Oh, you mean the candidate that wants to shut down the military bases overseas? And you used hearts to represent that candidate??

Are you aware of how many US military bases in Europe are providing services that Europe is incapable of providing themselves? Many. One example: air-to-air refueling is an essential part of modern warfare that has been used extensively in both wars like in Iraq and Afghanistan but also in ‘conflict’ air campaigns like in Libya and Syria. All of Europe put together has less than a half dozen tankers (flying gas stations, that is). Almost all of Europe’s mid air refueling capability comes from the US with a dozen KC-135s stationed in England and a couple dozen KC-135s and a half dozen KC-10s (those are the big’ns) in Turkey.

This is one component of war logistics. There are many others- although Europe has its own cargo and attack aircraft, it is significantly supplemented by the US. If you look at any component of the military capability of Europe, a very significant portion of that capability is provided by the US on permanent stations in Europe. For a real kick in the pants take a look at aircraft carriers that are constantly deployed also serving European interests, which Europe would have to fund (either through carriers or some other campaign) were the US not present and footing the bill. The cost of one aircraft carrier deployment is staggering. The US is paying a large portion of Europe’s war and defense bill.

I’m not saying that the US’ ‘defense’ budget is defensible- it’s not. But if the US removed itself from policing the world and only defended the land itself, Europe would have to man dozens of bases and spend a shit ton more money, starting with buying shit tons of expensive equipment like cargo, reconnaissance, and tanker aircraft and all the personnel, logistics, and support that go into that. I personally know about the air side of things having been in the USAF stationed in England, but my understanding is that the Navy has a very active role supporting European interests, too.