After months of tireless campaigning and endless commercials, the time for choosing the next American President has finally arrived.  In an onslaught of political ambition from both sides, the pursuit for the White House began much too early for most Americans.  What initially set the candidates apart, now are grounds for disparaging attacks and unflattering headlines.  While the success of these early ventures has yet to be determined, there are invaluable lessons that must not be forgotten as caucus-voters throughout Nevada, Florida, New Hampshire, and other states head to the polls. 

            In times of past, domestic issues have surged to the forefront of the debates.  The most obvious examples are those social debates which have raged on between the conservative Right and liberal Left: abortion and gay marriage.  Politicians have used these issues much like a scare tactic, using fear and concern as a recipe for success; lest not forget Mr. Rove's “3G” ploy of 2004.  The traditional populist cries are as American as our form of democracy, but often these cries drown out equally important-if not more important-issues that deserve our attention and focus.

            In a very literal sense, the other side of the globe is now within reach.  The actions that we, as Americans, take in the coming months will have adverse effects of the reputation and ability of the United States abroad.  Having barely scraped a win in 2000, George W. Bush assumed his position atop the American political map and the events that followed forever changed the way the United States existed among the world's powers and our own history.  Indeed, September 11, 2001 is a day that will live alongside December 7, 1941 throughout U.S. History.  But the tragic events of that day signaled a change in the position of the United States abroad; not since the days of Ronald Reagan had the Oval Office used such threatening language.  As last year's campaign season has lingered on, American citizens  have seen a return to this style of “divide and conquer.”

            The support for Bush-43 is minimal.  Even with the support the President still experiences in some pockets of the country, the overall mood is one of frustration.  With an approval rating floating in the low thirties, President Bush is increasingly blamed for spoiled reputation of the United States abroad.  But do not forget that it was the American people who decided that this Texan would become the forty-third President of the United States, and it was Jerry Falwell and company who claimed that Bush's victory was their doing; the events leading to his election were in accordance to God's will.  Perhaps this is true, I, for one, am in no position to comment on such universal truths.  However, I implore each of you to look at each candidate as you head out to cast your vote.  Try to avoid the trap of voting a single issue.  Consider the entire candidate.

            The debate over Roe v. Wade will undoubtedly continue for many more years, as will the issue of gay marriage.  Try not to let it color your entire depiction of the candidates; there are many more undertones that give each candidate his or her distinction.  Consider where the candidate stands on issue that will undoubtedly change in the coming years including-but certainly not limited to-our current relations with foreign countries (Pakistan, China, India as well as Iran) while spending our military and financial capital wisely abroad. Yes, the Iraq War is an important issue.  It will shape the legacy of the current President and arguably the next, but this is only one aspect in a complex web of issues that shapes our current international position.

            The President of the United States arguably has the most visible on the face of the earth, second maybe to David Beckham.  With such a dominant force in world politics and culture, should your voting decision be based completely on only a couple domestic issues?  With that sort of mindset, there are serious issues that may be overlooked or even disregarded.  As hard as it may be, try to sift through the headline-charges and find the real issues that matter most to the candidates on the ballots.  Even if one person in particular stands out due to a self-deprecating television ad, check the facts and make sure that the person who you  intend to vote for has a sound understanding of the role that the U.S. President plays in the international arena.  Our future depends on it.