Last week I mentioned the count-down to Iowa, well its here. With the Christmas Holidays here this remains the last full week- end for candidates to do the dotting of the (i) and the crossing of the (t)….. as the cliche goes. If the caucus were held now, I think the results would have been as meaningful as on January 3–not too many minds being changed at this time, I would hope. That said, the political fix is on; and given our frustration to hear an absolutely clear message , in another breath we lament– “the thrill is gone”. Nevertheless, by refusing to settle for the “noise” created by the Season, and amplified by wrapping paper and aromas from the kitchen- this may be the time to talk Foreign Affairs.

No one denies, as more questions are asked of Senator Clinton we can see the writing on the wall. Among the tough questions — her ability to take on the reins as Commander-in Chief. In that light I share a summary of a recent article circulated by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) outlining the policies the Senator would pursue should she be elected president.
This follows the backdrop as more among the liberal left of her party questions her commitment to seeing a quick withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and what others bluntly call her “Hawkish” views that would continue an already protracted war.

Not to mention her condemnation of the Revolutionary Guards in Iran as terrorists. The big question: Does her vision as Commander-in Chief embrace a pro-war strategy. For those who support the school of thought– that the best defense is offense, the policies proposed are merely a good place to start. Her vision for America indicates “We should aim to lead our friends and allies in building a world of security and opportunity… A world that is safer, more prosperous, and more just.” Who objects to such a Preamble?

On Iraq– the Senator said she would move to withdraw the troops, bring them home safely, working simultaneously to restore stability to the region. Hillary would replace military force with a new diplomatic initiative that would engage countries around the world in securing Iraq’s future. She added ” as president I will convene the Joint Chief of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council directing them to draw up a clear, viable plan to bring our troops home within the first 60 days of my administration. Now that it appears, the “surge” is working, would Clinton make any adjustments in this regard?

On Iran– that nation must conform to the nonproliferation obligations and must not be permitted to build or acquire nuclear weapons. To strengthen her arguments…. she emphasizes “If Iran does not comply with its own commitments and the will of the international community, all options must remain on the table. Willing to increase the peace dividend where possible, she said that if Iran was willing to end its nuclear program, renounce sponsorship of terrorism and support Middle East peace, the United States would be prepared to consider a carefully calibrated package of incentives, essential to show the Iranian people the quarrel is not with them but with their government.

The Military– Do we need to expand and modernize? In this regard Senator Clinton would work to expand it and help our forces recover from Iraq and help in preparing them to confront the full range of twenty-first century threats. She thinks a willingness to expand and modernize the military is necessary so that fighting future war no longer comes at the expense of long term deployments, but on military readiness and/or responses to urgent needs at home.

Climate Change– From the generation of baby-boomers. Hillary supports going “green”. As president she would embrace the fight against global warming, by making it a priority. Understanding that solving this problem requires the collaboration of the rest of the world, she adds. ” The United States must reengage in international climate change negotiations and provide the leadership needed to reach a binding global climate agreement”.
Al Gore is not running for president, a Nobel Laureate on this subject– do I see him consulting with his president to assist in carrying out this mandate? At least on this they are standing on common ground.

Rebuilding American Power– Have slipped in our efforts to influence the world? Possibly! Well Senator Clinton believes “We must learn once again to draw on all aspects of American power to inspire and attract as much as to coerce”.

This summation attempts to take a peek at her points-of view, while not not presented verbatim, the positions she takes will weigh heavily on her ability to win in the general election. With all the fears that a female a the helm generates, not to mention her support of the Klye-Lieberman bill, do you think she has the ‘guts” to take on this responsibility?

Whether the answer is yes or no, be reminded gender and the ability to lead are two different things. Given she may have ‘something to prove’ Clinton could bring more balance in addressing world affairs, than has been attempted before. As voters seek and call for CHANGE, Foreign Affairs,will ride high on the agenda. So will the Senator be able to convince us that her experiences as First Lady, tenure in the Senate, and her travels across the globe are enough — gives her first-hand experience to rally our troops and secure the nation when under attack? I look to see what develops on this subject, and whether her abilities will be framed from the perspective of gender or experience.

With eleven days to go, the race has it stands and a survey by the American Research Group shows that in Iowa among the Democrats, the top horses are in dead heat. Senator Clinton stands at 29 percent, Senator Obama at 25 percent and John Edwards at 18 percent. Edwards could pull a surprise –toppling Hillary or Obama, credited for spending a much longer time in the state building support. But from the raw numbers the slug fest, is between Clinton and Obama. Who gives up the ghost first? Seeking an answer on the edge of my chair.
On the other hand, among the Republicans, Mike Huckabee continues to ride high, with Senator John McCain, the come back kid, in second place with 20 percent. Mitt Romney after pumping all that money and time to woo conservatives, clocks a mere 17%.

A long campaign season, yes! But with the twists and turns, and its fluidity, together it makes for a very interesting political season. After the nail biting, a few will leave travelling first class, others in coach and many by Greyhound. But on Foreign Affairs how much do you support Hillary’s goals as Commander-in-Chief? Does it matter she is labelled a “hawk” or should we be concerned about her having the “grit” to make tough decisions when required to do so? I know she speaks from the position of a Centrist– will that change? Will Obama be able to have that label “Bushlite” stick? And will that play negatively or positively as she travels the road to the White House? Thoughts!


VernaSmith