Christiane:
What is happening in Darfur and other parts of Africa (Rwanda, Congo, etc.), whether considered genocide or not has been alarming and continues to be of concern to me. These are innocent people and lives that continue to be destroyed because of a corrupt government that benefits from the riches of their natural resources but does not share it with their people. I would love the next President of the U.S. to take more of an active role in stopping it so you got my vote. However, I do believe in order to really solve it, it will take an act of not just the U.S. but other key countries on a united front. I'm looking forward to watching and most importantly, learning.

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

Looking forward to seeing this! Great show idea Christiane! CHRISTIANE FOR PRESIDENT – 2012!

If Palin's game is over, Repulicans have two other possibilities to keep the White House. One is releasing another recorded tape to spread fear as they did a few days before 2004 election. The other or maybe the last chance would be attacking Iran just before election day to turn the page. In that case, even if Democrate wins, they still have to deal with another war for another few years that can cost even more money for American that it did before.

Hopefully the next prez will have the sense to re-open diplomatic ties and open new ones. Why stop helping the poor and hungry? Al-Queda and Hamas, et al prey on the poor and ignorant. Why haven't our diplomats really come up with a plan to assist these countries by teaching them how to fish instead of giving them more fish (or a carrot)? There is always a diplomatic approach and a way to sway people to our side. Just think of the intelligence we could have if we had kept all our allies. Think about all the intelligence that appeared during the "surge", that was because the local population finally came over and told us what we needed to know to succeed. When Bush became prez, all the talking stopped, what a mistake. We need to take the terrorist approach in the sense that you can get desperate people to help if you, IF they know there is a decent future waiting for them.

Christine-My husband and I are definately looking forward to your show. It has been on our calendar for weeks. Your journalism work is outstanding!!! Thank you so much for bringing these critical issues to us.

Darfur is a very serious problem and it should be meet with a colaboration of all nations envolvement to fix. This inhuman activity must not continue. But America, must not go it alone. America needs to fix America for the the American peoples first. That means the American people must move away from the two party system that has
all but destroyed this Nation economicaly, politicaly,and weare the most disliked Nation on earth. Our early fathers of America were fiercely independent thinking men whom framed a constitution for all the people. It is time we get back to it and allow the independents of America a role of political positions in changing our government to what it should be.

James Baker was an excellent Secretary of State, always cool under fire!!!

I'm in my 20's and when I think of DARFUR I think of GENOCIDE. James Baker's final statement, "we cannot be the policemen for the world" was disturbing. That statement just doesn't sit well with me when it comes to slaughtering and mutilating humans. Just doesn't sit well......

No one is asking the current Secretary of State what she thinks? She must have an idea given what she knows, obviously what people like Powell, Albright and Baker know are obsolete stuffs.

Almost more than anything else from this election I hope the country gets a rational foreign policy and someone who will work hard to restore us to the good graces of the rest of the world. We as a country used to stand for freedom and good and we have lost that; we need to become leaders again in cooperation with the other nations and work to solve the problems we all face as members of the global community.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

This is going to be a fantastic survey of all the urgent world issues that our next president will face. Buttressed by Christiane's breadth and depth of knowledge of world events, the insights that these highly intelligent people will provide the American people will be supremely important to this election. I hope the American people will watch in droves. I certainly look forward to it!

Looking forward for the interviews Does James Baker have any thing to say?

we can't be the policemen of the world not a disturbing statement at all, because we really can't...but, can we assist? sure, but we'll need help from other countries as well otherwise we'll just be putting ourselves further in debt which is something i'm hoping our government will do the best to avoid as much as possible

Christiane, your are honest, relevant, and always seem to cut to the heart of the issue. Brava! I will be interested to see how closely these diplomats relate global climate change to foreign affairs, since I am one of those who agrees with Al Gore – we are in an age when foreign policy, energy policy, and worldwide stability are ever more closely linked to our addiction to carbon-based fuels. Darfur, Iran, Iraq, Russia, the Middle East, China – what is going on in all these countries is directly linked to global climate change. Maybe it will take a younger generation to realize the true nature of this globally destablizing issue.

I am signed up for the savedarfur.org coalition and I know it is indeed a growing movement. I am glad CNN looked at these issues with all the former secretaries of state. I'm looking forward to watching it. It would be nice to have a leadership forum with all the former Presidents of the United States, if such a thing could come to pass. CNN might be a ble to pull it off. This was an excellent feat and I hope we will see more like it in the future.

Thanks, CNN

Greetings Christiane:
First of all, your work is amazing. I've been watching CNN for years now and every time you come on, I listen whether I care about the story or not. Your skills in journalism are very impressive.
I am a soldier, currently in Iraq, and I have to tell you, there has been a big change here. I know you've seen it, along with many of your collegues, yet the reporting doesn't indicate it. The challenges in Iraq do require a diplomatic solution, but also a humanitarian and a military one, all in equal parts. I believe that a push for the humanitarian and diplomatic solutions is taking place, but the focus is still military. I am hopeful that the next President of the United States realizes this. I really don't care who wins the race, as long as it brings well-being to the country, its citizens and its soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors.

Regarding intervention in crisis areas around the world, I have to agree with Former Sec. Albright. We are damned if we do, and damned if we don't. Yet sometimes, it's better to be damned if we do. I do feel the events in Rwanda required our intervention, if not militarily, then at least humanitarian. The same stands for Darfur. The least we can do, since we still condier ourselves the most powerful country in the world, is provide humanitarian and diplomatic support, to include mediators or arbiters for a resolution. I am not suggesting putting more of my brothers and sisters in harms way, but if that would mean success and peace, then so be it.

