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Barack Obama: The Best Candidate For U.S. Foreign Policy

Most people would probably agree that any President of the United States needs skills in foreign diplomacy. The urgency of this necessity today cannot be overstated. Our relations with the world have been damaged by the current administration. We can no longer take the "bully" approach that the present administration has often exerted when it didn't get its way. This is precisely one of the reasons that we have lost respect in the eyes of many from other countries. The "bully" approach doesn't work: it alienates us from nations that once were our allies, creates new enemies, strengthens existing anti-American sentiments and creates fear and intimidation which can lead itself to more conflicts, including war. We clearly need a leader with the strength to negotiate, lead, inspire and work effectively with the diversity of today's governments and their leaders. We need a leader who can bring back respect to our country, while pursuing the resolution of conflicts, and promoting peace through cooperative and collaborative efforts. We need a leader who can communicate effectively with cultures different from our own. I believe that the best leader for our country is Barack Obama.

I've heard some people claim that Barack Obama's has less foreign policy experience than his opponents. I strongly disagree with this sentiment. In my opinion, Barack Obama is the only candidate with the experience that counts when it's needed the most: in times of disagreements, conflicts and misunderstandings.

So what are the characteristics and qualities that Barack Obama has to lead us in foreign affairs? First of all, he has a willingness to sit down and listen with those who are on opposing sides. This is a giant first step in opening a door that has been too often closed by the current administration. He will not try to "bully" the parties into accepting the notion of "our way or the highway" notion of politics. This will help restore respect for our country by starting a dialogue, which is a necessary first step.

Secondly, he has the experience in effectively bringing together diverse points of view for a common cause, His leadership as one of the sponsors of a bipartisan bill in the Illinois State Senate on the Gift Ban Act (a major ethics bill) is no small accomplishment! In addition, his campaign clearly shows that he is able to deliver a message of hope for people from diverse walks of life: young and old, rich and poor, across

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