Former Secretaries of State to next President: Get over it. Get real. Be smart
Program Note: 5 former Secretaries of State tell Christiane Amanpour & Frank Sesno what advice they have for "The Next President."
Watch The Next President: A World of Challenges. Saturday, 9 p.m. ET
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Frank Sesno | BIO
CNN Special Correspondent
There we were, sitting alongside five people who had made history and shaped American foreign policy for nearly four decades. Vietnam and détente. Hot war with Iraq and Cold War with the Soviet Union. Mideast peace conferences and arms control. Kosovo and Iran. Rwanda and Iraq. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the scourge of drought, poverty and AIDS in the developing world. Henry Kissinger, James Baker, Warren Christopher, Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell. Five former American Secretaries of State. The conversation was remarkable for its candor, depth and realism.
We gathered at the George Washington University, where I teach, to talk about the challenges facing the next American president. Christiane Amanpour brought her experience and hard edge to the questioning. The list of challenges we asked about was daunting– from big global issues like climate change and poverty to decisions about how to deal with the new, more assertive Russia, how to handle Iraq and Afghanistan, whether to reach out to Iran, how to fight terrorism and fix America’s tattered image in the world.
Here’s what the secretaries’ bottom line was: get over it. Get real. Be smart. The world is a complicated place. America has to lead. Play down the ideology, they seemed to say, and approach the world rationally and with perspective. Imagine that.
They didn’t agree on everything but the points of consensus were striking – and refreshing, far from the attack soundbites of the campaign and the seductively quick-fix ideas we often hear from politicians and pundits. In fact, on more than one issue, it was clear that this conversation could not possibly take place in the hothouse of the campaign. Poll-driven comments and rapid reaction war rooms ready to pounce prevent candidates from admitting mistakes or embracing the nuance of the real world – even though it’s the real world in which we live.
Some of their suggestions were practical and incremental, some would be big departures from where we are today.
It’s time to engage Iran, the Secretaries said. Drop the preconditions and the political posturing. “The whole point is you try to … deal with countries that you have problems with.” said Madeleine Albright, who tried to pursue an opening with Iran when she was in office. From across the aisle, James Baker agreed. His advice to the next president: “You ought to engage.”
Engage the whole world, really. The secretaries agreed America’s image is a mess. And they laid out three things the next president should do to start to fix it: close Guantanamo, end torture and take the lead on climate change.
On Russia, the message was similarly realistic. Georgia fired the first shot in that little August war, they reminded us. Not to excuse it, or suggest Russia’s a benevolent, democratic place. Keep the pressure on. Make Russia feel international scorn. But keep perspective. Don’t overreact. “We need Russia for a solution of the Iranian problem,” said Henry Kissinger, father of détente. “We may need Russia if Pakistan evolves in some of the directions that it might… It is helpful to cooperate with Russia, not just on the proliferation question, but on the issues of energy.” His bottom line: “This Russia is not democratic, but is also not– what it was before.” Colin Powell said keep the strategic picture in mind. “The Russian Federation is not gonna become the Soviet Union again.”
One of the most poignant discussions was about ‘soft power,’ those activities we do in the world that don’t often attract headlines – development assistance, humanitarian aid, educational and cultural exchanges, that kind of thing. We need a lot more of it, they all said. Former Secretary of State Baker brought it home with a simple comparison. America has fewer people in the foreign service today, he said, than serve on one aircraft carrier. That’s got to change.
It was a challenge to the next president, who will face a world of them.
On Twitter
"Georgia fired the first shot in that little August war, they reminded us." Not to excuse it, or suggest Russia’s a benevolent, democratic place."
But Georgia didn't fire the first shot into Russia. Georgia was addressing violent outbreaks in two of its own (breakaway) provinces. Technically, it was none of Russia's business.
If Quebec wants to succeed from Canada, does France have the right to invade?
I need to see this show.
I don't want to hear supporters advertising their presidential candidate. I want to hear people who can point out to us what our country needs to do in the coming years as a roadmap to our foreign policy decisions, without partisan conflicts and clashes of ideology.
This will be more helpful to the voters overall, and our country first, and foremost.
As interesting as what they said here (in the recap) is what they didn't say. I.E, that so much of their advice is obviously 180 degrees opposite of the course pursued by the present administration. It's hard to imagine an administration doing a worse job at foreign affairs that the present Bush has done. But it looks like McCain could actually screw it up even worse. I hope we don't have to find out. And let's not even think about what would happen if Caribou Barbie ever took the reigns.
ouch slap in the face of McCain. is this a slick move to subtly say no to McCain but not come out officially endorsing Obama? my goodness Obama definitely has 0 experience but it might be good in the long run in that he will bring a new fresh approach. and with what has happened on Wall St, McCain is toast. pendulum has reached it's peak it is only natural for it to swing back otherwise clock will break.
