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Al Franken on Foreign PolicyDFL Challenger |
A: Yes. UN peacekeeping is one of the best deals around.
Q: It can help countries break the cycle of violence and help people rebuild normal lives.
Q: Whatever the problems with the UN or its peacekeeping operations, it doesn't make sense for the US to block them or deprive them of needed resources.
Q: Will you oppose legislation that withholds U.S. dues to the U.N.?
A: Yes. This is just the kind of heavy-handed approach that has undercut America's standing in the world. A great nation meets its obligations. I will oppose such legislation.
A: America has a lot to offer the world. Our democratic principles and adherence to the rule of law can serve as an example to reformers seeking freedom in their own countries. Our idealism can drive progress. And our military strength can create stability.
But there is a difference between leading the world and ruling it. We must work with our allies--and talk with our adversaries--in order to build a more peaceful and more prosperous world.
The 21st century has already presented us with numerous global challenges: global warming, pandemic disease, extreme poverty, failed states, international terrorism. Simply put, these are not challenges we can address alone, but they are challenges we must rise to meet. We can't meet them with unilateral demands and cowboy diplomacy.
AL FRANKEN: We have changed the regime in Iran. We've made it worse.
CLARK: (laughs) Well, the President intervened before their elections and called for them to have a different government. Well, no group of people want another country to tell them who they should elect.
