Most Candidates' Experience Indicate Foreign Policy Isn't Central In 2008

"Foreign policy is central in 2008 presidential race" from the Los Angeles Times discusses the fact that given the global situation, foreign policy is the key issue in a way that it hasn't been since the Cold War.  It notes that the GOP is talking tough on fighting the war on terrorism and staying by Bush - but not very loudly with the exception of John McCain, on the war in Iraq.

The Democrats have spent more time on the war in Iraq - namely ending it and some time on the war on terror - but has been much more consumed with domestic issues and trying to placate a far left wing base while keeping the general electorate in mind with mushy words on diplomacy. 

The article lists some important factors that should be under consideration:

Not every foreign policy issue is as polarizing as Iraq. There are even signs of potential bipartisan consensus on other issues: reinvigorating traditional alliances, rebuilding a war-weary Army and Marine Corps, preventing nuclear proliferation, and maintaining aid to Africa, to name some. But Iraq is the issue many voters say will determine their choice in the presidential election; the rest have barely rated a mention in the campaign so far.

The problem is that ghastly lack of experience most of the candidates, particularly the top tier, will bring to the foreign policy arena.  Mayor Giuliani, Governors Romney and Huckabee have had no foreign policy experience - and Giuliani, for all his big talk, has never been to Iraq.  The lower tier candidates - Rep. Tancredo, Senator Brownback, Rep. Ron Paul and Rep. Duncan Hunter - have had to cast votes as well as potential candidates Speaker Gingrich and Senator Fred Thompson.  Only Senator John McCain, Rep. Ron Paul and Rep. Duncan Hunter have served in the military - an embarassment to the other candidates.

On the Democratic side, Senators Clinton, Obama and former Senator John Edwards have limited foreign policy experience while the bench is far deeper with Governor Bill Richardson with a broad resume, Senators Joseph Biden especially as well as Senator Dodd and Rep. Kuchinich having cast votes.  Only Dodd has military experience. 

Thus there is the specter of both frontrunners in the national election having little foreign policy experience - at a time when this article contends it is needed.   

Comments

[Jeffrey Bubb]

Actaully, Ron Paul has military experience as well. Flight surgeon, Vietnam War.