On the campaign trail, then-presidential hopeful John McCain had daily rallies calling Obama’s foreign relation skills "not enough" and "unintelligent". Obama, on Good Morning America, responded to these statements as "attacks" and "more of the same". "Well, actually, my experience in foreign policy is probably more diverse than most others in the field. I am somebody who has actually lived overseas, somebody who has studied overseas. I majored in international relations." Obama said.
Obama boasted in the interview with Matt Lauer that in contrast with his competitors (Clinton and McCain at the time), "I'm somebody who has actually lived overseas."
Now President Obama is fuzzy on the details of his foreign relations. His focus is becoming more on the economic policies wanted by the democratic party to shape America, rather than the enemies at the gate waiting to jump it.
The Obama-Biden foreign policy, according to the White House website, will "end the war in Iraq responsibly, finish the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, secure nuclear weapons and loose nuclear materials from terrorists, and renew American diplomacy to support strong alliances and to seek a lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
American presidents, over the last 40 years, have tried and failed in stabilizing the middle east region. The Obama administration is more optimistic in his approach. President Obama supports tough and direct diplomacy with Iran without preconditions. According to a White House aide "Now is the time to use the power of American diplomacy to pressure Iran to stop their illicit nuclear program, support for terrorism, and threats toward Israel." Obama and Biden will "offer the Iranian regime a choice" according to the aide. "If Iran abandons its nuclear program and support for terrorism, we will offer incentives like membership in the World Trade Organization, economic investments, and a move toward normal diplomatic relations. If Iran continues its troubling behavior, we will step up our economic pressure and political isolation. In carrying out this diplomacy, we will coordinate closely with our allies and proceed with careful preparation. "
The administration hopes that through this plan, America can gain a comprehensive edge over Iran and help settle the region’s many conflicts. The administration will maintain strong ties with allies like Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, and Australia while also working to build an infrastructure with countries in East Asia that could promote stability and prosperity in the region. Through these allies, Obama hopes to have a better coalition to combat the "evils" of the world.
In the hopes to keep the American public informed, President Obama is calling for required periodic national broadband town hall meetings by national security officials to discuss foreign policy.