If even the defense reductions, downsizing and disengagement that it envisions come to pass - let alone those in prospect if the cuts associated with the pending sequestration legislation are imposed, the United States will not simply expose its people, allies and vital interests to attack.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Obama's defeatist 'strategy'

If even the defense reductions, downsizing and disengagement that it envisions come to pass - let alone those in prospect if the cuts associated with the pending sequestration legislation are imposed - the United States will not simply expose its people, allies and vital interests to attack.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Read back that list of coalition disagreements and it reminds you that they were issues on the margins of most voters' concerns whereas there is a surprising degree of cross party agreement on macro-economic policy, welfare cuts and schools reform let alone the proposals the two men will highlight today - be it childcare subsidies, pension reform or road tolls.

BBC: Coalition: Official - it's not a marriage

Under these circumstances, even modest cuts in military spending, let alone those contemplated by Mr. Frank, risk another "hollowing-out" of the armed forces of a kind not seen since another "progressive" Democrat, Jimmy Carter, occupied the White House in the late 1970s.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Will Obama 'go to' defense?

In fact, the Senate Democrat budget involves zero net non-defense spending cuts, even from spending increases, let alone from current spending levels.

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When he saw the army was not getting the money needed even to replenish its basic weaponry, let alone to give its colonels golden handshakes, he began arguing against the cuts he had once supported.

ECONOMIST: Russia

For if Romney is that adamantly opposed to Medicare cuts, without qualification, on what basis will he ever be able, let alone willing, to advocate Medicare reform of his own?

FORBES: Mitt Romney's Mixed, and Michele Bachmann's Terrible, Performances on Health Care at the CNN-Tea Party Debate