Why Elections Matter

Try to picture John McCain going to Turkey and delivering this message:

When President Obama declared Monday that the United States "is not, and will never be, at war with Islam," he was addressing Turkey's parliament. But his audience was the wider Muslim world.

The president's ringing affirmation of partnership with Turkey, which he described as a vital bridge between East and West, was interwoven with a highly personal appeal for a change in the tone of discourse between the United States and the world's Muslims.

Let me say this as clearly as I can," he told lawmakers, assembled officials and dignitaries. "The United States is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical."

Yeah, I couldn't either.