Although it sounds cheesy, we as the United States have a great responsability in the world. I am not advocating "World Police" status, but we have the power to make a difference for good but greed, apathy and ignorance sometimes take hold and ruin it for us. It upsets me to see politicians suggest that one crisis in the world does not affect us while another one does, how we may support one group in dispair and not care, or even report on another.

The world is a big, complicated place however we have the reach, the visibility and the capability to affect change wherever it may occur. Our allies may not agree with my comments, and many of my brothers in arms will diagree with me completely, but this is how one soldier on the batlefield see's it.

Continue the great work. Always looking foward to hear from you Commander.

Christiane,

Thank you for a thought-provoking and stimulating show. I believe citizens ought to understand the new world order post cold war. The US strength is not limited only to its military might but rather its ideals and democratic values. I wish the next administration will consider reevaluating the current US foreign policy and engage other countries in the hope of forging and recapturing our role on the world stage.

David O, TX

This note is a reply to AJ. I have just turned 60.

I do share your concern that terrible things are happening in Dafur but question your thoughts as to who should police the world?. The "world" does not have a common perspective of what should be.

I compliment Christiane that her efforts try to present a balanced perspective of what is.

I am always surprised how US leaders never talk about the DR Congo crisis. So far 5.4 million people have died there, but because the people doing it or behind it are survivor of the first genocide in Rwanda, no one seems to be willing to make them accountable for their own genocide.

Madeleine Albright said "Tutsis are her eyes pupils," which is not a problem. The problem is that many leaders in the US like her still support President Kagame of Rwanda even if everyone knows he is responsible for killing his predecesor therefore co-responsible of the genocide he claims to be survivor of. Mr. kagame and his RPF followers killed millions of people in Rwanda and DR Congo, and he continues to support the rebellion of Laurent Nkunda who continues to kill in DR Congo. By supporting a regime of a minority of people with hands immersed in blood in central Africa, the US and the UK are creatng another appartheid.

I am also surprised how the media, including CNN still give to Kagame a cheerleading coverage. You know he's been indicted twice by European judges.

I am afraid with Mccain Kagame will continue to kill, just the way he's been doing since Bill clinton and Madeleine Albright brought him to power.

It's true Hutus killed between 500,000 and 800,000 tutsis (AND MODERATE HUTUS); but it's also true that Kagame killed and is responsible for the death of 5 million people in both Rwanda and the DR Congo. That's the number of jews Hitler killed. why do some people see a difference?

James Baker seems, as always, to be bluntly practical, while Madeleine Albright seems to always want to put a Democratic spin on everything. I'll look forward to seeing the program. Christiane Amanpour is an amazing journalist, always sharp and insightful.

AJ,

I am able to appreciate the fact that genocide is wrong as well. It does not sit well with me either. I suggest you try to look at it from the vantage of our American Soldiers ( I am a combat veteran myself ) and hopefully you can see...America simply financially and from a posture of National Security...cannot pay this bill alone
The rest of the world needs to be as upset as you and I are about the loss of life over there.

I am not sure that the comment about being the world police is being employed with the level of clarity that it should have been by Sec. Baker. He used a term that has been predominantly used by...soldiers to refer to their "jobs". Sad huh?

Yes Christiane Darfur is a big topic on US campuses, sadly you failed in your duty as newsperson to inform the students as to why the troubles in Darfur are occuring. Sudan has oil, lots of it. Western companies have been peacefully extracting oil from Southwestern Sudan for years. However, in recent years China's growing need for oil has caused it to explore further afield for sources. Sudan's Government leased them a large field in northwestern Sudan which, oh, by the way is where Darfur happens to be. The locals want a bigger slice of the pie. Sudan's governemnt – backed by troops in chinese supplied military trucks, carring chinese supplied s AKs, and supported by chinese supplied strike aircraft are teaching the locals not to interfer with Chinese resource contracts. China owns too much US currancy for us to do much than fret.

No offense, Madeline Albright, but when was is that you asked the people for "consent" on any subject other than in an election year? How did you know "IF" you had the "will" of the people? This is what concerns me about our style of government Ms. Albright, a handful of government officials determine the "will" of the peopel and when something bad happens, it's the peoples problem.

Why is it so important that the rest of the world loves us? How do you find middle ground with someone who wants to kill you, you just let them kill some of your people? How do you find middle ground with a country that wants to take over their neighbors, you let the take some of those countries? The UN and the League of Nations before it have proven to be the biggest waste of time and money. Ultimately, it is US soldiers and dollars that come to the rescue. The Europeans are to selfish and lack the guts to make hard decisions, they always take the easy road and you can see where that puts them. They didn't allow Georgia to join NATO so as not to upset the Russians and you can see what that led to. So I ask again, why do we want them to love us??

James Baker is a man of principle.
I think him for his principled stance on many issues including the support for the country of Macedonia. You are a great human being!

always look forward to reading and listening to your work.

vancouver,canada

We have alway been loved for championing freedom, democracy and human rights in the world, and admired for our incredible achievements and inclusiveness of world talent irrespective of color, race or religion. Our gift to the world has always been our values and our constitution.
We were loved when we helped Ben Ladin and co fight the Russians out of Afghanistan. The question that has not been asked in any depth, or we have chosen not to ask is: Why Sep 11? Why did they turn on us?
I hope Ms Amanapour asks this question tonight to this distinguished group. I know the answer lies in our betrayal of values and not what Bernard Lewis gave.
We cannot win the hearts and minds without being frank and honest with ourselves.