Every item mentioned in this report is EXACTLY what Obama is presenting to the American people. It was McCain who first over reacted about the Russua/Georgia situation and was praised by FOX news by givne an immediate and direct response; HOWEVER, we later discovered was ultimately had the correct stance by stating that we need to re-evaluate the situation before over reacting. Once again, Obama has been correct by his natural ability to think things through. For me, I'll pick this "community leader" over a cowboy from Arizona who over reacts.
Much is made of McCain's age. Has anyone brought up the fact that Obama smokes and both of his parents died at an early age. Plus, Biden has had two brain aneurysms which could have killed him.
If they both died while in office, that would leave Nancy Pelosi as president. That thought alone is surely a compelling reason to vote for McCain & Palin.
Well... Good thing they are not Secretary of State anymore, aint it?!
Now lets hope for a pro US presidency that chooses a US loving Secy of State.
Henry Kissinger is a war criminal. Vietnam could have been solved before Johnson left office, but Kissinger turned down the cease fire agreement and kept it open , for political reasons–killiing hundreds of thousands of Cambodians. He should be given a trial.
Frank,
This is a powerful panel of peopel who have been there and seen it all....good and bad in the world of politics and policy. I commend you on bringing this panel together and will be clearing the plate to watch this one. I can't wait.
Why is that disgusting War Pig Henry Kissinger not in jail? And why is CNN giving him audience?
Of all the CNN personalities you seem to be less judgemental of everyone. I.E., you are a reporter and not prone to editorializing by statements or other languages (like body, facial, attitude, and actions).
I am astounded at the overwhelming liberalism of CNN commentaries. One example was several days ago when Brown had a lady on that was switching from Democratic to McCain. I was apalled at her rudeness to that lady. If I was her superior, I would have told her my way or the highway.
Too bad we can't have the 5 of them under the new administration,providing Obama is there, he would wellcome their saged advice and put it to use.
How ever if McCain gets in he is so bull headed he won't listen to anyone, and we might be in even worse shape than we are now, not possible, ahhh but it is, we don't have bombs falling on our houses YET!
I think McCain and Bush need to listen to this guys. As for Pallin, she probably need an eight years course from this guys then she will be ready to run for the Oval office.
This is exactly what this nation need. Intelligent people, who knows what they are talking about. I can't wait to watch it.
National Security = Foreign Policy
1. Diplomatic relationship need to be emphasized and appreciated
2. Intelligent gathering and exchange with other agencies across the world to prosecute bad guys all over the world
3. Build a military of the future not of 20th century
4. National Service for two years after Collage or high School
5. Education , language , international studies , exchange studies
6. I don’t see China Fighting a war yet they are growing their economy while feeding 20% of the world population
7. the War we are fighting is causing us enemy, is also costing us precious American life and money
8. We need and our friends need to focus on Law enforcement to tackle radical violent ideas across the world and treat them as law and order issue… its cheaper in terms of life and money , its prevent issues before they start and its protect sovereignty of individual Countries , while enhancing cooperation between cities, states, and countries
9. we also need a future looking President that the rest of the world can relates to… it dose not Hurt us if our president is popular in other countries…. That’s how we can start leading the world back to peace and stability by our show of leadership
Great commentary and this is what America needs now rather than all the pandering, lies, blaming and trash talking. Exaggerations and mistruths from the Republicans just show us all how much we need to listen to these well-informed people. Much of what they are saying is what Obama has been saying all along. I hope that both McCain and Obama listen to them as their advice is priceless. McCain changes paths with the wind with no real thought behind it. He is simple a puppet and the RNC is pulling the strings. Palin is also pulling his strings. What we don't need is another puppet. We need a leader who can and will unite us all here in America and around the world!
