Observations from abroad are interesting, but hardly relevant to how Americans should vote. First and foremost, we need a president who will define, represent, and advance the interests of the country. Trying to win an international popularity contest and being all things to all people in the world is a futile task. Foreign policy is an exercise in working together with friends and countries with which we have mutual interests, and dealing with enemies in an effective manner. It is inevitable that some countries--including some in Latin America--will not find their interests to be compatible with the U.S. So be it.