Vice President Kamala Harris recently joined the chorus of both Democrats and Republicans who are bashing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for calling the Russian invasion of Ukraine a mere “territorial dispute.”
The outspoken governor’s statement seems to reveal his lack of understanding, and Harris didn’t hesitate to call him out during an interview with late-night host Stephen Colbert.
DeSantis’ eyebrow-raising comments came as a response to a series of questions posed by Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlson to potential 2024 GOP candidates about their stance on the ongoing war in Eastern Europe.
It appears that DeSantis believes the U.S. has more vital national interests than getting tangled up in a “territorial dispute” between Ukraine and Russia.
Despite being a fan favorite among Republican voters, DeSantis’ stance starkly contrasts with that of other GOP leaders, such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and declared presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
Even the Biden-Harris administration has made it clear that they’ll stand by Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” Harris criticized DeSantis’ foreign policy experience (or lack thereof), emphasizing that her role as Vice President has provided her with the opportunity to meet with “over 100” foreign leaders, granting her a deeper understanding of international rules and norms.
Harris stressed the importance of the U.S. standing firm on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity and against any nation that attempts to forcibly take over another.
DeSantis’ position on Ukraine has ruffled some feathers within his own party, with some Republicans questioning his experience with foreign and national security issues.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio expressed his confusion over DeSantis’ intentions, while Senator Lindsey Graham went as far as comparing the governor to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who infamously tried to appease Adolf Hitler before World War II.
Even DeSantis’ potential 2024 rivals didn’t waste time taking shots at the governor’s controversial remarks. Former President Trump pointed out that DeSantis seems to be “following what I am saying” and accused him of flip-flopping on the issue.
Nikki Haley, who supports continued aid to Ukraine, agreed with Trump but also criticized both men, stating, “Republicans deserve a choice, not an echo.”
With his comments on Ukraine sparking a heated debate, it seems Governor DeSantis may need to revisit his understanding of foreign policy and the implications of his statements before he’s ready to take on the mantle of leadership in the GOP.
Source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/harris-slams-desantis-ukraine-remarks-suggests-lacks-experience
