During the speech Obama called for an expansion of the United States Armed Forces "by adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines", an idea previously introduced by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Reasons to agree:

We should have enough perminant troops that if we ever wanted to do another Iran, we could win it easily.

Interest of those who agree (that Obama is right):

Promoting the Democratic Party by defending a democrat.
Liberal guilt (defending a minority because he is a minority)
Security
Money / Jobs. Securing jobs for family or friends who are employed by US Military or defense spending.

Interest of those who disagree (that Obama is right):

Promoting the Republican Party by attacking a democrat.
Racism (critisizing a minority because he is a minority)
Not using money on things that kill people.
Anti-Americansim. Those who are overseas might not want America to be able to defend itself.

Governor Mitt Romney Military Press Releases

09-24-2003; Governor Mitt Romney signs lease extension at Massachusetts military reservation
11-28-2003 Governor Mitt Romney lends a hand to state employees on military duty

02-21-2005; Governor Mitt Romney proposes to expand benefits for military families
08-26-2005; Governor Mitt Romney extends support to public employees on military duty
11-11-2005; Governor Mitt Romney signs legislation expanding military benefits

In the News

Gov. Romney Will Increase The Military By 100,000 Troops And Commits Specific Funding To Do So.

"We need to increase our investment in national defense. This means adding at least 100,000 troops and making a long-overdue investment in equipment, armament, weapons systems, and strategic defense. ... We are going to need at least an additional $30-$40 billion annually over the next several years to modernize our military, fill gaps in troop levels, ease the strain on our National Guard and Reserves, and support our wounded soldiers. ... The next president should commit to spending a minimum of four percent of GDP on national defense."
- Gov. Mitt Romney, " Rising To A New Generation Of Global Challenges," Foreign Affairs, July/August 2007

"With these extensions to the Massachusetts Military Reservation leases, we are ensuring the continued presence of the United States military – a major contributor of jobs and revenues to the Cape's economy and a key component of our homeland defense network," said Romney. "At the same time, we are protecting the region's water supply known as the Sagamore Lens, Cape Cod's sole source aquifer."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 09-24-2003 Press Release

"I support our troops overseas and recognize that families across Massachusetts are making sacrifices by having their loved ones away defending our nation," Romney said. "We don't want them to also worry about paying their bills. This will help ease that burden for state employees."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 11-28-2003 Press Release

"We reserve our deepest respect and admiration for those who volunteer for service and give their lives to help keep our nation secure," Romney said. "Now is the time for the people of Massachusetts to respond by offering a helping hand to the brave men and women of the Guard and their families."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 02-21-2005 Press Release

"From the day that the colonists in Massachusetts took up their arms to secure their liberty to the present day, Americans have had to fight to protect the freedom that makes our country great," said Romney. "The men and women who have volunteered and who are now serving our country in the global war on terror deserve our support."
- Governor Mitt Romney, 08-26-2005 Press Release

"Our men and women in uniform carry on a brave and noble tradition of service to their state and country," said Romney. "They sacrifice much through their service, and I'm pleased that through this package of benefits our state has properly recognized all that military families do to keep us safe." *
Governor Mitt Romney, 11-11-2005 Press Release