This group of former Mitt Romney foreign policy advisers is consulting for virtually all current GOP contenders
Ten Republican 2016 U.S. presidential candidates debate in Cleveland, Ohio, at the first official Republican presidential candidates debate of the 2016 US presidential campaign on August 6, 2015.
Foreign policy is likely to play a role in 2016 presidential campaign, however many of the 17 Republican hopefuls lack extensive foreign policy experience. At the same time, they’re almost unanimously hawkish, blaming the Democrats for being weak on the world’s stage.
It turns out that almost all of the GOP hopefuls are consulting with the John Hay Initiative, a group of advisers who were part of Mitt Romney's losing campaign in 2012, to chart their foreign policy positions. By providing briefs, providing research and even writing speeches for the GOP candidates, the John Hay Initiative is advising the candidates on war, diplomacy and America's role in the world.
Bloomberg View writer Josh Rogin says the initiative was formed after the 2012 election. “At the end of the 2012 campaign, a group of foreign policy advisers to Mitt Romney realized that in another 2.5 years the GOP was going to do it again,” and that they would need help. Forming the initiative allowed them to “keep the intellectual rigor they had established, and posture for jobs in the next administration.” Ultimately, the group can help the GOP preserve its stance as the the daddy party, the pro-military party,” Rogin says.
The group, which began with 70-80 members two years ago is now made up of over now over 200 people with at least 20 working groups. This has enabled them to reach out many of the candidates. Rand Paul and Donald Trump have not tapped the John Hay Initiative, but almost all the other candidates have, said Rogin.
Co-founder of the John Hay Initiative and past Romney advisor Brian Hook says that their group wants to reposition America’s role in the world. “We kind of take the broad view that American leadership is essential to maintaining an open global order,” he said. “We believe that at the heart of American foreign policy is some balancing of ideals and interests.”
Reflecting on the Obama administration, Hook said the world has become less stable. “We’ve seen increased chaos and upheavals in various parts of the world.” And he remains hopeful that things can get better. “Were at a unique point where both parties are trying to draw the lessons from the last two administrations, particularly on foreign policy.”
This story first aired as an interview on To The Point from KCRW.