Great job! Thanks for your hard work.

Christiane Amanpour:
You are the best! You are why I watch CNN. You aways serve us a fascinating, objective, thoroughly researched views of the key challenges facing our world. Your work always provides different views of the causes and the solutions to our problems as global citizens. Thank you for caring about your work and us enough to spare us the mind-numbing gabbing about lipstick and other nonessentials, when the US is in one of the biggest crises of its young history. If we are to exist as long as the other nations we critique so thoroughly, it will take us be maturing enough to get past "chewing gum" issues and focus on the real "meat". Not only will I be tuned tonight, but I will make sure that everyone else is to!

I like the idea of presenting bypartizan view on the same topic before the presedential debates. It helps to focus on the issue rather than polirizing and politicizing which makes it difficult to be true to the problem. Good Job Christiane.

I have this concern though. I want to see how much the issue of "alliance in anti terrorism" downplay human vilolations in countries like Pakistan and Ethiopia

I strongly recommend that the U.S. examine its long held position that we are directed by God to be the world's policeman.
In spite of the attitude held by most Americans, we don't have the best political system, are not the richest, are not the smartest and don't have all the answers. A little bit of humility would go a long way.
In most cases we wind up making the situation worse, cause uncounted deaths and spend huge sums of money that we don't have.

Ultima Ratio Regum, "The final argument of kings". That is what the sun King had engraved on his cannons. To cut off diplomatic concourse and start threatening is to use the last resort first. I find it hard to believe that our leaders are so cavilier in their judgment and no one opposes them or even informs them that war by definition is to "impose your will on another through force", and that you only resort too conflict after all other measures have been exhausted. As for policing the world I would ask the age old question , Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes, " Who will watch the watchers" I use latin to show how very old these ideas of rule are. It goes to show how arrogant the world leaders really are. If they can't learn from the past how can we possibly expect them to make wise decisions for the future, vote with your head, not your heart.

I am an educator and the secretary in the school usually knows what's going on before (and sometimes after) the principal!
Maybe the same is true at the White House!! From the little bit I read in this "teaser" I'm betting these people have a wealth of insights!
Can't wait to hear them!!

Christine, I truly admire your work. I'm looking forward to watching this.
Omid... What does Palin has to do with the topic of this special? Wrong thread to vent.

Christiane, anywhere I see your work, I go straight to it. You are truly one of the best, if not the best journalist in our world. You should win another award. I think you would be a great asset to our next president as he leads in a world of changes. Sincerely...

Same old war mongering rethorics all over again. When is US going to learn that the world is not in 1990s anymore? Russia and China can repoint their weapons in 20 sec as well. Then what? Are US politicians so ignorant, despite US bankrupt economy (read: dependent and hungry for Chinese, Indian and Russian cash) not to change the course? Is US as a country becoming fundamentalist in their views of the others? Come on show me some intelligent views. Bring on someone with fresh and promissing ideas that can really contribute to the world peace. Not war mongering.

While foreign affairs remain important, especially in terms of those issues that present security problems for the US, I hope the new president chooses to emulate China somewhat and turns the focus of the government inward toward our domestic problems. If we can't solve those (inner city blight, faltering education system, inadequate healthcare system, crumbling infrastructure, illegal immigration, job flight, increasing drug problem, shaky financial system, budget deficit) we soon won't have anything left with which to help others. It's fine to want to play nanny/ppoliceman to the world, but we must take care of our citizens and our country first.

I agree with Ed Hayden's post, America has a 'we must do it alone' mindset that they need to get out of, what the next President (and I know the rest of the world hopes with me that it will be Obama) can and need's to do is rally the rest of the world to action.

Maybe what you are seeing in the students there is a generational shift to more international cooperation rather than unilateralism.

The foundation and stability of international peace is unity. Unity in defending a country or a people from war and genocide. I truly believe that any peace process or genocide intervention that does not contain the majority of international backing will not be as effective as one that does. Simple as that.

Christiane, would you consider being our next Secretary of State??? You may never receive a greater challenge in life!!!

I think is interesting how large grassroots movement on campuses across the country suddenly is representative of the American people's will. Most people do not want want to see U.S. troops being butchered in Africa, even if it is for a good cause. The fact of the matter is that after 9/11 most people in this country were outraged and ready for blood but less than 5% of the population ened up fighting this "war." Now, no Americans died in Africa so far in Rawanda, Sudan, Niger and other places and you expect the "American People" to respond. I think looking at college kids and their movements as an indicator of the American will is wrong. Americans who work and pay taxes and pay for their kids to enjoy college are more concerned about the economy, their jobs and their pensions now than they are of a resurgent Taliban, Al Qaeda, genocide in Africa or even Russia for that matter. So a political solution is best for this situation - sadly.

Christiane, we must remove that cowboy; good-ol-boy; we don't need-cha attitude that has been portraited around the world (by the U.S.)during the last eight years and start really practicing the diplomacy of we (the world) can all make this a better planet to live on by just discussing our differences and compremising our personal desires. Everyone on earth does not want Democracy or communism or socialism or whatever ism or ocracy. But with respect of each other, we can co-exist on this planet. I also believe under a different administration, Ms Rice would be an awesome Secretary of State.

