President Barack Obama says that Republican Gov. Scott Walker should “bone up” on foreign policy.
In an interview with NPR, Obama suggested that critics like Walker – a likely presidential contender who has said that he would revoke the deal if elected president – don’t understand how international agreements work.
“I am confident that any president who gets elected will be knowledgeable enough about foreign policy and knowledgeable enough about the traditions and precedents of presidential power that they won't start calling to question the capacity of the executive branch of the United States to enter into agreements with other countries,” he said. “If that starts being questioned, that's going to be a problem for our friends and that's going to embolden our enemies.”
“It would be a foolish approach to take, and, you know, perhaps Mr. Walker, after he's taken some time to bone up on foreign policy, will feel the same way,” the president added.
In a statement, Walker responded that Obama's "lack of leadership has hurt America's safety and standing in the world."
"President Obama's failed leadership has put him at odds with many across the country, including members of his own party, and key allies around the world," Walker said. "Americans would be better served by a president who spent more time working with governors and members of Congress rather than attacking them."
Last month, Walker said he would "absolutely" revoke any agreement if he became president.
"The concept of a nuclear Iran is not only problematic for Iran, and certainly for Israel, but it opens the doors," he told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
"This is something that just escalates right before our eyes," he added.
- Carrie Dann