CNN
Baker Institute honorary chair James A. Baker III spoke to CNN over the weekend about a host of issues, including the gridlock in Washington and what the U.S.’s options are in Iran.
“We are frankly in very bad shape in our fiscal affairs, and the fault is not just the fault of one party,” Baker, who served as U.S. secretary of state for President George H.W. Bush and chief of staff and U.S. secretary of treasury for President Ronald Reagan. “It’s not just Democrats, it’s Republicans, too.”
Commenting on the polarized nature of Congress today, Baker recalled how “reaching across the aisle” was a key part of many GOP initiatives passed when Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush were in office. He also discussed the current state of the Republican party, Sarah Palin, and the possibility that the GOP could retake the U.S. Senate. “It is not a good year to be an incumbent,” he said.
Baker also had strong words for Iran, proposing that the United States “extend a nuclear umbrella” to Israel, Saudi Arabia and moderate Arab countries, as a way to deter Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
He also discusses pushing for tougher sanctions, negotiating with leadership when possible and supporting reformers, but noted the stakes in Iran are high: “If they acquire a nuclear weapon, they could set off a major nuclear arms race.”
View a podcast of Fareed Zakharia’s interview with The Honorable James A. Baker III.