Diplomacy and the economy should be our utmost concerns in this election considering current events, both domestic and abroad. So, it’s curious that CNN.com ran a story about how Biden’s joke on Delaware-Ohio college football relations could possibly spell trouble for an Obama win in Ohio, but nothing about McCain’s bizarre radio interview this past week in Miami concerning Latin America and Spain. Whichever angle you examine, either he doesn’t realize Spain is a European country and not a Latin American country , or he doesn’t want to commit to a presidency in which he freely communicates with the the PM of Spain, our NATO ally with its troops helping us in Afghanistan. Which is it? If he was confused by the question, that’s actually less disturbing than his campaign sidestepping the gaffe by saying he knew exactly who, where, and what he was talking about but did not want to commit to talking with the PM of Spain. Are we really this idiotic that we wouldn’t even commit to talking to SPAIN??? What a crock. He was obsviously confused, so why lie and assume we're stupid enough to believe it. This feels like 8-years plus. C’mon CNN. Where’s the story? We deserve to know what we’d be getting ourselves into with a McCain “diplomacy.” Google it. Time, Washington Post, New York Times, etc. consider it newsworthy and so do I. I love CNN, but college football ties don’t determine my vote (hook 'em horns). But how you handle the country, now that’s a whole ‘nother ballgame.
Sounds like all the secretaries are saying we really don't need John McCain because he is another George W. Bush. McCain was ready to go to war with Russia before he knew the facts. We can't have McCain "test firing" at every country when there is a disturbance and making irrational statements of threat.
Our presidential candidates should take a breather from campaigning this evening and watch this incredible program. And – it should be mandated viewing for Governor Palin!!
I am looking forward to hearing all of the sage advice from these five former Secretaries of State who have walked the walk.
Never has it been clearer that John McCain is too old and out of touch with the modern world. His grasp of current facts and dynamics is impaired by age.
He needs to face reality and let the republicans offer a more vital candidate.
I wish one of them would suggest to the next prez “listen and follow the will of the people”. We are much smarter than the politicians give us credit for. On the climate change issue for example, the US was the only developed nation that did not ratify the KYOTO PROTOCOL, but a large majority of our people supported it. On the Iraq war, majority of people here in US and in IRAQ supported a 6 month timetable for withdrawal, 5 years, billions of dollars and thousands of deaths later, we’re still fighting. A nuclear catastrohe is another vital issue facing the world today. Polls showed that overwhelming majority of people supported the FISSBAN TREATY; US and Palau opposed it while179 nations supported it at the UN.
We need to bring back ” government of the people, by the people, for the people”.
The reports that Christine Amanpoor and Anderson Cooper provide, are of tremendous value, I hope people enjoy their programs for many years to come.
failure to heed the wisdom of these past leaders will push us into becoming a thrid world country in the 21st century.
McCain is clueless. He talks as if the world is nothing but dictators to be bullied.
He really does not know how to lead or how to manage people and perspectives.
At last, some sane, rational and accurate insight into how the real world is.
Like the rest of the globe, I hope American voters will set aside the "star stricken fever" and make the right decision on Nov 4
It is very obvious that US foreign ratings will go up a few notches if Obama is declared president elect on Nov 5. Obviously, majority of world leaders would rather sit down with a President Obama than a President McCain.
While McCain is threatening to sack and punish over Wall Street crises, Obama is proposing to engage the world in a global attempt to stabilize not just US economy but the whole world's too.
It will be a major tragedy if the American electorate decides to vote skin color instead of brain power
We are all eager to give America the chance to lead again. But you guys have to recognise that the world is better enlightened in the 21st century and leadership is now based on mutual respect, intellectual negotiations and a sense of global responsibility.
Try as I may, I don't see how McCain fits into this picture...and shudder at the thought of a President Palin which is quite likely if anything happens to McCain
Please spare the world more woes...Bush has shared enough in 8yrs!
this will make an interesting watch. Good job CNN!
Has George W. Bush ever listened to his Secretary of State? Colin Powel, Condoliza Rice? Has James Baker tried to advice Dubya on World Issues? He fought for Dubya when the first election was stollen in Florida. He asssisted the likes of Scalia to hand the presidency to a man who has messed up the USA and really the enrie world.
Frank Sesno, Christine Anapour are two of the most incisive journalists we have in the media today. Bravo to them for convening such an impressive panel to discus the geopolitical landscape. I can't wait to tune in because my friend, Sheila Rabaut, emailed me this blog.
Having lived just outside the Beltway of the shark infested waters of the Washington world of politics for almost 12 years, I know how timely this kind of in-depth discussion is. We surely need many more programs which try to enlighten the American populace on what is really happening in the USA.
The center of power is in Washington, but let's not forget that we are supposedly living in a Democracy, & these self-absorbed individuals whom we elect soon forget why we sent them to the House or the Congress in the first place. We need to be properly represented.
