Politics

Rubio Slams Obama for Saying Chavez Is Not a ‘Serious’ National Security Threat: ‘Living Under a Rock’

Rubio Slams Obama Comment: Chavez Not a Serious National Security Threat

Photo: White House

President Barack Obama was featured in an interview with well-known, Miami-based, Spanish-language broadcast journalist Oscar Haza for “A Mano Limpia.” The segment, which aired Tuesday night, has been causing quite a stir. In the interview, Obama says that, over the past few years, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has not posed a “serious” national security threat to the United States.

The Miami Herald reports on the president’s comments to Haza on Cuba and Venezuela:

“I believe that there should be a way for us to resolve this 50-year conflict with Cuba, but it involves recognizing liberty and, you know, releasing political prisoners and showing movement inside of Cuba,” he said. “We’ve shown flexibility in remittances and lifting parts of the travel ban for family members, and I think that was the right hting to do. And my hope is that the Cuban government begins to recognize that their system is no longer working.”

Haza then mentioned detained American Alan Gross and stepped-up repression on the island.

“We’re not going to see big moves or major improvement in the U.S.-Cuba relationship if the Cuban leadership continues to do the same thing over and over again,” Obama said.

Then, Haza asked about the alliance between Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Iran.

“We’re always concerned about Iran engaging in destabilizing activity around the globe. But overall my sense is that what Mr. Chávez has done over the last several years has not had a serious national security impact on us,” Obama said. “We have to vigilant. My main concern when it comes to Venezuela is having the Venezuelan people have a voice in their affairs, and that you end up ultimately having fair and free elections, which we don’t always see.”

President Obama’s remarks towards the socialist South American leader has drawn some sharp criticism in the U.S. Take, for instance, prominent Florida Republican senator and Intelligence Committee Member Marco Rubio. In a statement released following the president’s remarks on Chavez, he said:

“It‘s now disturbingly clear that President Obama has been living under a rock when it comes to recognizing the national security threat posed by Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez.

“Hugo Chavez is not only a threat to the Venezuelan people’s freedom and democratic aspirations, he has  also supported Iran’s regime in its attempts to expand its intelligence network throughout the hemisphere, facilitated money laundering activities that finance state sponsors of terrorism and provided a safe haven for FARC narco-terrorists, among many other actions. Just yesterday, the Wall Street Journal detailed how Hugo Chavez circumvents U.S. and EU sanctions to help prop up the Assad regime in Syria. And even Obama‘s own State Department belatedly but rightly expelled Chavez’s consul general in Miami for her ties to a plan to wage cyber-attacks on the U.S.

“President Obama continues to display an alarmingly naïve understanding of the challenges and
opportunities we face in the Western Hemisphere.”

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Chávez and his state-oil company are providing vital energy support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and conducting business with Syrian firms blacklisted by Washington and Brussels.

(H/T: Morning Score)

Comments (79)

  • Wool-Free Vision
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 7:55pm

    O I C. This explains so much. Beware, the spammers of deceit have arrived.

    Report Post » Wool-Free Vision  
  • Wool-Free Vision
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 7:18pm

    Wow, the Paulbots are so butt-hurt! So much hatred for Conservatives that one would easily confuse their brand of Libertarianism as Liberalism… Hmmmm. If it quacks like a duck (INCESSANTLY), then it’s probably a duck (even if between quacks it tries to bleat).

    Seriously, you guys are exactly like the lib sheep who always start every DNC talking point with the same lie: “I’m an Independant.” Shills. If you’re not getting paid to slander Conservatives in every possible thread, then you’re the most obedient sheep in the flock.

    Report Post » Wool-Free Vision  
  • acidovorax
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:21pm

    EVERYTHING is a “national security threat” for NeoCons. It’s how they can feed their ignorant base the contradictory message of “smaller government”, but not in areas X, Y, Z, because we need to spend more on them for “national security”. If we don’t, Iranians, Russians, Chinese, now Venezualans, people from Detroit, are going to kill us.

    Report Post »  
  • Get off your butt and join the Marines
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:02pm

    Marco Rubio and the other GOP lazy good for nothing congressmen are more dangerous to the USA then Hugo Chavez ever was!!!

