Senator Obama,

It is reassuring to see you turning your focus to the general election and beyond. It is the right move at the right time. While not absolutely assured arithmetically, the nomination is yours so nothing further is to be gained from tit-for-tat with Senator Clinton.

It is time to step off the campaign trail during Senate time between now and the convention and to use your seat as Chair of the European Affairs Subcommittee to put your vision of foreign policy in front of the American public.

An extensive round of hearings on the damage done by the Bush Administration to our NATO alliance and our relationships with European Allies serves multiple purposes, but primary among them: provides ample fodder for the evening news about the harm from 8 years of Republican administration, and it eliminates the "he ain't done nothing in the Senate" line of attack. We don't need impeachment hearings to demonstrate factually to the American public how crazy the White House has gone on foreign policy. As our major partners in the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and as our primary partners in addressing Iran, Europe is the key to our stance against terrorism. Buckle down and get some work done in the committee and show the voters what you are made of.

And with just a little bit of luck, you might even find a witness or two in Europe who is not reassured by the notion of a President McCain!

Redirect all the time you have spent on the campaign trail into your committee from now until time to pack for Denver. You'll enjoy it. We'll enjoy watching it. And you will tame the tiger of criticism of your record with very sharply focused emphasis on key issues and future plans. Heck, you might even pass a bill or two you can use come January 21!