This administration has been stupid in the way that it has handled diplomatic activity, using a hammer to kill a fly. Does any thought go into the fact that if water is a problem in a village, why not send someone from the Peace Corp in to drill a well. That is surely better than sending in free or cheap food rather than teaching the people how to irrigate their land. Or sending in troops. With GE's desalinization system, the whole Arabic desert could furnish food for the world. How about it GE. After the profits are rolling in, why can't Caterpillar send some large equipment to Africa to build some roads. If bin Ladin can build them why not our own industry. Its a tax write off for God's sake. The government could create an additional incentive with the IRS instead of a freebee instigated by lobbyists. We need a strong leader with enough intellect and common sense to say yes when a brilliant idea comes along and no to the lard buckets of large corporations with billion dollar compensation packages. We do not need another leader with the belief of messianic intent.

As a conservative, I agree with Madeline on her view of Dafur. As america..we are damned if we don't and we are damned if we do. That is why a president need to make the decision knowing that he and his cabinet and advisor owns the all encompasing picture and how each actions will affect the nations from each angle. Baker is also right that americans needs to be brought along in the decision also but when immediate decision needs to be made, a president will not always have the luxury to launch a PR effort to gauge public opinions or to explain the direction he/she is thinking of taken. So at the end, a president need to be patient enough to attempt consensus with americans if time is a luxury in a big foreign policy position and quick enough to react for the interest of the nation if immediate action is required.

Palin's game is over. She doesn't have a clue and should not even be a consideraton.What a joke.

America needs help to change the world. As much as it would like to think it can go it alone, It can't in today's world of global warming and economic difficulties, Darfur and other countries is a world problem. We need to start talking to other leaders and function as a world community and stop thinking like individual ancient tribes who are squabbling over land and power.

Looking forward to an interesting show. Hopefully it will stimulate answers to serious questions if the people whoneed to decide watch the show.

New York's own Senator, Hillary clinton has refused to attend the protest at the United Nations during the visit of the President of Iran.

If the Senator from New York and presidential candidate does not think Israel worth fighting for why should any other American.

Israel has a military and it has nuclear weapons. Iran is their problem. It is not our problem. With our nuclear weapons capability Iran will not dare attack the United States. If it did 170 million Iranian citizens would be instantly destroyed. Obama is correct Iran ios no threat to the United States.

We should completely withdraw from Iraq and completely withdraw fromthe rest of the Middle East and let Middle east countries defend themselves, settle their own problems and not allow one more American soldier shed one more drop of blood in the Middle East. there are men in every country in the Middle east and they have the fianancial means to defend themselves. Let them start doing that right now.

Bring our troops home and let the people of the Middle East find their own way in this world.

As to Israel it is a very tiny country and if it needs to be abolished let it be abolished. After all it was created by the United Nations way back in 1948 in a highly emotional response to the terrible events of WWII and has been nothing but a problem since then. With our open bordr policy we can always let the Jews move here. Do that and the Middle East is no longer our problem but their own problem.

As always, the level of journalistic value and timely messaging from Christine is stunning. Thank you for providing some truth, depth, relevance and portraits we as American must consider in order make choices on Nov. 4. Due diligent and honest.... say, could you pass the success of this journalistic approach to some of the folks on your team? geesh.... full disclosure on the candidates would be nice from the ah, 'best news team' on yada yada yada... frankly, I'm watching MSNBC and looking for you and Candy to catch up with CNN of late.

Main Street is looking for that "Whistle Stop Express" on economics and agenda for evaluation ! What's the "dos ie doe ?" Cheer up ! Just looking for a fair,honest,balanced slice of the American apple pie ! Wall Street, oh my ! $700 billion dollar bail out ? What's the PTC % on this one ? Open the gates for energy independence and national security for wind,solar and innovations ! Congress open our wind corridors ! Everyone team up and share ideas for solutions !

America is in a very different position now because of a number of strategic mistakes by our government - idealism, arrogance, incompetence, and lack of leadership have put the country in this position. How can we export democracy when our own democracy is in peril? How can we export our treasures when our country is on the verge of financial collapse? How can we police the world when our military is stretched to the breaking point?

Darfur is horrible. However, we have put ourselves in a position where our assets are limited. In fact, our nation's ability to help our own citizens is a big question mark - does our government get an A+ for its response to Katrina, Ike, crumbling infrastructure, poverty? I'll bet not. 1 TRILLION dollars on the war in Iraq and 1 TRILLION dollars to bail out failing financial institutions guarantees things are not going to get better soon.

We must now find new ways of gaining leverage, such as using our political capital to work with other countries and organizations to address this problem. The U.N. is a joke. What is needed are new structures, policies, relationships, and capabilities to address a world that has changed a great deal during the last decade. The U.S. is a super power with 3rd world resources. What a tragedy!

Treat other nations with respect and dignity, the whole world will be better place to live. There would be more understanding and cooperation.

It's interesting that while the people say they are for "change", Amanpour chooses to interview a host of old fuddy-duddies, the very people that have, over the decades, put us into the position we are in today. Both they, and Amanpour, are deaf and blind.

I am looking forward to this piece. It's absolutely great that students are lining up for this. Young people, contrary to the past trendS, will be voting heavily in November and they will be lining up. Forget the past; the pundits have been wrong time and time again. Clinton / Giuliani is so yesterday. If McCain and Obama had paid attention, they would still be opening their gifts last December and never slugged it through the snows of NH and Iowa.
These former diplomats have a lot of knowledge to impart and the next president will have to pay attention. No more Texas " hang 'em high" diplomacy; WE NEED CHANGE.