    Report Post » Get off your butt and join the Marines  
  • Verceofreason
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 5:50pm

    How is Chavez a threat to the United States?
    What am I missing?
    He’ll be dead of cancer in a few months.

    Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • zoro51
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:48pm

    this chavez needs to ROT IN HELL hes A THREAT this MARXIST has taken america DOWN a road WE NEVER SHOULD HAVE GONE.. 1. we were FOUNDED ON BIBLICAl IDEALS. 2 WE HAVE FREEDON OF SPEECH OBAMA WANTS TO “CONTROLL” 3. we are NOT a SOCIALIST NATION our health care MAy not be the best but one day it will BUT NOT THROUGH SOCIALIST FOISTED CARE so his CRONIES can get the wealth distributed back to them.. HELL NO IMPEACH OBAMA THIS VERY HOUR NO WAItING NO PITTY!

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:41pm

    Chavez is a danger…a great danger. He is harboring Iranian missiles in his country…do not doubt it. They cannot reach the US from Iran…they have not ICBM’s……but they can reach us from Venezuela.

    Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 5:57pm

      Venezuela is 3000 miles away. That requires a ICBM.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
  • Individualism
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:30pm

    Rubio just loves to make enemies. what next Rubio Canada?

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • Wool-Free Vision
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 5:01pm

      I love me some Marco Rubio. He speaks truth. If you don’t like what he has to say then you should wonder why truth bothers you. It’s probably related to that Kool-Aid you keep chugging.

      Of course, what more should I expect from someone who believes 9/11 was an inside job? You’re obviously nuttier than a fruitcake.

      Report Post » Wool-Free Vision  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 5:11pm

      Hugo Chavez hasn’t done a thing to America, Venezuala maybe a communist country but they haven’t done anything to the US. Neo Cons just love making enemies and now its not just Muslims but hey Hitler only started with the Jews like the Neo Cons did with Muslims.

      Report Post » Individualism  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 5:47pm

      And we all KNOW Rubio is privy to so much more information than the president.
      Rubio can’t find a toilet without a guide.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • blackyb
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:20pm

    It is past time to get ALL illegals out of this country and keep them out. There are people waiting in line to come here. Those who are unable or unwilling to do their jobs should be replaced by those who will.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:17pm

    Obama is not one whit better than Chevez. Obama is just more sneaky and pulled the greatest con in history by getting into Office in this country. Obama punked America.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:15pm

    Any person who would call themselves a Christian, a Catholic, a Baptist, Protestant or any other legitimate follower of Christ is a liar from hell if they vote Democrat. Those who are playing church who say sodomy is acceptable is mocking God. He plainly says it is an abomination. Those who are leaving this filth a legacy for their future generations are evil and deserve what is going to befall them.
    I am not happy that I have to vote for Romney, for he may not have enough passion to crush a “grape” as James David Manning has stated. This is just the lesser of two evils. This is where our sorry leaders has put this country, not to have the best, but the lesser of two evils. They allow this ineligible shuck and jive con artist to come into leadership of one of the greatest countries on face of this earth. He has proceeded to mock this country and all that is good and decent in it. He has demoralized our military, wasted our resourses and kept people from growing food on their own land. He has snooped, spied and taken on business that is not relevant to his office. This man is making a fool of all of America and using the blacks like fodder for his front line, diminishing their hope. This man is beyond evil and those who promoted it or allowed him to be where he is are lazy and should be fired and tried for contributing to this travesty. Get Obama and Holder out before they finish the job.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 7:22pm

      Real Christians don’t vote; they are not elligible. Their citizenship is in heaven.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
  • blackyb
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:04pm

    This dumb azzed man in our White House thinks freedom is to live like hedonists, taking the cream off the milk, and making everyone else survive on what they can steal, beg or con. Obama is a liar, a deceiver and is unable to speak the Truth, hear the Truth or pass on the Truth. He is evil and is not fit to run a dog kennel.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • blackyb
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:01pm

    Obama is waiting for Chevez to croak and if he does not slip back in here, he could take him a set of papers to Argentina and try his stuff down there. They are used to his type agenda.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • gbfreak
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:42pm

    obammie isn’t living under a rock….he’s living in socialist utopia!!!

