I think it's time for us all to get off the Republican--and now Clintonian--talking points, which frame foreign policy only in terms of war and crisis. This activates fear, very powerfully. Clinton just said today that since McCain will be the nominee, the election will be about national security. ***But of course, it doesn't have to be.*** It's time to change the framing. Obama needs to activate another emotion to counter Clinton's use of fear: pride in being an American, and hope that America can both lead the world and be a good global citizen in the 21st century.
Obama's campaign has to turn the foreign policy "experience" question into a vision statement about American values, about having pride in America's dealings in the world--not permitting torture, not allowing illegal wiretaps, meeting with our enemies, setting a good example in the world. This is where Obama shines: when he makes Americans proud to be Americans. He needs to activate another emotion to counter the use of fear, which Clinton's decided to make her central campaign tactic.
Frame: Clinton and McCain have the same warrior mindset, and the 21st century needs a strong diplomatic president to forge peace in the world, someone who knows the Constitution and who will defend it, even in times of crisis. Their experience makes them warriors, and will lead to only more war. We need a new mindset for a new century.
Foreign policy is not ONLY about answering the phone at 3 am., it's about restoring our relationships with the world, about inspiring young people to serve in the military, the peace corps, the foreign service. It's about the US as a good global citizen, taking the lead with global warming, with immigration policy, with transparent government.
Other suggestions? Suggestions on how to create a positive contrast with Clinton's fearmongering, one that is not about policy details, but about a vision for America?