perpetuating former President Barack Obama's policies, which he believes are weakening U.S. influence globally, as Breitbart reports.
The interview with Self occurred on the sidelines of CPAC 2024 in Hungary, an event that has historically attracted significant attention for its high-profile speakers and strong political statements.
During his interview, Self specifically referred to the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan as the start of a series of international missteps under Biden's administration.
This move, according to Self, signaled to other nations, including Russia, that the U.S. was receding from its dominant role on the global stage.
"It started with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Soon after that, people started testing us and Putin started moving troops into Ukraine within two months of the withdrawal," stated Self.
Linking Biden's Presidency to Obama's Policies
Self expanded on his criticisms by asserting that Biden’s presidency is essentially an extension of Obama's terms. He labeled it the "third Obama administration," suggesting that Biden is not only following but also intensifying the policies set by Obama.
"This is the third Obama administration; let’s just admit it. Every one of the Obama policies is being exacerbated, encouraged, and executed by the Biden administration," he explained.
He expressed concern that the continuation of these policies might undermine the foundations of the U.S.'s constitutional republic.
Debating the Influence of Socialist Ideologies in Education
Discussing domestic issues, Self criticized the prevalent political sentiments in U.S. universities, describing them as "socialist" incubators that affect student ideologies and behaviors, including ongoing anti-Israel protests.
"These demonstrations are the consequences of the incubator of socialism that our universities have become for decades now. They are basically socialist in their belief, in their teaching, and their policies, and we’re seeing the results of it now in the antisemitic, pro-Palestinian protests," said Self.
To counter this trend, he urged parents to instill conservative values in their children before they attend university.
Self's Stance on Israel and Biden's Policies
Turning to foreign policy specifics, Self blasted Biden's stance towards Israel, especially regarding the recent actions in Gaza. He pointed out that Biden seemed to obstruct Israel's mission to dismantle Hamas, which contrasts with Israel's stated objectives.
"We’ve got to remember that Israel’s mission in Gaza is to destroy the infrastructure of Hamas," Self affirmed. "At the end of the day, I think Israel will probably do what they can to meet their objectives despite the Biden administration."
These statements underline the broader theme of Self's critique -- a perceived inconsistency and failure in Biden's foreign policy, which he equates to a detrimental follow-through on Obama's legacy.
Preserving the Nation's Founding Principles
In conclusion, Self warned that a continuation of what he terms as Obama-era policies under Biden could put the very survival of America's constitutional republic at risk.
"So I don’t believe that our constitutional republic can survive a fourth Obama term," he concluded. This stark warning encapsulates Self's urgent call for a redirection in U.S. leadership and policy, both at home and abroad.
As CPAC Hungary 2024 continues, it remains a platform for robust debate and discussion, reflecting the ongoing and evolving challenges facing the world stage and the internal dynamics of American politics.