    Report Post » gbfreak  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:20pm

    Why would Obama’s radar detect any problem with Chavez ? They share many of the same Far Left beliefs. Nationalizing and redistributing are part of Chavez ‘s vision.

    Report Post »  
    • RIDEMODELS
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:30pm

      Every spanish person I talk to say Chavez ruined Venezuela…….But they still will probably vote for Obama.

      The END…..

      Report Post »  
  • KidCharlemagne
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:10pm

    Rubio won’t tell you what the real threat from Chavez is though:

    Rubio: Read-between-the-lines

    Report Post »  
    • RIDEMODELS
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:28pm

      Yep…..everyone knows our US dollar is a joke, except the college kids who still buy an I pad for school??……These idiots have done this to ourselves and all the while we have had Washignton hookers making more money then our kids when they get a real job, or if they can get a real job.

      Our dollar is a joke and we got a nation of Pimps and Pornstars on Foodstamps……Who know nothing about our constitution.

      The END….

      Report Post »  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:58pm

    Obama either has his head in the sand and/or he is working, hand in hand, with Hugo.

    Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:06pm

      I would venture to say “hand in hand.” We’ve all seen the pics of the two hugging and kissing. They should have gotten a room though.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • aChameleon
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:52pm

    Venezuala has friends in iran and cuba. Thinking the USA has nothing to fear if Hamas has a friend south of our border is naive. Venezuala is a lot closer than iran if they planned a terrorist attack.

    Report Post » aChameleon  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:59pm

      Barry and Hugo are best buddies. How can your buddy be a threat.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • Iamnotanumber
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:01pm

      Thank you for saying it, you saved me from a lot of typing!

      Report Post »  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:06pm

      Iran is helping Venezuela build an ICBM base. If anything Obama should be enforcing the Monroe Doctrine. For those of you who don’t remember, that is what JFK did when the USSR was trying to build missile bases in Cuba. Obama‘s statement that they don’t pose “a serious threat” shows how out of touch he is (or complicit) with those which would do us harm. There should be NO threat – period.

      God save America from this idiot.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
    • Pokerjoe
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Its not IF its WHEN?

      Report Post »  
    • acidovorax
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:24pm

      “Iran is helping Venezuela build an ICBM base.”

      PAVNVET, source please?

      Report Post »  
  • Mutiny
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:46pm

    LOL, how is Venezuela pose any threat to us?

    In 2011 Venezuela reportedly had 155 thousand troops and 787 thousand reserves. 290 tanks, 306 aircraft, and 50 ships. None of it is new. Oh and they run out of electricity all the time and have food shortages. Yeah they are a threat.

    Report Post » Mutiny  
    • M13
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:01pm

      So I guess you didn’t read the story or you are to stupid to comprehend what was written. In either case you are an idiot.

      Report Post »  
    • aChameleon
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:17pm

      Yeah, and egypt isn’t a threat to israel. Sometimes just their mere location allows people that hate you to seek refuge for later terrorist attacks.

      Report Post » aChameleon  
    • qpwillie
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:56pm

      Mutiny is a Paulbot. Ronnie and his minions haven’t heard about nuclear weapons yet. They don’t think Iran is a threat to anybody.

      Report Post » qpwillie  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:11pm

      @m13

      So you think a country that cannot keep their electrical grid up and doesnt have enough food for its people can be a threat to cyber wise? If that is the case lets go after China. Dont be a chicken go after the real threat.

      @QP

      Iran doesnt have a nuke, they dont have the missile technology to get a missile over 600 miles away and that isnt even a nuclear tipped one(which is a harder do to weight). Last I checked Venezuela isnt 600 miles away its closer to 3000k miles away which would be a ICBM. Iran, N. Korea, Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia, Libya, nor Egypt have that tech. But hey, lets go bankrupt.

