The coming presidential campaign will offer ample opportunity to make solid judgments of candidates based on their knowledge and experience in economic policy and the intelligence of their economic proposals.
Ask instead how we can use all the "tools of statecraft" in synergy -- diplomacy, economic policy, foreign assistance, public diplomacy and intelligence -- to address, in collaboration with allies and friends, the fundamental problems underlying the current threats: inequity in the global economy, failed governance and "tribalism" (ethnic and religious hatred).
But long-term success demands the use of all elements of national power: diplomacy, intelligence, covert action, law enforcement, economic policy, foreign aid, public diplomacy, and homeland defense.
In the words of the 9/11 Commission, it needs to summon "all elements of national power: diplomacy, intelligence, covert action, law enforcement, economic policy, foreign aid, public diplomacy, and homeland defense" in response to this threat.
They should be politely listened to like everyone else, but the idea they have not only become the sole arbiter of economic policy disputes, but also remain beyond reproach themselves is insulting to our intelligence.
Look, economic policy matters.
"Foreign policy is economic policy," he said.
"What is their economic policy?
This matters for economic policy.
