750 bases in 80 countries.
I bet there are countries that consider themselves allies or neutral to us that would like to see us pare that down. If we had something like 10 big bases around the world, it would help us seem like we want to keep the peace as we suggest we do.
750 bases in 80 countries looks more like psychotic overkill and the need to be the world's daddy.
We don't project power, we project complete dominance.
Easy to be put off by that, if you're in Italy or India or Bolivia. Even if you have no other problems with the U.S.
Both parties nitpick about spending, but idk why we all can't agree that the war machine needs downsizing. I believe it would make everyone in the world happier and just let them breathe.