Mike McCaul attacks Obama, Clinton over terrorist gains

CLEVELAND, July 18 (UPI) -- Continuing the opening night theme of the Republican National Convention, Rep. Mike McCaul of Texas assailed the Obama administration's foreign policies Monday, saying Donald Trump is the candidate best positioned to make America safer.

McCaul, who is chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, criticized President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, for failing to more forcefully go after terrorists at home and in the Middle East, which he said has made America less secure.

"Our country's national security is at risk. After eight years of weak leadership, our city on a hill is now a city under siege," he said, invoking the famous Reagan metaphor for America. "This did not happen by accident, it happened by design. It happened because of the failed policies of President Barack Obama and the architect of his foreign policy, Hillary Clinton."

McCaul referenced terrorist attacks in Europe and America inspired by individuals pledging allegiance to the Islamic State, saying Obama and Clinton failed to address the problem quickly or forcefully enough.

"We are in the crosshairs. Our own city streets have become the battleground," he said. "Instead of protecting Americans, the Obama administration turned a blind eye to the danger. Let's cut through the suffocating political correctness and call the threat what it really is. The enemy is radical Islam. These fanatics have radicalized a religion into a weapon threatening our way of life."

McCaul's speech continued on the theme of the GOP gathering's opening night: "Make America Safe Again."

The Texas congressman said his party's nominee would directly attack terrorists in order to prevent more attacks from taking place.

"He will never bow down to our enemies. He will stand up to them. And Donald will never allow terrorists to gain ground on America. He will shake the ground they walk on."