Post by Avery Adams on Dec 30, 2005 7:44:27 GMT -5
Fox News: Interview with the Secretary of Defense
Brett Baier: Good Evening, we have the honor tonight of sitting down with Secretary of Defense Avery Adams in a one-on-one interview at his Pentagon office. Mr. Secretary, thank you.
Avery: Welcome Brett, it is good to be with you, even if the setting is a bit different then the press briefing room.
Brett: Yes it is, and that leads to my first question. Last weekend you were noticeably absent; normally when you travel I and other reports usually have an opportunity to accompany you. In light of the growing crisis with Iran and Syria, there were rumors you were on a secret mission to the region.
Avery: For security reasons and the urgency of the situation it was decided not to publicize the trip, but I was indeed in that region consulting with friends and allies, who are all concerned with what is going on.
Brett: We can assume that Israel was on your agenda, but can you specify what other countries and leaders you visited with?
Avery: No Brett, I do not think it would be appropriate to do so; those were closed door meetings and I can’t get into details.
Brett: In past Mid-East actions we have purposely kept Israel out of the fighting, even when they were attacked. Would they be part of any operation against Iran or Syria?
Avery: Again, that is not something I can or will discuss. The Israelis will do what they feel is in their national interest, just as we will. No one can deny they are being threatened and they are a friend and ally of the United States.
Brett: Very well. As I am sure you are aware, there is a lot of bickering going on here in Washington between Republicans and Democrats about the situation and the approach the US is taking. May I ask your views of that partisan conflict?
Avery: Well, as you say, it is partisan. I spent a few years on the Hill myself; long enough to know things are said and positions taken that do not always reflect where one might stand if the other party is in power. A number of the Democrats have served honorably in the military and all play an important role in government, but they are the opposition party today and not in power.
Brett: But what about charges that Republicans are turning the situation into another Iraq?
Avery: What does that mean? The military operations in Iraq were and continue to be highly successful, considering the mission and scope. It was known going in that it would be a long and dangerous military operation. Yes, mistakes were made, but they were acted on, and such operations are not bloodless affairs. Early successes do not mean instant peace and complete security; indeed, we were in Germany and Japan long after World War Two and still are, same with Korea. We face an enemy that also acts, not a passive adversary.
Today the primary functions of our troops in Iraq are border security and training; which are important since both Iran and Syria border that nation. To portray the past and current efforts in Iraq as a complete military failure displays not only a massive misunderstanding of military operations, but ignorance and misrepresentation of the mission and its successes. Every loss is regretable and heartbreaking, but the troops know they serve a much larger purpose and make the sacrifice for each other and their country. All are vollunteers and we must charish their service and stregnthen our resolve to see the mission through.
I must mention that many of your colleauges in the media have not done effort justice as well; though to be fair I know you have spend a great deal of time fairly covering the troops and commanders in the field.
Brett: Thank you sir. But what about the recent TV spots that are portraying Democrats as weak on defense?
Avery: Politicians define themselves by their own words and deeds, specifically votes. If one party is portraying the other as taking a particular stand, then the American people will judge if there is any substance to such charges by looking at the rhetoric and records. The world is full of allies and interests, as well as adversaries and enemies; sometimes actions are necessary to deal with threats. While military operations should not be taken lightly, to ignore continuing and growing threats is even more dangerous.
Brett: But do you feel the Democrats have been weak on national security?
Avery: Brett, you know you aren’t going to get me to say that. I am a Republican and my views do from time to time differ greatly from the other party’s on how best to keep America safe. As I mentioned before, a lot of this has to do with partisan politics on both sides of the aisle.
Brett: Some Democrats have proposed that the authorization to use force against Iran and Syria, now under debate in congress, should be specifically limited in scope. May I ask your position on that?
Avery: I think that would be a serious mistake, tying the hands of both the President and military planners to examine all options and preparations to flexibly deal with a developing situation. The military commanders and their staffs, both here at the Pentagon and the Regional Combatants, are responsible for creating a variety of options, which will then go to the President with the recommendation of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and myself on how best to deal with what is happening. As always it would be best for members of congress to actually get the facts jumping to conclusions, and I am always abalible to speak with them.
Brett: I see our time is almost up Mr. Secretary, one last question. Do you have any plans of again running for congress again?
Avery: Certainly not, I am focused solely on my current position - to provide the best support, equipment, training, funding, organization, personnel and leadership for the finest, voluntary Armed Forces in the world. As you know I’ve been a naval aviator, a defense consultant, congressman, and political appointee here at the Pentagon. Congress was by far my least favorite environment, and in this position I am able to meet with the wonderful young Americans who elect to serve their country everyday. No, I wouldn't trade that for anything and will continue to do my best for them.
Brett: Thank you Mr. Secretary.
