DISADVANTAGE/BIPARTISANSHIP

IMPACT: FOREIGN POLICY BIPARTISANSHIP IS ESSENTIAL

BIPARTISAN FOREIGN POLICY IS THE BEST WAY TO SHAPE A BETTER WORLD

Charles Hagel, US Senator, 2001 Spring The Washington Quarterly SECTION: CAN FOREIGN POLICY BE BIPARTISAN?; Views from the Hill; Vol. 24, No. 2; Pg. 93 HEADLINE: History's Lessons //VT2002acsln

It is within our grasp to help shape a world that has the potential to do more good for more people than man has ever known. This responsibility is awesome, but one that the United States can fulfill if Americans do what we have always done best -- work together.

FOREIGN POLICY BIPARTISANSHIP IS POSSIBLE AND ESSENTIAL

Lee Hamilton, director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, 2001 Spring The Washington Quarterly SECTION: CAN FOREIGN POLICY BE BIPARTISAN?; Looking Ahead; Vol. 24, No. 2; Pg. 123 HEADLINE: How to Forge Ahead //VT2002acsln

Developing a bipartisan foreign policy will not be easy under any circumstances. We should expect rough patches, but, if Bush takes charge of U.S. foreign policy, reaches out and consults with Congress, builds on the areas of broad agreement, and works hard to reduce the friction around contentious issues, a strong bipartisan foreign policy could emerge. A foreign policy of unity is essential if the United States is to promote its values and interests effectively and help to build a safer, freer, and more prosperous world.

USA FOREIGN POLICY MUST HAVE PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE TO SUCCEED, WHICH MEANS BIPARTISANSHIP IS A MUST

Charles Hagel, US Senator, 2001 Spring The Washington Quarterly SECTION: CAN FOREIGN POLICY BE BIPARTISAN?; Views from the Hill; Vol. 24, No. 2; Pg. 93 HEADLINE: History's Lessons //VT2002acsln

Successful foreign policy also requires engagement with the U.S. public, which can be a natural outgrowth of a truly bipartisan foreign policy. When nationally elected officials work together, build consensus, and provide leadership, the American people will follow. We must stimulate and frame a national debate that will help inform and educate the country on the global challenges of our time.

As Roosevelt wrote in 1926, "A great nation must think of its own internal affairs, and yet it cannot substantiate its claim to be a great nation unless it also thinks of its position in the world at large." Therefore, the choices we make must first be based on the values and ideals of a just nation. Our foreign policy must be in our national interest, clearly defined, driven by priorities and objectives, and implemented with focused strategies and strength.

EVERYONE LOVES BIPARTISANSHIP — ESPECIALLY FOR FOREIGN POLICY

Few words in politics are bandied about as much as bipartisanship. All politicians recognize that, like freedom or prosperity, its approval ratings approach 100 percent. Yet translating rhetorical support for bipartisanship into practice can be extremely difficult. Although Americans have consistently said that they want their elected officials to work across party lines, the nation's politics have been excessively partisan over the past several years. U.S. foreign policy has suffered as a result.

BIPARTISAN FOREIGN POLICY IS FAR MORE EFFECTIVE

Foreign policy always has more force and punch when the nation speaks with one voice. When the president works with the opposing party and takes its views into consideration, the policy that results is more likely to have strong public support. Such a foreign policy makes the United States more respected and effective abroad.

The United States is at a remarkable moment in its history. The international environment is relatively tranquil; there is no major threat to our security; and we enjoy a position of unprecedented economic, political, and cultural preeminence.

USA LEADERSHIP IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE WORLD AND REQUIRES FOREIGN POLICY BIPARTISANSHIP

We must not, however, take these good times for granted. Most Americans have barely begun to comprehend threats now on the horizon. To remain secure, prosperous, and free, the United States must continue to lead. That leadership requires a president and Congress working together to fashion a foreign policy with broad, bipartisan support.