. what we do not know how to do i to break out of what was the late richard collins, very knowledgeable professor at the university of pittsburgh who said back in the 80s, he said that the u.s. and iranians are in a downward spiral. and what we don't know how to do apparently is break out of it. so we are unable to do that. perhaps it's too hard for us. perhaps it's beyond the capabilities, this diplomatic capabilities of either side. perhaps the current downward spiral or threatening situation perhaps suits the insurance of various parties. but whatever it is, it's familiar and comfortable. when we encounter difficulties as we always do, it's very eay to read for act ii this traditional dysfunctional kind of action, which is not productive is at least familiar. >> have you been back to tehran? >> i have not. >> hadn't thought about it? >> guest: i have often thought about it. i have not been back since january 1981. i would very much like to go back. not going back is not by choice. i am not

campaign foreign policy adviser richard williamson. collin, i want to start with you. doesn't romney have a point here? there's a very tense relationship we're aware of between president obama and netanyahu. >> look, you know, i traveled to israel 13 times in 13 years as an official. there's no daylight between us and the israelis with the core national security. he has a good working relationship with prime minister netanyahu. a guy he talks to on the phone and visits with more than any other foreign leader in the world. we have put in place crippling sanctions against iran. we have put on an option to include every single option mitt romney advocated in the speech today. for example, you know, governor romney said we need aircraft carrier task forces in the area. there's two there ever since 2010 and naval assets in the eastern mediterranean to make sure my missiles shot out of the sky. there's no daylight on the iranian question. >> on that point, ambassador williamson, i think that there have at times between some tension between t