We need one, that is.
Russia is currently invading Georgia, a US ally. They've gone beyond the territory of South Ossetia, and they're now headed into Georgia proper.
Still-President Bush has sent a Sternly Worded Letter to the Russians, but we know how effective those are. Particularly when they're sent by an administration that has no international friends, no credibility, and a badly worn-out army fighting two wars. Why should the Russians fear George? He's outta here in a few months.
What American foreign policy desperately needs is for the Russians need to be put on notice that their actions will have consequences beyond January 20. And the only way to do that is for McCain and Obama to issue a joint statement that, regardless who wins the election, the future President of the United States will regard any further Russian invasion of Georgia now as a hostile act.
The Russian-Georgian war is an international disaster. A small country we have chosen to ally ourselves with is being invaded by the Russians, partly because of its leaders' stupidity and military incompetence (they didn't block the tunnel leading to Russia?), partly because of Russia's increasing belligerence. Regardless why, it would never have happened if we weren't bogged down in two wars, and if our allies in Europe were acting in partnership with us. It would never have happened if Bush hadn't made a habit of making wild threats and then not following through on them (see Korean, North).
But this is not the moment for politics. Right now the worst thing that could happen on our side would be for the McCain and Obama campaigns to make the Russian-Georgian war a political football, with the usual accusations and denials -- regardless whether they are deserved.
It could not possibly hurt either campaign for them to issue a joint statement. And it will help whichever of them becomes president and has to pick up the pieces of our foreign policy in Eastern Europe.
Please, Senators. Talk amongst yourselves, and make a joint statement that will encourage the Russians to pull their troops out of Georgia now.