Which Presidential Candidates Have the Necessary Diplomatic Skills?

     I once saw a postcard that read, "Diplomacy is the skill that allows others to do what you'd like them to do." With that thought in mind, which of the candidates for president in the 2016 election would be capable of effective diplomacy? This skill requires an understanding of what is happening in the world, and who the powerful players are. A broad knowledge of what each nation desires and the ability to identify opportunities is mandatory, all while maintaining a focus of what is best for our nation as a whole.

     Trump is an unknown with no knowledge or experience in diplomacy. In addition to this, his words and demeanor have proven to be inflammatory. Would world leaders respect these characteristics and be willing to work with us toward common goals, or would they simplify back off an let us "go it alone," as we saw in the George W. Bush presidency? Knowing this, a Trump presidency would probably be very week in the area of diplomacy, and have the potential to be dangerously explosive.

     A Cruz presidency would likely be very similar to that of Trumps, though certainly more moderate in nature. He has no track record in diplomacy, and though he has proven desire for power, his knowledge of world dynamics has yet to be displayed.  However, it is likely that he will walk the line as is set forth in the GOP. He will certainly do the bidding of those who own the GOP; big energy, Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry and insurance companies. This, hand in hand with an  implementation of supply side economics could well leave us in economic shambles.

Bernie Sanders, though a very well meaning candidate with an excellent perspective of what needs to be done to prevent the wholesale loss of the middle class, will scare the wits out of those in power and a (GOP) congress will paralyze his presidency.  The power structure will surely release the bogeyman, and Sanders will be called a socialist, or worse, a communist. The voting public, upon hearing this will conjure up visions of Soviet dictators and a society imprisoned by a totalitarian state.  The Republicans will complain bitterly and fight his every step, biting and scratching in the process. They will make sure that nothing gets done as we've witnessed with President Obama, even taking positions that will cause damage to the American public. And it will be a rare Democrat who will stand with Sanders. Sanders will certainly be a one term President and will find it impossible to do anything while in office.

 Though Clinton has seemed to be a little tricky in some areas of concern, she is intelligent and has the diplomatic experience we need. Her understanding of our politics may not prevent the presidential presidential paralysis caused by the Republicans, and she will, at least during her first term, be caught between the rock and the proverbial hard spot.  But economic damage caused by supply side economics will be minimized and there may a second term where a better political balance may be in force to effectively guide the United States into a position where other countries will respect us and accept our leadership in world politics.