McConnell says Obama putting 'symbolism over security'

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) slammed President Obama's national security policies today, accusing the president of putting "symbolism over security."

In a speech at the Heritage Foundation, McConnell said Obama has been too hasty to change a number of Bush administration policies, and accused the president of basing his decisions on "the good opinion of our critics in Europe or the pet theories of liberal academics."

In particular, the Senate's GOP leader repeated his party's opposition to trying suspected terrorists in civilian courts, despite the fact that the Bush administration often did so.

McConnell conceded that point, but said Bush "made a mistake in doing so."

"The enemy in this fight is adaptable," he said. "We must be too."

The Kentucky Republican pledged that Republicans would block funds for trying 9/11 suspects in New York City. A bipartisan group of Senators announced legislation yesterday to do just that.

Finally, McConnell argued that Obama has given too much national security responsibility to Attorney General Eric Holder.

"The closing of the military detention facility at Guantanamo is being coordinated by the Attorney General. The special task force on interrogation and transfer policies is chaired by the Attorney General. The Interagency Task Force on Detainee Disposition is co-chaired by the Attorney General," McConnell said.

"This is wrong. The Attorney General should not be running the War on Terror," he added.

The Minority Leader said he has called on Holder to testify about the administration's response to the Christmas Day attack.

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