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Feinstein hits Romney for using her intel remarks

Romney slams intel leaks from Obama White House

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY
Updated

Mitt Romney took aim today at President Obama for failing to prevent leaks of classified information from his administration, as he prepared for his first overseas trip of this campaign.

During his remarks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Reno, Romney cast Obama as jeopardizing America's standing in the world and for making some security decisions to get political advantage.

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The presumptive GOP presidential nominee called for a "full and prompt investigation" on leaks of national security information, as he seized on comments made yesterday by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the chairwoman of the intelligence committee. He also brought up reports that ex-Obama defense secretary Robert Gates was upset by the release of some details of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

"What kind of White House would reveal classified material for political gain? I'll tell you right now: Mine will not," Romney said, as he denounced the leaking of intelligence secrets as "contemptible."

Feinstein, D-Calif., told the World Affairs Council yesterday that she doesn't believe that Obama himself is leaking classified secrets. But she placed responsibility on his administration: "I think the White House has to understand that some of this is coming from their ranks," she said.

The Democratic senator said today she should not have "speculated" on the source of the leaks and criticized Romney for using her original comment against Obama.

Obama last month said it was "offensive" to suggest that anyone in his administration is purposely releasing classified information.

On the topic of American's role in the world, Romney echoed one of his frequent campaign themes and charged Obama with damaging America's brand around the world. He again blasted Obama's handling of U.S. relations with Israel, charging the president with "shabby treatment of one of our finest friends."

He called on Iran to fully suspend any enrichment of uranium, as a means to thwart the country's nuclear weapons development. Romney also blamed Obama for not doing more to protect the Pentagon and the Veterans' Administration from spending cuts.

"If we don't have the strength or vision to lead, then other powers will take our place, pulling history in a very different direction," Romney said. "I pledge to you that if I become commander in chief, the United States of America will fulfill its destiny and its duty."

Romney's VFW speech is his last campaign event in the United States before he heads to England, Poland and Israel. During his trip abroad, Romney will attend the Olympics, raise money, meet with foreign leaders and make some policy speeches.

Obama spoke to the VFW yesterday. Without mentioning his opponent by name, Obama criticized Romney for not having a plan for what to do in Afghanistan and for his GOP rival's recent remarks that America is in decline.

The Obama and Romney speeches to the VFW underscore the importance of the military vote. In 2008, 54% of voters who served in the military supported John McCain -- a naval aviator and ex-prisoner of war in Vietnam -- over Obama, according to surveys of voters as they left their polling places.

While a new USA TODAY/Gallup Poll shows Romney leading Obama on issues dealing with the economy, the president has a 12-point advantage over his opponent when it comes to foreign policy issues.

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