Barack Obama, John McCain on Foreign Policy

Senator Obama:

After Iraq, we may be tempted to turn inward. That would be a mistake. The American moment is not over, but it must be seized anew. We must bring the war to a responsible end and then renew our leadership -- military, diplomatic, moral -- to confront new threats and capitalize on new opportunities. America cannot meet this century's challenges alone; the world cannot meet them without America.

Senator McCain:

America needs a president who can revitalize the country's purpose and standing in the world and defeat terrorist adversaries who threaten liberty at home and abroad. There is an enormous amount to do. The next U.S. president must be ready to show America and the world that this country's best days are yet to come and be ready to establish an enduring peace based on freedom.

While now over a year old, the journal Foreign Affairs had a series of essays written by the various candidates, including both Senators McCain and Obama.

While the focus of most voters has turned to economic issues, it's still important to know what each candidate feels to be America's place in the world (especially since our economic leadership position may now be in question).

In looking over just the titles, I'm reminded of another quote I've seen recently in relation to the investment crisis: Losers focus on the risk, Winners focus on the rewards. Interestingly, during a time when the Dow was at 14,000, the Republicans were shaping their foreign policy based on the risks, while the Democrats were couching their essays in the language of the opportunities.