Avery: Thank you Brett, please continue to challenge me with tough questions, it keeps me sharp!
Brett Baier: Good Evening, we have the honor tonight of sitting down with Secretary of Defense Avery Adams in a one-on-one interview at his Pentagon office. Mr. Secretary, thank you.
Avery: Welcome Brett, it is good to be with you, even if the setting is a bit different then the press briefing room.
Brett: Yes it is, and that leads to my first question. Last weekend you were noticeably absent; normally when you travel I and other reports usually have an opportunity to accompany you. In light of the growing crisis with Iran and Syria, there were rumors you were on a secret mission to the region.
Avery: For security reasons and the urgency of the situation it was decided not to publicize the trip, but I was indeed in that region consulting with friends and allies, who are all concerned with what is going on.
Brett: We can assume that Israel was on your agenda, but can you specify what other countries and leaders you visited with?
Avery: No Brett, I do not think it would be appropriate to do so; those were closed door meetings and I can’t get into details.
Brett: In past Mid-East actions we have purposely kept Israel out of the fighting, even when they were attacked. Would they be part of any operation against Iran or Syria?
Avery: Again, that is not something I can or will discuss. The Israelis will do what they feel is in their national interest, just as we will. No one can deny they are being threatened and they are a friend and ally of the United States.
Brett: Very well. As I am sure you are aware, there is a lot of bickering going on here in Washington between Republicans and Democrats about the situation and the approach the US is taking. May I ask your views of that partisan conflict?
Avery: Well, as you say, it is partisan. I spent a few years on the Hill myself; long enough to know things are said and positions taken that do not always reflect where one might stand if the other party is in power. A number of the Democrats have served honorably in the military and all play an important role in government, but they are the opposition party today and not in power.
Brett: But what about charges that Republicans are turning the situation into another Iraq?
Avery: What does that mean? The military operations in Iraq were and continue to be highly successful, considering the mission and scope. It was known going in that it would be a long and dangerous military operation. Yes, mistakes were made, but they were acted on, and such operations are not bloodless affairs. Early successes do not mean instant peace and complete security; indeed, we were in Germany and Japan long after World War Two and still are, same with Korea. We face an enemy that also acts, not a passive adversary.
Today the primary functions of our troops in Iraq are border security and training; which are important since both Iran and Syria border that nation. To portray the past and current efforts in Iraq as a complete military failure displays not only a massive misunderstanding of military operations, but ignorance and misrepresentation of the mission and its successes. Every loss is regretable and heartbreaking, but the troops know they serve a much larger purpose and make the sacrifice for each other and their country. All are vollunteers and we must charish their service and stregnthen our resolve to see the mission through.
I must mention that many of your colleauges in the media have not done effort justice as well; though to be fair I know you have spend a great deal of time fairly covering the troops and commanders in the field.
Brett: Thank you sir. But what about the recent TV spots that are portraying Democrats as weak on defense?
Avery: Politicians define themselves by their own words and deeds, specifically votes. If one party is portraying the other as taking a particular stand, then the American people will judge if there is any substance to such charges by looking at the rhetoric and records. The world is full of allies and interests, as well as adversaries and enemies; sometimes actions are necessary to deal with threats. While military operations should not be taken lightly, to ignore continuing and growing threats is even more dangerous.
Brett: But do you feel the Democrats have been weak on national security?
Avery: Brett, you know you aren’t going to get me to say that. I am a Republican and my views do from time to time differ greatly from the other party’s on how best to keep America safe. As I mentioned before, a lot of this has to do with partisan politics on both sides of the aisle.
Brett: Some Democrats have proposed that the authorization to use force against Iran and Syria, now under debate in congress, should be specifically limited in scope. May I ask your position on that?
Avery: I think that would be a serious mistake, tying the hands of both the President and military planners to examine all options and preparations to flexibly deal with a developing situation. The military commanders and their staffs, both here at the Pentagon and the Regional Combatants, are responsible for creating a variety of options, which will then go to the President with the recommendation of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and myself on how best to deal with what is happening. As always it would be best for members of congress to actually get the facts jumping to conclusions, and I am always abalible to speak with them.
Brett: I see our time is almost up Mr. Secretary, one last question. Do you have any plans of again running for congress again?
Avery: Certainly not, I am focused solely on my current position - to provide the best support, equipment, training, funding, organization, personnel and leadership for the finest, voluntary Armed Forces in the world. As you know I’ve been a naval aviator, a defense consultant, congressman, and political appointee here at the Pentagon. Congress was by far my least favorite environment, and in this position I am able to meet with the wonderful young Americans who elect to serve their country everyday. No, I wouldn't trade that for anything and will continue to do my best for them.
Brett: Thank you Mr. Secretary.
Avery: Thank you Brett, please continue to challenge me with tough questions, it keeps me sharp!