RENO, Nev. (AP) — Mitt Romney says "there is a time and a place" for him to talk about the differences between his positions and President Barack Obama's positions on national security -- but he's not going to do so as the nation marks the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Instead, speaking to a meeting of the National Guard in Nevada, Romney thanked the troops who protect the country, including those who, in his words, "delivered justice to Osama bin Laden."
Despite the lack of overt attacks between the presidential rivals today, their differences were still on display. At a Pentagon memorial service, Obama pointed to gains in the war on terror to make the case that Americans are better protected today.
But Romney told the Guard gathering, "I wish I could say the world is less dangerous now."
He also criticized defense cuts that are scheduled to take place early next year. And he suggested that an end to the war in Afghanistan lacks a clear mission, even though his own strategy is similar to Obama's.
After the Pentagon event, Obama went to Arlington National Cemetery before visiting with wounded soldiers and their families at a military hospital.
%@AP Links
189-c-17-(Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee), AP national security correspondent)-"of several headstones"-AP National Security Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the president and first lady made an unannounced stop after taking part in the Pentagon ceremony. (11 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *189 (09/11/12)>> 00:17 "of several headstones"
177-a-12-(President Barack Obama, at 9/11 anniversary ceremony)-"and back here"-President Barack Obama says the memories of 9/11 remain vivid. (11 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *177 (09/11/12)>> 00:12 "and back here"
180-a-14-(President Barack Obama, at 9/11 anniversary ceremony)-"we stand for"-President Barack Obama says 9/11 will always provide the nation with a reminder. (11 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *180 (09/11/12)>> 00:14 "we stand for"
231-a-15-(Mitt Romney, GOP presidential candidate, speaking to National Guard Association)-"of evil men"-GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney says the Sept. 11 anniversary is a time to remember and to recommit. (11 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *231 (09/11/12)>> 00:15 "of evil men"
235-a-10-(Mitt Romney, GOP presidential nominee, speaking to National Guard Association)-"defense budget cuts"-GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney says this is no time to lower America's guard. (11 Sep 2012)
<<CUT *235 (09/11/12)>> 00:10 "defense budget cuts"
GRAPHICSBANK: US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama observe moment of silence on eleventh anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, White House, Washington, DC, partial graphic (11 Sep 2012)
APPHOTO DCPM115: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, joined by members of the White House staff, pause during a moment of silence to mark the 11th anniversary of the Sept, 11th, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (11 Sep 2012)
<<APPHOTO DCPM115 (09/11/12)>>
APPHOTO NVSS101: Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to members of the National Guard Association Convention in Reno, Nev., Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Sady) (11 Sep 2012)
<<APPHOTO NVSS101 (09/11/12)>>
