Thompson avoids question, stating only that ‘we shouldn’t be there longer than necessary.’

When asked if he would make a permanent commitment to the people of Iraq by constructing permanent military bases, Thompson responded,

We shouldn't be in there longer than necessary, and we don't know how long that will be. But we should be there absolutely as long as it takes to complete our mission there. It will make for a safer United States of America.

We're all focused, understandably, on Iraq and Afghanistan right now, but it is part of a much bigger picture. Islamic terrorism has declared war on us and Western civilization. They would like nothing better than to kill millions of people as they bring us down. They would like to be able to advertise to young radicals around the world that, ‘You, too, could help bring down the United States of America.’

Iran is waiting there to fill that vacuum. You think $90, $100 a barrel is high for oil now, wait until that happens.

But more importantly, it would make for a less secure United States of America. We have to do what's necessary. We have to take the opportunity that we have now.

Thompson’s avoidance of a direct “yes” or “no” to the question of permanent bases speaks more loudly than his bland statement that “we shouldn’t be in there longer than necessary.”