I'm excited to see this as well. I'm a big Christiane Amanpour fan, but even more I'm a fan of honest speaking. To see these intelligent people speak on what "they think" should happen under the next president will undoubtedly help me make my decision between the two candidate, although I'm already almost certain.
Obama / Biden!
I hope the moderator asks for a consensus from these esteemed and knowledgeable Americans on who to vote for......
I believe that they would give their honest opinions on the pros and cons of each candidate. (Without lies and deceipt!). We the people certainly aren't getting serious debate or answers on important issues that matter to "real" Americans.
The candidates and their "handlers" and hard-core fans are keeping the last days of this decisive election "dumbed-down" with ignorant tit-for-tat fights and catchy lines. I haven't heard one substantive issue truly being discussed honestly by either man. Certainly the pitifully few (better late than never) debates are coming – sometime. Like after the people of Virginia have started voting!
As a life-long moderate Republican turned Democrat during the Bush/Cheney administration....(I'm proud to say I never voted for Bush either time. "Fool me once...."), I feel that I'm having to choose between the lesser of two evils. Tweedle-dee or Tweedle-dum!
Undecided, apathetic at this point....and sad. Former Secretaries of State....Just tell me who will be the better President. I love my Country, but for the first time in 50 years.....I just may not vote. That way there won't be any guilt when whomever is elected screws up (again).
Then again, maybe I'll move to Ireland....
Undecided former Mom/RN for Hillary~~~
God bless America, Always~~~
Obama and foreign policy? Wouldn't that be like the guys on the other side of Chicago? Or does that mean Oprah is buying him a house off the coast on the Pacific across from Tom Cruise? Let's see how he can bash Bush instead of answer a question for once. I think he said he wanted to increase the size of the millitary and send more troops to Afganistan in the last forum at Columbia University. We'll see if he's got his flip flops on! Or if he's going to need that teleprompter. I guess BAIPA was foreign policy to him too, wait he actually voted and said NO on that one.
It is certainly not everyday that five of the sharpest minds on foreign policy sit down together to take stock and perhaps pave the way for a sensible policy over the next few years! Congratulations CNN.
In the middle of an endless and exhausting political campaign, ravaged with of charges and counter-charges, intolerable voices and endless speculation by so many who have no business in the business, at last a perspective that counts and helps to shape an intelligent, thoughtful platform for future discussion...all from a spectacular panel of history makers, shaped by two of our media's top professionals, for a packed house of the generation who will have to solve these problems.
You may have to send a transcript to both parties. They might both have trouble with mult-media if any of the recent ads are any indication.
We'll be watching...and talking... in Chicago.
Hi Christianne,
Great show idea.It is about time some attention got paid in this election to America's international standing.
It is at an all time low. One thing for sure Bush and 8 years of republican style solutions did not work, whethe you believe USA is winning in Iraq or not, that is a pin prick in the war on terror and Islamic fundamentalism.
Regards,
hodgson.
Great to see former Scretaries of State provide the neccessary suggestions to improve the Nation's current foreign policy. I just want to see how the US will deal with globalization, especially the two rising powers, China and India.
Thank you for providing a backdrop to Saturday night's show. I was going to watch it anyway, but now, I can't wait. I envy you the chance to sit with these people and discuss the issues of today. Kudos
Obama and McCain need some refresher course, here it is.
This sounds like a remarkable program. The few comments you have shared seem to suggest a more mature and responsible approach to foreign policy advocated by Barack Obama. John McCain seems obsessed with the military and somewhat out of touch with the modern world. I look forward to this program and the refreshing non-partisan perspectives. We need to see this over and over, guys...
SO looking forward to see this show.
I hope the Candidates will all be watching. Interesting perspectives, from people who would know...
I may well order a transcript of this one!
I cannot wait to watch this air tomorrow
It sounds like all five are talking about Obama's policies. McCain's cold war era mentality and scorning Obama for wanting to meet with Iran without preconditons, along with his posturing about removing Russia from the G8 and his harsh reaction to the Georgia crisis, shows McCain to be totally clueless about how to lead in the 21st Century. He is in fact now calling all five former secretaries of state naive as well. He is no foreign policy expert and his policies would do nothing to improve our ability to lead in the world. Put that together with his comments yesterday about the president of Spain, his apparent confusion and lack of recognition of who the interivewer was talking about, makes his blustering all the more foolish. We need a person of vision in the WH and that is Obama.
We need more Asian & Native Americans in the foreign service.
After 8 years of gun slinging "diplomacy," this is a conversation we must have as a nation. It's just too bad Secretary Baker did not hold more sway with 43 than he did with 41. Perhaps much of the current disaster could have been averted.