When we took out Saddam and the Bathists we took out a leadership that was responsible for more deaths than have occurred in Darfur. Yet the man that led this charge is vilified, go figure.

It's amazing how you put everything in perspective. I loved your unbiased reporting on three organized religion. U.S would not take the lead on Darfur because U.S have no interest in Darfur. I think NATO should take the lead to solve the crisis in Darfur.

Note: The show idea was not Christiane's but professor Inderfurth's of the Elliott School at George Washington U. CNN only picked it up after some time. Professor was an assistant to secretary of state (fromm1997 to 2001). I just wanted to say that he spent a year organizing all the details for this event and credit should not be taken away from him just because he is not the one on camera. Also, the capacity of students who wanted to go to this event were enormous (myself included), but as often school comes first and five secretaries of state only come second....The even was an amazing opportunity to the past take shape on the issues of today.

Three of the most brilliant minds getting together and hashing out world affairs, with one of the most intelligent and informative journalists of our day–genius! If only people had been smart enough to not vote for Bush (& I pray every day that Americans will finally pull their heads out and get off the Bush express by not voting for John McJurassic and Caribou Barbie), we'd have these 3 working double-time to get our country's good reputation back, and get our economy and education back on track. And as far as Darfur: heartbreaking, yes. But why are they doing this to themselves? Religion is the root of all evil.

We are "policing" Iraq as we speak, under the false assumption that they were a threat... but we are democratizing them anyway. We should either take on the role (which it seems we already have, selectively) of World Police or we should leave everybody to their own devices. I like the idea of "assisting" as opposed to "policing".

Christiane,
When are you going to write a book!? You've had some amazing interviews. You are one of the few highly respected journalists left in the media.

By Monday morning McCain will have flopped again and start saying he agreed with these folks all along, on Gitmo, torture, wiretapping etc.

These folks ( former sect. of state ) are so right and Bush/McCain/Palin ( the really scary one ) are so so wrong. Think about it fellow citizens when you vote.

I strongly believe a show such as this will make a clear case that an Obama presidency in 2008 is the only realistic way of fixing the problems caused by having BUSH's private interest politics in office for the last 8 years.

Christiane, I hope your questions are heard and on the botton in all issues policies. And have you ever thought of interviewing Sarah Palin?

As a former member of Sarah Palin's religious denomination who was theologically trained in its educational institutions, it would probably be easiest for me to help others understand her worldview by saying that it is quite similar to that of Pat Robertson. I am not sure that this bodes well for what the former secretaries of state recommend.

Finally, real food for real thought for the real world. We need more of this in the next 45ish days. Relevant dialogues for a world in chaos and flux. We need people who can extrapolate possibilities. Smart thought. Now more than ever.

Ah if Colin Powell could still be active in governmental leadership.... or any of the other former Secretaries of State... but I'm sure they have given what they can... and even in this interview they continue to contribute great perspective and insight...

Granted these people met before $1.3 trillion was a real number they certainly have a sense of what is good for America.

The current Secretary of State did much of her studies on Russian policy and look where American foreign policy with Russia stands right now. It behooves us [Americans] to listen to those who have experienced the world in foreign relations. You wouldn't hire a CDL driver [no insult intended] to comment on the opera and then decide whether or not you would attend the opera in question. We [Americans] MUST learn to appreciate and respect those who have negotiated and learned from their mistakes in foreign policy. We NEED them to give us their points of view on what is happening NOW with the issues that America faces. Look what many Americans did with the current "leader of the free world." Many Americans thought they knew better and hired a man who doesn't know how to listen, learn, change, or think for himself, or for his country. America has a learning problem: we want others to learn OUR way. Now listen to what the good Secretarys have to tell us, sit back, THINK about it, and tomorrow, talk to someone you know and have a conversation about what you learned today.

In the next president a world of challenges, there seems to be no concern over South America and the problems posed there especially with regard to the intervention in favor of Chavez in so many of the countries there: Bolivia, for one. Why is all the concern with the Middle East and none with the countries right on our doorstep?

vobichlan – you cannot ask condi rice for her opinion NOW because she's in the middle of it, she's helping to SHAPE bush's foriegn policy and has not had the benefit of being out of it for awhile and hindsight to give her perspective and temperance. she's a very intelligent woman, but she's not going to trash her boss just yet!

just because the former sec.'s o'state are not IN the job, doesn't mean their KNOWLEDGE is obsolete. these folks continue to research, and their contacts in gov't continue to feed them info and ask advice WELL into their post-service careers.

Kudos to CNN and the excellent hosting of Christine and Frank! One of the best programs on current issues I've seen this year! Listening to these honorable political servants discuss the issues with dignity and grace, absence of rancor, and impressive intellectual muscle was a relief and gave me some hope that regardless of the outcome of the election there WILL be advisors nearby to help steer the Ship of State. God willing!

My husband and I were interested to hear what these leaders had to say. Thank you for creating a program like this. It was a nice change from all the political strategists being featured every night on the news.

james baker has little in common with the current republican party as james baker beleaves in diplomacy . james baker beleaves in talking with our enimies to find common ground . james baker daid talking with our enimies was how we ended the cold war . mr baker has little in common with the neocons or the fanatical religious right their leaders always sell down the road and the gop gives them almost nothing in return . but mr baker is from the old conservitive wing of the gop sadly its clear to see after decades of control the conservitives like james baker have lost control off the republican party to the far right .its sad to see . mr james baker does not describe to the insane bush doctrine . how would we like other countrys to use the bush doctrine on us here in america . thanks christiane.

