Michael Barone and Peter Beinart talked about the intersection of United States policy toward the Middle East and the 2008 presidential election. Topics included the differences between the proposed policies toward the Middle East within the Republican and Democratic parties and between them, as well as President Bush’s legacy in the Middle East, and how the situation in the Middle East is causing the two parties to maneuver politically. Following their prepared remarks they entered into a short discussion with each other and then answered questions from members of the audience.