Tuesday, September 11, 2012

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.