      We also need to increase our defenses against the zombie invasion and alien attacks because they are almost as likely to happen as one of those countries ever being able to attack us before we go bankrupt.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • M13
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:40pm

      I know one thing for sure. You are an idiot.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 5:21pm

      @m13

      You post personal attacks backed with zero facts. I post facts. I know it frustrating to you, but that doesnt make me a idiot. Honestly it kind of makes you look like a sad little troll.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • TexasHunter
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:06pm

      MUTINY, Well Said and Check Mate. Class dismissed. Although the allies that Iran will try to buy through the supply of oil should and needs to be addressed. They have a serious upper hand there if they play it correctly.

      Report Post » TexasHunter  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 8:40pm

      there not a threat to anyone, the only people that are a threat are neo con war mongers who want to either take over the world or spread their radical ideology around the world like they accuse Muslims of doing.

      Report Post » Individualism  
  • woodyee
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:45pm

    Oh, c’mon! This article makes it seem as if Obammy has his head in the sand…just a second…sounds like there’s some digging going on around my left ear…

    “Oh! Mr Obammy! This hole is yours, too?”

    Report Post » woodyee  
  • CatB
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:44pm

    That’s MY Senator … you tell him Marco! Obama is a danger to this country and freedom THOUGHOUT the world.

    Report Post »  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:59pm

      “several years has not had a serious national security impact on us” It is clear that Rubio, the author and a majority of the commenters here really don’t get it. How is the internal affairs of Venezuela and what they may are may not be doing with Iran is NOT a security threat to the US. As a stooge of military industrial complex, Rubio like most conservatives have accepted the replacement of Russia with Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, etc. as the big bad boogie man we must $trillions to defend ourselves against. But like virtually every mission or conflict since WWII, there is no intention to win or get out. As there is much more money to be made in keeping our unnecessary war machine going. As is often proposed here, how’s about we go back to the constitution and focus on National Defense.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:26pm

      JR: when are you going to run that old General Be-tray-us routine again ? This sounds so much like what I read in the NYT comments during the 2008 election. Sigh. The anti-military wing of the Democrats…

      Report Post »  
    • snakeoilforsale
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:30pm

      JROOK, not sure what to make of your response. If your along the ron Paul lines then I can understand a litlle better.

      Report Post »  
    • pavnvet
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Rook, you are a moron. Why is Venezuela building an ICBM base? The Iranian supplied missiles or missile technology would result in missiles that can reach the mainland of the US. Maybe you have never heard of the Monroe Doctrine. I would suggest you read it.

      Chavez has also nationalized industries where millions of American dollars were invested without reparations. Of course we won’t mention his support for communist style rebellion and safe havens for drug cartels. All of that is a threat to our national security.

      You are the type that would rather live in chains than die defending freedom. If Obama and his crew keep it up, you may get that opportunity. You are just another leftest wuss that has no clue how bad these players truly are. If you didn’t p me off so much, I might feel sorry for your ignorance.

      Report Post » pavnvet  
    • acidovorax
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:38pm

      “Rook, you are a moron. Why is Venezuela building an ICBM base?”

      PAVNVET, who says they are? Where is the verification of this claim? If it’s the Die Welt article, then it is not credible, as the article speaks of “anonymous sources” and “secret agreements”. Anyone can make unverifiable claims.

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:41pm

    Obama’s been yeilding to China, Russia, and Iran. Chavez is a problem, and if he dies, a miliary junta will take over and will oppose the U S because it sees the world walking all over the weak and inept Obama administration.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • acidovorax
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:40pm

      “Oppose the US”? What does that mean? Simple opposition from a teetering banana republic is a threat how?

      Report Post »  
  • drphil69
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:39pm

    This is the same President that said Cuba, Iran, and North Korea ‘are tiny countries,‘ so therefore they ’are not a serious threat.’

    So, a ‘tiny country’ can only produce a ‘tiny nuclear bomb’ that can only destroy a ‘tiny fraction’ of the U.S…. you know, something small… like NEW YORK CITY.