It was a fascinating conversation. Did Christiane Amanpour really use the figure of speech "Let's call a spade a spade" when addressing Colin Powell? Oops. There may have been a better way to present that thought. Otherwise, it was a wonderful meeting of minds. I am all for a new administration that takes it's time to make sound decisions in foreign policy that are not tied to our interest in oil but to more humanitarian concerns.

I was struck by the similarities in statements of these Secretaries and Obama's, including Republican Secretaries. It is obvious that if you are a Republican or a Democrat you might stick with your party, but their thinking on issues such as speaking to Iran and Syria, Global warming, and the Georgia debacle should put McCain on the defense about his judgment and experience in foreign affairs. I, truly think that these Secretaries make the best case to vote for Obama.

Christiane, my husband and I admire you. You're well spoken and able to report with great insight and understanding on so many situations around the world.

I enjoyed the program. It is amazing how much they agreed with one another. As a group, they certainly represent alot of experience and intelligence. They almost reminded me of the Supreme Court. I hope a tape of this program has been sent to both candidates, just in case they missed it. I often wonder if presidents ever tap into these type of resources when being faced with difficult relationships with other countries.

I hope more shows like this will be produced in the future. These are very smart people that can relate to everyone and can be very honest in their opinions. They did show some humor which made them appear grounded. Good job!

christane ask mr baker to explain how they did not use diplomacy to solve the cold war . please mr baker can you tell us if you beleave in the bush doctrine as it seems to be diametricly oposed to your methods that actualy got us good results on the international front . i beleave you faction mr baker the conservitives have lost control of the neocons and the religious right . an thats the problem with the gop in a nutshell . and last week they caused another great depression if it had not been for the tax payer to bail out wall st , fannie may and fannie mac its most alarming anyway . and it proves conservitisim economicly and in international afears no longer has the majority in the republican party , but that two extream hawkish and religious right wing extreamists have control an sway in the gop today . and mr baker id have to say thats why the countrys in the pooh and trillions an trillions 0f dollers in debt . what happent to the fiscaly responsible and small govenment ideology of the republicans its gone . becouse the conservitives have lost control of the party . govenment has gotton bigger , debt is huge under bush and john mcain voted 95% for all of this james . mr baker the conservitives have to get back control of the republican party before ill be able to vote republican again . steven

This was mostly a disappointment. And, it is probably because there are no advance answers, and there is no inherent advice for our future president.

Also, the guys kept it clean but Madeleine Albright could not refrain from giving partisan replies! Christiane Amanpour dropped a partisan comment or two as well!

The next president primarily needs to be a man of faith, experience, integrity, judgment, authenticity, humility, stability, courage, optimism, patriotism and action.

He must also have the gift of active listening, the gift of servant leadership, the intuitive gift of reading the public, a moral center, a code of ethics and American values!

The best comment was that the first thing the next president needs to do is to gather his top people together to discuss the issues according to possibilities not only wants or needs before he involves others!

There is only one man and one team that meets this standard!

McCain/Palin 08!

Awesome discussion! I heard very relevent and thoughtful ideas. The only sour point was when Albright broke the faith of good talks with her cynical "Alaska" blurt. Many Americans and respected scientist will stipulate that man's waste by-products certainly contribute to effect climate change, but it a very small imprint comparted to the cyclical climate of mother nature. Political correctness stifles common sense. Our earth's climate has changed drastically from hotter and colder temperatures from what we experience presently. Common sense indicates this could be mother nature in her ever changing state. The jury is still out, dispite the pressure to agree on global warming and humans as its cause.

My husband and I recorded the interview with the former Secretaries of State this evening on TIVO and just finished watching it. This is perhaps the finest piece of journalism we have seen in a very long time. I have admired Christiane Amanpour for many years, and my estimation of her, and all of the panelists, grew this evening. Thank you for this intelligent discourse.

Thank you for that very interesting and informative discussion, no sound bites, just real discussion.
We so respect Christiane Amanpour.

Oil is the life blood of the planet. Sure there are trillions of gallons available but in all reality everything comes to an end and if we don't have a plan to use some alternative source of energy we will help this earth perish and it will be because we have been poor stewards of this earth.

I think we often get journalist to ask questions but they don't deal with core issues in the future of our children and our families. On another note, Christiane Amanpour is probably one of the most effective journalists I've seen in years. She seems to always bring important perspectives to the forefront. I just want to hear where anyone thinks we are going to put these nuclear power plants.

Excellent, informative, essential program for all of us. Madeleine Albright was the best of the lot! Colin Powell comes in a distant second.

VoBichLan, Canada,
Do you really think the previous secretaries are not aware of "current stuffs"?

The whole thing just re-affirmed my vote for Obama. After watching these "experts" discuss what we should do to restore faith in our country around the world, they seemed to be really in tune with what Obama has been calling for all along. This really assured my vote for Obama

Oh-no! I missed it. Please replay or offer online. Thanks!

How about a CNN special comparing the President and Vice president assigned job description, how it has worked for past administrations and the role of the Presidents and Prime Ministers of other countries. In France, the President’s primary role is to deal with the international affairs and the Prime Minister is to take care of the daily running of the country. Of course, the President oversees it all.

