Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) said in an interview aired Tuesday on Fox News Channel’s “Special Reports” that “there should be criticism of both administrations” for their handling of Iran. said that Iran “has been able to build much more influence in the region than they had 10 to 15 years ago. Their proxies are much more successful.”
host Brett Baier asked. [relevant exchange begins around 2:45] “Sen. Bennett, you mentioned Iran and putting pressure on them and that they are still a real threat in the region. It is clear that there are criticisms that this committee is not implementing the plan and that it is spending a huge amount of money, including money on terrorist agents and so on. If so, what is your reaction to it?
Mr. Bennett replied: “Given what I know on this committee, Brett, I think it’s fair to say that criticism of the government should be on both sides of the aisle. Look at what’s happened over the last 15 years. And so Iran was able to build these proxy forces in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon, and they were able to build much more influence in the region than they had for a decade. or 15 years ago. Their agents have been much more successful. By the way, this should not change from a Democratic administration to a Republican administration. We made mistakes during the Cold War, certainly. But in general, every president knew what his job was in terms of the Cold War. There was bipartisanship that lasted from Democratic administrations to Republican administrations as we worked through this Ukraine money and actually got it done. I hope there will be a new agreement like the old one.”
to follow Ian Hanchett’s Twitter @Ian Hanchett