    BTW, Iran has ‘failed’ several time at launching satellites, with the rocket exploding at high altitude… EXACTLY HOW ONE WOULD CAUSE AN E.M.P. TO DESTROY ELECTRONICS AND LEAVE US IN THE DARK FOR WEEKS, MONTHS…

    Report Post »  
    • woodyee
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:48pm

      Wow, good thinking DrPhil…

      Reminds me how the Red Chinese were approx 25yrs behind us in satellite technology, then Clinton and Loral Corporation happened…

      Report Post » woodyee  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:50pm

      We are bankrupting our country over the chance that a tiny foreign nation with very little resources can make a nuke and then make a delivery system capable of hitting us through our missile defense.

      I am also worried about zombie attacks and alien invasions lets spend money to prevent those also.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 7:39pm

      More like years to rebuild the grid. That is assuming we are still here. Do you think that if Iran takes down the grid and everything electronic they are going to stop there? They want to kill us. Our southern border is wide open. Thanks, Obama.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 10:54pm

      @ramon

      What army is going to invade from the south. All of Central America and South America could invade from the south and would lose and lose badly against us.

      Remember Iraq’s infamous army? So many troop and tanks that were battle hardened? Yeah they last like 4 hours in the first invasion. The United States fighting anyone outside of China and Russia is the like a NFL football player beating up a first grader.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:37pm

    “my hope is that the Cuban government begins to recognize that their system is no longer working.”
    Hey Barry, if you hadn’t noticed, your system is on life support too.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Paul
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:47pm

      You mean his Train Wreck…

      As it was designed to be….

      Report Post » Paul  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:54pm

      But that’s his plan G,ole bi Barry wants our system to fail then his fundamental transformation of America will be complete,almost,the next step is to have total government control of everything ie communism.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:58pm

      He’s going down Slayer. He is going down this November.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:07pm

      Sure hope you’re right G,I’m voting for Mitt and everyone I know will do the same ,here in communist Michigan though I’m outnumbered but all I can do is vote.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 7:32pm

      Sorry, Gonzo. I don’t think he is. (No, I don’t like that ……….)

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 8:42pm

      we could stop being “isolationists” and open up trade instead of sanctioning them. than that could happen.

      Report Post » Individualism  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:37pm

    Rubio is correct – however, the greatest national security threat which America has ever faced is obama.

    If we are to survive as a nation, obama must be removed from power.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:44pm

      OX- you are 100% correct- The racist POSPOTUS has done more to harm this country than any other person.

      Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:50pm

      You said it. If it wasn’t for Obama. Chavez wouldn’t be a threat to us at all. Either would Cuba. With Obama in control of the US, EVERY SINGLE COUNTRY THAT HATES US is a bigger threat. Because he’s on THEIR side.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:50pm

      I’m praying, I’m donating money and everyone I know is voting for Romney and he will undoubtedly win my state.. I don’t know what else I can do to make that happen.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 2:54pm

      @tri

      What has Obama done that is so dangerous? Spent to much? Taken us into endless wars? Taken away our freedoms? Seems to me he is just continuing the same policies in place before he got here. What does Romney change? Spending? No his budget doesnt cut current spending. Does he end the wars? Nope, Romney will expand them. Does Romney restore our freedoms? No, he supports the NDAA, The Patriot act, gun control laws, and he believes in a nation healthcare mandate.

      Both sides suck and are working for the same goal. They will bankrupt us and we will be forced into a global government system. Then everything we know will change.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:21pm

      Mutiny’s Media Matters Message : Obama and Romney are the same. Broken record.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 3:24pm

      TRI: Agree. Never thought I’d live to see that day when the American presidential election would boil down to capitalism versus anti-capitalism. NoBama 2012.

      Report Post »  
    • Chevalier
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 4:09pm

      Truer words were never spoken.

      Report Post » Chevalier  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 6:00pm

      @barber

      Your comment is one of the dumbest yet. If I worked for media matters wouldnt I be saying Romney is bad and Obama is good. Instead I am saying they are both garbage and they send us down the same road of bankruptcy. You are just too dumb to understand it.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 11, 2012 at 8:44pm

      yeah our own goverment is the threat not them, our troops are in their countries not the otherway around.

      Report Post » Individualism  

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