In the News: Diplomacy to be Vanguard of Picard Administration Foreign Policy
San Francisco - Stardate 86034.1 (January 13th, 2409 Earth Standard)
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Testifying before a Federation Council confirmation hearing, Secretary of State-designate Deanna Troi unveiled today a broad outline for the Picard administration's approach to foreign policy over the next four years.

"As President of the United Federation of Planets, Jean-Luc Picard will approach inter-planetary crises with an air of multi-lateralism, stressing prudence, partnership, and above all, diplomacy," said Troi.

When asked to elaborate on her expectations for foreign relations over the coming term given the challenges inherited from the previous administration, Troi paused to reflect for several moments, finally displaying visible distress before responding "I sense pain...".

Kirk's legacy

Many observers expect that President-elect Picard's approach to foreign affairs will differ markedly from his predecessor, two-term President James T. Kirk. Known for his intuitive, headstrong approach to leadership, Kirk's policies have sparked frequent controversy both within the Federation and among other world leaders. Even some former shipmates from his years of service to Starfleet are not uncritical of Kirk's legacy in the final days of his administration.

"It's about time that cowboy left office. When he wasn't off picking fights with the Klingons, he was busy provoking the Romulans with flagrant violations of the Neutral Zone. I'm not even going to get into his shockingly casual disregard for the Prime Directive," said Hikaru Sulu, noted social activist and Kirk's former helmsman.

"To be fair, though, how could he be expected to entertain the concept of diplomatic exchange when he has such obvious trouble even completing sentences?" added Sulu, referring to Kirk's oft parodied halting speech patterns.

Picard's prudence

In stark contrast, Picard has developed a strong reputation for consultation and temperance during his long and distinguished career with Starfleet.

"If I had to characterize his approach, I'd describe it as 'Ask questions first, shoot later. If at all. Even if fired upon'," commented Geordi La Forge, Chief Engineer of the USS Enterprise for 15 years under Picard.

"He had a heck of a gift for speech," recalled La Forge. "Sometimes he'd just stand there on the bridge, waxing poetic about the human condition. It was mesmerizing for sure, but I have to admit, sometimes it all seemed just a little contrived."

Some are concerned that Picard's approach marks too stark a contrast with Kirk, that his focus on dialogue and deliberation could lead to delays that put the Federation at risk. William Riker, Picard's own first-officer and husband to Deanna Troi, has pointed out that during Picard's tenure as captain, the Enterprise was boarded, hijacked, or commandeered literally dozens of times, often while the perpetrators distracted the Captain with conversation.

"Hell, I remember this one time when another ship came barreling out of a temporal anomaly, right on top of us. He damn well stops to ask his senior staff for options! I didn't say it at the time, but I don't mind telling you that I was thinking 'Dude! You've got like 5 seconds here! Make a call!" said Riker.

When this publication asked Secretary of State-designate Troi about her husband's potentially damaging comments, Troi gave our correspondent a long suffering smile and suggested we take his words "with a grain of salt".

"You have to remember this about my husband. He's always had a bit of trouble giving up the limelight," said Troi.

Janeway unavailable for comment

Captain Kathryn Janeway, widely speculated to be preparing for a 2412 bid for presidency, could not be reached for comment.

Janeway, who first made a name for herself in the remote Delta quadrant battling the principles of collectivism espoused by the Borg, skyrocketed to truly galactic fame over the past year after being chosen as running mate by unsuccessful presidential hopeful and hero of the Dominion War, Captain Benjamin Sisko.

So far she has brushed aside any questions of a presidential run, stating that she wishes only to spend some time with her family after so long away from home.