NEWS AND OPINION:
The Census Bureau recently released statistics showing how much America has changed in the last five decades, revealing that the active-duty military population has dropped from 3.4 million then to 1.3 million now. The diminished military has not been lost on the public: A new Gallup poll finds 49 percent of Americans say the U.S. is the top military power on the planet — down from 59 percent only a year ago. But there is another finding, it is is of note to presidential hopefuls: 67 percent of the respondents also believe “being No. 1” in military might is important.
There are partisan kinks: 37 percent say the U.S. is not spending enough on the military, but 66 percent of Republicans and only 20 percent of Democrats agree. Another 32 percent say we’re spending too much, but here just 9 percent of Republicans and 45 percent of Democrats in the poll agree. A hopeful 27 percent say the spending is “about right.” Among Republicans, it’s 23 percent, among the Democrats, 32 percent.
“Defense and military spending have been a significant talking point for Republican presidential candidates, with most calling for a sharply increased military budget,” Gallup notes in an analysis. “Sen. Ted Cruz, for example, says, ’In order to restore America’s safety and security, we must rebuild our military. If you think defending the country is expensive, try not defending it.’ Donald Trump says he would ’build up the military so nobody messes with us,’ and Marco Rubio says he would ’work to begin to undo the damage caused by $1 trillion in indiscriminate defense cuts.’ On the other hand, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders says he has ’very serious concerns about our nation’s bloated military budget and misplaced national priorities.’”
STAYING IN PRACTICE
You’d think Republican hopefuls would tire of duking it out on live TV, for better or worse. But they’re not. CNN has put together a pair of instant town halls, to air live from Greenville, South Carolina, with local voters asking the questions. All of the candidates are on board. Of interest: Intense rivals Sen. Ted Cruz and GOP front-runner Donald Trump will be separated. Ben Carson, Sen. Marco Rubio and Mr. Cruz appear Wednesday; Mr. Trump, Gov. John Kasich and Jeb Bush on Thursday. Both broadcasts will be moderated by CNN’s Anderson Cooper from 8-11 p.m. EST each night. There could be more policy and less squawk. Or maybe not. Mr. Trump has his thoughts, no matter where he is.
“Ted Cruz is a totally unstable individual. He is the single biggest liar I’ve ever come across, in politics or otherwise, and I have seen some of the best of them,” Mr. Trump noted in a Facebook post on Monday.
SEE ALSO: More Republicans say they’ll block Obama’s Supreme Court nominee
TWO LONE STARS FOR JEB
“Jeb Bush is not the flashiest candidate in the crowded Republican presidential field. And he lacks the mischievous charm that his older brother, George W. Bush, used to navigate his way through campaign obstacles. But the former Florida governor, a Texas native, is a thoughtful, decent and inclusive leader. He is best prepared to make the big decisions that will be required of the next president of the United States. And that makes Bush the obvious choice for constructive conservatives.”
— From an endorsement for Mr. Bush issued Monday by the San Antonio Express News.
“Bush outshines GOP field with solid conservative bona fides and pragmatism. That’s a much more appealing formula for a presidential candidate than his opponents have offered.”
— From an endorsement from the Houston Chronicle, also released Monday.
MR. PERRY BACK ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Meanwhile, another Texan is not quite done with politics yet. Having called off his own White House bid five months ago, Rick Perry re-emerges on the campaign trail Tuesday on behalf of the aforementioned Ted Cruz. Accompanied by Rep. Jeff Duncan, the pair will host South Carolina rallies in Columbia and Anderson. Mr. Perry endorsed Mr. Cruz in late January, and continues to sing his praises.
“Ted has proven that he is ready to serve as commander in chief on Day One. He has also proven the willingness to take on the Washington cartel and restore power and opportunity back to the people,” says Mr. Perry. “He has proven that he will do what is necessary to secure our borders, to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, and to ensure our brave veterans receive the care they have earned. Ted is the leader that we need.”
THE KINDLY MR. RUBENSTEIN
A round of applause, please, for David Rubenstein, CEO of the D.C.-based Carlyle Group and a discerning philanthropist. He has given a $18.5 million gift to the National Park Foundation to repair, clean and conserve the Lincoln Memorial, and add a few nifty new areas for tourists, including a spot to see the monument’s foundational pillars, sunk deep in the bedrock.
“I am humbled to be a part of honoring this great man and preserving this iconic memorial for future generations,” says Mr. Rubenstein. In recent years, he has also donated $30 million for the upkeep up the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon and Arlington House — the Robert E. Lee Memorial, located in Arlington National Cemetery.
POLL DU JOUR
• 68 percent of South Koreans say that their nation should develop its own nuclear weapons.
• 62 percent say that China will not support South Korea’s proposed tough sanctions against North Korea.
• 61 percent say security concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program will affect the South’s national elections in April.
• 55 percent agree with their government’s shuttering of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, the last collaborative project between South and North Korea.
Source: A Korea JoongAng Daily/International New York Times survey of 1,000 South Korean adults conducted Feb. 11-13.
• Complaints, noble gestures to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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