At last some rationale thought from content experts who have engaged the rest of the world at different times on different political platforms. The key message is acknowledging that robust foreign policy or lack off impacts domestic issues. Wake up America!! Gone are the days thay the US can isolate itself and hope to succeed. The decisions we make today (Who we choose to lead us and their policies) in this changing world will impact our lives and those of generations to come. Diplomacy is always the first option. It does not mean that the US will be perceived to be weak
The hardest thing the next president will have to do, is find a way to justify the lives lost and time and money spent in being in Iraq in the first place, much less after the new president is in.
The U.S. hasn't lost credibility because George Bush decided to act like a stubborn child, we lost credibility because we didn't spank the child and put him to bed. The world is punishing us, not because we suffered a momentary lapse of reason, but because that momentary lapse hasn't seemed to lapse yet.
How long will our government continue to claim to be the victim even as we make victims of others?
The fact is, and I'm hoping to see some sort of reconing in your interviews tonight, the U.S. has lost it's credibility in the world because, not only did we rape Iraq and impregnate it with the idea of Democracy in retaliation for what Osama Bin Laden masterminded, unbeknownst to Iraqis, on September 11th, but we have also, so far, failed to take out or capture the initial attacker; Osama Bin Laden is still free, but hey... if they happen to come apon him... we Americans, and the rest of the world, is expected to believe they'll act appropriately?! I think not.
If you find my parallel disingenuous, please, enlighten me... and the 67% of the rest of the world who believes EXACTLY as I do.
I look forward to the special. I wish I could ask them questions. Like why did Pres Bush create the Iraq study group only to reject their recommendations? Why did the US not pursue the current Iranian leader before he came to office. He has been identified by many of our people who worked at our embassy in Iran as one of the hostage takers. Why didnt we go after him. I think that old saying your enemies enemy is your friend applies here. I think the problem in the middle east goes back to WWII and its very important to know world history. You need to know the history of the regions and the culture and the battles fought. I look forward to learning all their perspectives on world issues.
I’m excited! I can not wait to get their take on upcoming Political Elections as well as the Political landscape around the Globe. What an exciting and poignant time in political History! Wow!
Interesting they say to play down ideology and engage. Doesn't seem like there has been much of that the last eight years. Somehow, diplomacy has been termed into a sign of weakness? Give me a break. It is amazing what a group of people out of office can say uninhibited as opposed to those receiving talking point memos from the back rooms of the white house. Let's hope our new leaders use a common sense approach to our foreign policy.
Excellent, excellent article!
Who better to talk about leadership than those who have been through the wringer of our political process and made it out alive! I love the advice given: "get over it, be real, be smart".
Our next generationof leaders need to remember they are public servants and that they work for the citizens of this country. They are being elected to govern and to fix problems.
Another great comment:
"The secretaries agreed America’s image is a mess. And they laid out three things the next president should do to start to fix it: close Guantanamo, end torture and take the lead on climate change."
I'd like to augment that with a suggestion: If America wants to be taken seriously by the rest of the planet, our leaders have got to stop this cowboy politics attitude ("Bring it on!") that makes us look like idiotic fools to sensible people all around the world.
A timely example: "I put it on eBay!"
While the GOP cheered, the rest of the world rolled their eyes and said: "We're going to have to deal with 4 years of this if McCain kicks off....."
I sincerely hope there is a place for these former statesmen and stateswomen in our next administration.
This interview sounds fascinating. I wonder if more could be written or said about what the five former Secretaries of State had to say about whatever they were questioned on.
Frank:
Always enjoy your perspective and reporting. When I saw this special adverstised a few weeks back, I thought, now that's something I'm going to want to watch! Afterall, that is one powerful panel you guys rounded up! I fear that this election year is going to divide Americans more than ever and we can't afford that for more and more of the key issues are becoming global in nature. Looking forward to watching. Thanks for blogging!
Jolene, St. Joseph, MI
Yes Yes Yes! We do need a president that will engage. We need someone who will approach these leaders with diplomacy, intelligence, and understanding. This is what Obama has been saying all along during this campaign. McCain has the same attitude that Bush has. Don't talk to anyone that you do not like. This does not help to try to resolve anything. Frankly, it is an immature and unprofessional attitude to have for anyone, muchless the President of the United States.
It is no secret that we have to have more people in the military. Our Government has to pay our service men and woman more and really give away some special benefits.
I can't wait to see this show!