Ron Paul Repeatedly Denounces Iraq War During Republican Debate

During the June 5 Republican debate held in Manchester, N.H., Presidential Candidate Ron Paul repeatedly renounced the Iraq War, saying that it was a "mistake to go and a mistake to stay."

Paul said that we've had "four years to help Iraq" and we must "give them the incentive to takeover and police themselves ... We must set good standards to motivate people ... Armed force does not motivate people."

When asked, Paul stated that the "acceptance of preemptive war" was the most pressing moral issue in the United States today, further stating that we "can't change the world by force." Paul also said that the nation's security is "more threatened" by continued United States military activity in Iraq than it would be if the United States left Iraq today.

All of the Republican presidential candidates were asked what President Bush's biggest mistake was during his presidency. In response to this question, Paul stated that President Bush ran on a "humble foreign policy platform," but inferred that he did not keep to this during his presidency, stating that the President was using "$1 trillion to maintain his empire."

Paul reinforced his negative opinion of the current administration's foreign policy (and particularly the war in Iraq) when discussing the nation's current energy situation. When asked how he felt about oil companies receiving subsidies in light of their large profits, Paul stated that he did not have a problem with the oil companies making money, but did object to subsidies to these companies. He further said that our foreign policy was "designed to protect oil interests" and that the United States is "literally fighting wars over oil."

During discussions on immigration, Paul stated that he supported the border fence between the United States and Mexico and was against giving immigrants amnesty for entering the country illegally, stating "why wouldn't people want to bring their families here" under the current system.