When I saw this on the CNN line up I was surprised that all of the recent former Secretaries of State would be participating and, secondly, thought it would be politically skewed and lacking in candor of opinions. My premonitions were wrong and it was a delight. The former Secretaries were fantastically candid – each was prepared to speak on their opinions seemingly without limitations. Truly fascinating and a glimpse of the much bigger interconnected world picture. I appreciated Ms. Amanpour's steering to include of Secretary Kissinger's valuable opinions in the discourse. The only drawback was the Secretaries were prepared to talk about things more in depth than the moderators and they often could not follow the stream and ask the next logistical question. This was especially noticeable with Mr. Sesno on the Darfur points Secretary Albright was getting at. He seemed too obsessed with his role to actually hear what was said.

congratulations to you and frank sesno for providing an honest, open, and informative forum for discussion of real foreign policy issues. one of the biggest losses in this 24 hour news cycle world, is time. a candidate normally has about 10 seconds to make their case. this absolutely stifles any type of detailed debate and relegates them to spouting simple sound bites. sound bites do not lend themselves well to complex descriptions or nuanced interpretations of situations. nearly everything i watch on CNN is rarely more than 5 minutes long, and its this type of in depth non-partisan debate that most network (except perhaps C-span) news programs are lacking.

you'll notice that the program is one of the most popular videos being watched on CNN. i believe it's not a fluke. readers are starved for decent, in-depth coverage which is usually sorely lacking.on CNN. here's hoping that a few more in-depth forums may happen in the future. congratulations, and keep up the good work!

I cannot believe Americans are so concerned with Dafur and the all incompassing "Carbon Footprint" when America`s financial institution is on the verge of collapse and Russia is directly threatening the west. These issues will have ramifications far more dramatic then Darfur or Global warming. Don`t take your eyes off the ball America or we will all pay a terrible price.

Ms. Amanpour what makes a great interview is when we challenge the participants for their answers. Madeleine Korbel Albright said the old NATO was against the old Russia. Then theoretically the new NATO is against the new Russia .I Beg your pardon that’s confirm what Putin has been saying for so long!Please try to respect the intelligence of your viewers worldwide. We want to be informed not to be indoctrinated!

I believe that the Middle East situation, is the most dangerous situation facing the world today. A diplomatic soultion appears very unlikely. Therefore, the more time wasted pursuing this path the greater the danger grows. The new president, whoever he may be, faces a nightmare senario. Because, to let things stand increases the danger, yet a military conflict will necessarily include the use of nuclear weaponry. If such becomes the case the potential for a world war is great. Good luck to the new president and good luck to us all.

James Baker is a disgrace. And we are the policemen of the world even if I disagree with it, or even worse. We do what we want when we want and why because nobody is wanting to challenge the U.S. I think the only situations to which we should be the policemen of the world are for situations of extreme genocide. I am upset because we have not done anything about the situation in Burma. They have been in them middle of what is called a civil war for the last 60 years. It's not war, the military is the government and they will kill people just because they can.

#1 on the list for Diplomatic Relations:
– Osama Bin Laden! (Dead or Alive)

There maybe more heads to cut-off the Dragon, but as long as he is free and directing Al Quaida, there will never be peace.

united state of america is a great country with real democracy and i think usa shoud protect world peace .
usa must daunt russa an learn democracy to putin and leaders like him.
i think DIALOGUE with iran is entrepreneur for peace and usa gowernment should venerate to iranian people because no of terorists and suicides in the world were not iranian and most of them are arabs and saudian but visa is very easy to a saudi man but difficult for iranian why?

Christiane, you were right not to turn to the audience for a show of hands on the Darfur question, simply because your immediate audience would not have been very representative of the American citizenry as a whole, and it would have been unfair to pretend that the response from college students was fit contradiction to remarks the secretaries had made about Americans overall. The reason you were sure to get a big response on the issue means only that you know what most college campuses are like politically, not that you are convinced there is a national consensus for action in Darfur.

This "The Next President" program needs to be advertised more aggressively, added to the "ticker" and in other media outlets. It doesn't even show up on Google's main page today and isn't being discussed in the blogosphere. It would also be nice to offer a post-analysis of the remarks made during the program.

The economy is important but given that the first debate on Friday will address foreign policy issues; the public should also be paying attention to what these former statesmen and stateswoman have to say.

What does it tell you when all of the great secretaries of the past say you have to talk to IRAN? Obama knows what he 's talking about and McCain is an old ,outdated and arrogant man with 18,000,000. cracks in his head.

Disagree with Mrs. Albright. It is not about if America will do or will not do. It is about "how" America did it. Imagine the same amount of money spent on war in Iraq will do if American took a different approach. No one in America seems asking the right question – "why is there terrorist in the first place?" There must be some reasons. The first generation of America themselves were once a terrorist under British's rules??? America need to start viewing the world from another angles if want to expect some changes to happen.

Wow, Christiane- I wish I could have tuned in. Is there a transcript of the show available?

I'm a US citizen living/working in southern Sudan. As I sit around the fire at night with my Sudanese friends, the conversation often turns to the situation in Darfur, the latest raids by LRA rebels, the ongoing violence in the Nuba mountains, and the threat of renewed war between north and south. Then, they turn to me and begin to grill me on the political candidates. They want to know if the next American President will care about the injustice in Sudan or turn a blind eye.

The word passing through the NGO community is that Sudan will likely be back at war within 8 months of the American election- and the new commander in chief will do nothing. Too many conflicts of interest. Too many world powers have their hand in this convoluted mess. Too many toes to step on. Intervention here would be anything but surgical. No, the United States will look away.

