Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina made an appearance the morning of Sept. 25 at St. Ambrose University’s Rogalski Center in Davenport to speak to a crowd of 500 people at the Quad Cities New Ideas Forum.
Following the opening Pledge of Allegiance Fiorina was received with cheers and laughter from republican supporters as she optimistically answered an array of questions.
“Do not be discouraged, do not despair, every problem we have can be solved, every wound we have is self-inflicted,” Fiorina told the audience.
In her answer to audience member Jenny Barnes’ question Fiorina described what first 100 days of her Presidency may look like.
Fiorina contended that she would terminate the arms deal with Iran, defund Planned Parenthood, honor our military veterans, reduce the size of government, and commit to zero-based budgeting. Most notably, she called for a redefinition of the United States’ global identity.
“The message will go out around the world that the United States is back in the leadership business, and will stand with our allies and confront our adversaries,” Fiorina asserted.
In a question posed by audience member Tom Cunningham, Fiorina focused on a specific area of confrontation; the matter of cyber security, particularly related to the recent state sponsored cyber attacks from China. In the midst of Chinese President Xi Jinpings’ visit to the White House Fiorina urged for retaliation against anyone attacking America’s cyber systems.
Fiorina also addressed the confrontation of domestic attacks, specifically those aimed at her campaign and her professional career at Hewlett-Packard. She explained her firing as the result of a two week “boardroom brawl” that was caused by her qualities as a leader.
Currently sitting among the top three republican candidates, Fiorina attributed her recent rise in the polls as the cause of attacks from liberal media, and more specifically, Hillary Clinton.
After telling People Magazine she would not make any personal attacks against Hillary Clinton, Fiorina launched an offensive mocking Clinton’s current email controversy.
“Mrs. Clinton, you cannot wipe a server with a towel,” jabbed Fiorina to the amusement of the audience.
To the crowds pleasure Fiorina went further, poking fun at the misuse FBI resources as they sift through 30,000 emails some of which simply document Clinton’s yoga classes.
Additionally, Fiorina showed disdain for the liberalization of term feminism.
“The term feminism is not about an ideology, the term feminism is about when we arrive at a place where every woman, as well as every man, has the opportunity to choose the life they want,” said Fiorina.
Without acknowledging the rest of the republican field Fiorina enjoyed a standing ovation upon her exit and was swarmed by pleasant, excited citizens.