“There’s a short list of the forces shaping the 21st Century.  No one country can control these forces, but more than any other country, we have an ability to affect them – if we use the totality of our strength. That means maintaining the finest fighting force in the world – not pushing it to the breaking point… rebuilding our alliances, partnerships and international institutions – not disparaging them… strengthening our diplomacy — not disdaining it… and using our economic might, not putting it in jeopardy.”

–Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), in a speech on national security Wednesday in Cincinnati.