Democratic congressional candidate Clay Aiken referred to U.S. troops as "G.I. Joe soldiers" during a debate Monday while he explained his opposition to putting boots on the ground to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
"I don't want to use our men and women at Fort Bragg or any of the men and women who are serving in the military here in the U.S. as G.I. Joe soldiers, where we place them in harm's way all around the world to police the problems of others," Aiken said.
Aiken said he would wait until ISIL poses a "direct threat" to the U.S. before putting all options on the table.
"As soon as we see ISIS is a direct threat to U.S. soil, I think we need to attack in whatever way is necessary," Aiken said. "But at this point I wouldn't support sending ground troops."
Aiken faced off with incumbent Renee Ellmers (R., N.C.), who currently leads the former American Idol runner-up by an 8-point margin.