But, I don't speak so frankly to my Sudanese friends. Such frankness would be unkind. We're living in the middle of a great diplomatic enigma, and the Sudanese people cannot look to the United States as their savior.

I heard most of the former secretary general talking to Mrs.Amanpour last night.They looked and sounded like very intelligent people.Even though James Baker is just as intelligent as anyone of them,it's hard to understand this following statement that he said:no world reform can succeed without the cooperation of the U.S.I think this is less and less true;if you take in consideration the present almost collapse of the american economy,the performance and the reputation of the U.S. of the last 8 years with G.Bush,the movement undertaken by a large group of countries,notably from SouthAmerica,Pakistan,China,Russia and others.They are united in other to remain more independant vis-a vis the U.S.
That is why I think it would be good to elect Obama.He is more educated,cultured and suffisticated than Mccain who is of the stubborn and old pholosophy of the republican party.It is a philosophy which is self centered and closed to the world.This president hadn't been outside the U.S. when he became president and they talk about Obama's inexperience.
Mike
Canada

Amanpour is great and listening to the intelligent assessments of Powell and Baker gives one pause about the folks we currently have running. If Powell would run now it would be a runaway election, although he'd have to deal with his WMD speech to the UN.

Listening to Henry Kissinger has always been a struggle. I am usually left thinking that he is not as intelligent as folks give him credit for. I'm glad the questions were mainly directed to Powell, Baker and Christopher. Albright had a few good things to say, but she has a difficult time leaving politics out when the discussion should have been a refreshing apolitical assessment. Her creditability further suffers from this.

My biggest disappointment though is that Climate Change (read as anthropogenic CO2 induced catastrophic Global Warming (A-CO2-GW)) is once again portrayed by the media and politicians as a truism and it is nowhere near that. At least Baker explained a reasonable position to take even if it was supported by science. I would say that even if it was supported by science, adaptation is the best practical solution.

Politicians can be excused because they don't understand the science (or lack of it), but the media can't be excused. They need to do a little more investigation,and if they are in fact objective on this they may be quite surprised. And they might find a somewhat complicated but amazing story that would bring certain scientists down from their pedestals. Failure to do this makes the media complicit in the cover up of the real science.

What's really sad is there is so many interesting natural climate factors like ocean circulation patterns, long term influence of continental movements, earth axis tilt, sun cycles, cosmic ray induced cloud nucleation effects, biological effects, etc. The focus on man made CO2 appears to be a cover story for a different objective, and making it green makes it hard for anyone proposing a different view to painted with a color that isn't green. That this all sounds like a conspiracy theory also makes it difficult to get the true state of the science revealed.

From a foreign relations point of view, the question we Americans must ask ourselves is which candidate is best qualifed to restore America's integrity in the eyes of the rest of the world. Who can encircle the greatest number of people insuring the world of our intentions to bring renewed trust and faith in America's words of peace and cooperation.? Would this candidate be one who made his living as a war hero? Would this candidate be one who believes in sensoring ideas that do not conform to her own? Come on, America; now is the time to wake up to our increasing globalized world.

I watched the show last night and was amazed to see that all 5 secretary of states seemed to agree with this approach -

-open communication to our friends and enemies
-a decision style that weighs all of the facets of a situation before
coming to a decision.
-bringing the whole world in, and working with NATO
-not rushing to war about anything

These are all aspects of President Obama's plan for his presidency and our nation which will be electrified and respected by the world all over!

I thought this show was so informative and believe all the former Secretaries of State clearly explained in so many words that John McCain certainly is not the right choice for president because of his continuation of Bush foreign policy and his VP pick.

I was really impressed that each member on the panel thought addressing Global Warming is a huge priority and that the United States needs to take a leadership role in this. I loved it when Madeline Albright said that yes Global Warming is a problem everywhere except in Alaska. Ha! The crowed roared and applauded her. The comment was funny and cut right through the crap. Thank you for that Madeline Alabright..

I feel that all of the 5 former Secretaries of State do not approve of the Sarah Palin pick and after seeing all of these incredibly smart people on stage, it was so apparent how ridiculous the Sarah Palin pick is, Sarah has really lowered the bar for the presidential elections, how utterly unfortunate.

Thank you for the show.
Juneau Alaska

We need more programming like this! Please!

Shame on you, CNN. It takes you 45 minutes to even bring up global warming (and you still call it "climate change") and instead of actually showing any dialogue about the issue, you cut away after a Republican gives a glib answer about cows and about how the Kyoto treaty was damaging to the U.S. Global warming isn't just about hippies wanting to protect the environment; it's about the very habitability of our planet and the survival of the human race. Yes, Iraq is clearly important too. But judging by your one hour broadcast, you would think that MILITARY was the only thing that mattered in this world. Shame on you for being so irresponsible. No wonder no one has faith in the mainstream media.

Ms. Amanpour,

Thank you for a wonderfully informative program. The former Secretaries of State seemed to have general consensus on a number of items. Who can formulate pointed questions, much like you put to your quests
(such as," What would you do about Pakistan?" Iran, etc.), and get them put to the candidates in the upcoming debates so we can get away from mud slinging and learn what the candidates would do on specific issues?

Thanks again!

11.3 trillion dollar bail out ? Can we afford four more years ?

Enjoyed the program. Always try to catch them. Never boring & always interesting. I'm a big fan.

A brilliant interview of some of America's most brilliant citizens! Thanks!