As the war between the United States and Iran stretches into its fourth week and the death toll stands at 13 American soldiers and 1,500 Iranians, mostly civilians, an overwhelming majority of Republican politicians in North Carolina remain supportive of the war, whereas state Democratic officials are criticizing President Trump’s military actions. Their reactions mirror partisan responses to the war at a national level.
Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), who represents Winston-Salem, said in a Feb. 28 press release that he unequivocally supports strikes against Iran. He refused to characterize the conflict as a war.
“This ain’t your father’s regime change,” Harrigan said. “It’s not the Global War on Terror. It’s not even war. It’s avoiding war through the limited, extremely violent and decisive use of force that achieves decisive overmatch and ends the ability for conflict altogether. It is reshaping the globe and the balance of power in favor of the United States of America again. We are rolling the tables.”
In a social media post on March 1, Democratic Gov. Josh Stein lamented the deaths of American service members and said he and his wife were praying for their families.
“I join all of North Carolina in mourning the three American service members who died in the Iran attacks,” Stein wrote, referring to the deaths of Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor and Sgt. Declan J. Coady in an Iranian airstrike in Kuwait. “May the memories of these heroes be a blessing.”
At a March 2 press conference, Stein said he was “confused” and upset by the war.
“Why are we doing this?” he said. “There’s not many clearly articulated rationale. What is the purpose? It changes on an hourly basis, the stated reason. How long are we going to be there? How much are we spending to do this?”
At least three military bases in North Carolina are taking extra safety precautions against potential Iranian aggression following violent attacks in Michigan, Virginia and New York City.
In a March 1 social media post, Democratic U.S. Sen. candidate and former Gov. Roy Cooper expressed dismay over the deaths of the U.S. service members in the Middle East and thanked them for their service, while also emphasizing Americans’ fears about the war.
“Devastating news that American service members were killed and wounded and I pray for them and their loved ones,” Cooper said. “I’m grateful for our troops who eliminated leaders and damaged weapons of this evil and oppressive regime.”
Like Stein, Cooper also questioned whether the war is necessary.
“Americans fear another costly, drawn out war that puts our troops in harm’s way and removes focus and resources from needs here at home,” Cooper said. “Americans deserve to know all the long term objectives of this war, its risks and the exit strategy.”
Michael Whatley (R), who is running against Cooper in November’s Senate election, said he mourned the losses of American service members in the war.
“[Suzanne Whatley] and I are praying for the heroes we lost this weekend, as well as their families,” Whatley said in a March 1 social media post accompanied by an image of an American flag. “Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and they have made the world a safer place.”
In a Feb. 28 post, Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) acknowledged that most Americans oppose entering another conflict in the Middle East, but emphasized his support for President Trump’s actions.
“For decades, Iran and its terror proxies have repeatedly targeted American service members and stoked violence and unrest in the region,” Budd said. “President Trump knows well that the American people do not favor prolonged conflict, but there is also little doubt that Iran’s reckless ambition to obtain nuclear weapons and long-range missiles represents a grave threat to our safety and security. A nuclear Iran has always been an unacceptable outcome.”
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) similarly expressed support for U.S. strikes against Iran and praised Trump’s decisions, but did recognize that Congressional authorization may be required.
“President Trump has rightfully determined that this theocratic dictatorship cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and continue to slaughter its own citizens who simply want freedom,” Tillis said. “I expect all members of Congress will soon be briefed about Operation Epic Fury and determine whether a broader scope and further military action requires an authorization by Congress.”
As the war presses on and the potential for more loss of life remains, politicians in North Carolina will have to answer questions from their constituents as support slips for the war and President Trump alike.
