Carlson sent out a questionnaire to declared candidates and several notable Republicans who might enter the 2024 race. The questionnaire asked about their opinions on the strategic importance of opposing Russia in Ukraine, the United States' objectives in Ukraine, the limit of funding and materiel they would be willing to send to the government of Ukraine, and the U.S.'s support for regime change in Russia.
Former President Trump and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy were the three declared candidates who responded to the questionnaire, while former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley did not. Other Republicans who answered included former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
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Regarding opposing Russia in Ukraine being vital to American national strategic interest, Trump replied that it is not, but it is for Europe. Trump also stated that European allies should pay more than the U.S.
March 15, 2023
DeSantis said the U.S. should not become further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia. Noem stated that China is the primary external threat to the U.S. instead of Russia and that the war in Ukraine should be Europe's fight, not America's.
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Ramaswamy said it is not vital to oppose Russia but emphasized the importance of the U.S. having energy independence. Pence believes there is no room for Putin apologists in the Republican Party and that if Putin is not stopped, he will continue to move toward NATO allies, which would result in America being called upon to send their own.
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When asked about the limit of funding and material the Republican hopefuls would be willing to send to the government of Ukraine, Trump said it would strongly depend on his meeting with Putin but emphasized that Europe must pay.
DeSantis said that the U.S. should not provide assistance that could require the deployment of American troops or enable Ukraine to engage in offensive operations beyond its borders. Ramaswamy said he would limit any further funding or support to Ukraine, and Noem stated that they should not waste taxpayer dollars at the risk of nuclear war. Pence said he does not support sending Ukraine a blank check but cautioned that withholding or reducing support would have consequences.
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As to the question of the United States supporting regime change in Russia, both Trump and Ramaswamy said no. DeSantis slammed the policy of regime change as being popular among DC foreign policy interventionists and speculated that Putin's successor would likely be even more ruthless. Christie said supporting Ukraine is not about regime change in Russia but rather respecting the sovereignty of free nations.
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When asked about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions on Russia, given that the country's economy is stronger now than before the war, Trump believed that the sanctions had not been effective and had the opposite effect. Ramaswamy agreed that the sanctions were ineffective and added that Russia is stronger due to higher oil and gas revenue. At the same time, DeSantis claimed that Biden's policies had driven Russia into a de facto alliance with China.
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Regarding the risk of nuclear war with Russia, Trump replied that it depends on who the President of the United States is, but it is a risk under Biden. Noem said that Biden had taken the U.S. quickly escalated with a series of provocative actions and statements, adding that the U.S. is closer now to using tactical nuclear weapons than ever before.
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The Republican candidates' responses reveal that they are wary of becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia. They also believe that Europe should take more responsibility and pay more to support Ukraine.
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