A Foreign Policy For South Carolina?

After a year of almost two dozen presidential candidates stumping across South Carolina, and with less than 11 months to go before Election Day, many voters are already weary of the 2008 campaign. Among the congressional as well as presidential contenders, voters should look for political leaders who show they have a strategic understanding of globalization and ideas on how to meet its challenges at home. South Carolina has the resources -- from think tanks and university-based specialists to current and former executives in business and government -- to help the contenders grasp global issues, define their local importance, and focus their proposals. The state needs a foreign policy, and voters ought to ask the candidates how they intend to craft it. As the 2008 campaign finally enters the homestretch, the dialogue would be well worth the effort.