In Atlantic, Iowa, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama defended his foreign policy experience on Thursday, arguing that Sen. Hillary Clinton and other opponents were trying to portray old-fashioned Washington practices as valuable experience. Despite facing criticism for his lack of experience, Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, has been praised for offering fresh ideas. However, Clinton maintains a 20-point lead in polls due to the perception that she has the necessary experience to be president. Clinton has criticized Obama for his willingness to engage in dialogue with hostile leaders, advocating strikes against al Qaeda targets in Pakistan, and rejecting the use of nuclear weapons in such attacks. Obama countered by stating that Clinton and other candidates are simply adhering to traditional expectations rather than offering innovative solutions. During a five-day tour of Iowa, Obama criticized not only Senator Clinton but also many of his opponents for valuing the ability to repeat the conventional wisdom in Washington as a mark of experience. He argued that this approach to foreign policy was responsible for leading the country into the Iraq War and emphasized the need for a more comprehensive change. The Clinton campaign responded by defending her track record of fighting for change and asserting that she is the candidate with the necessary strength and experience to bring about change in 2009, according to Clinton spokesman Phil Singer. Obama emphasized the importance of breaking away from traditional thinking that fosters a culture of fear in a new administration. He criticized the current administration for clouding issues, diverting attention, and manipulating the fears of the American public in foreign policy. Obama highlighted his commitment to not using nuclear weapons in strikes against al Qaeda in Pakistan. In contrast, Clinton has expressed the belief that nuclear deterrence is essential for maintaining peace. Obama stated that numerous military experts have advised him that nuclear weapons would not be deployed in a possible attack on a terrorist cell in Pakistan. He asserted to his supporters in Council Bluffs that in such a scenario, conventional weapons would be used instead of nuclear weapons. Obama received applause from hundreds of supporters in Council Bluffs and Atlantic for his messages advocating for change, despite being called inexperienced. He mentioned that when individuals talk about experience, they are actually referring to the possession of good judgment. Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney may have had extensive experience, but they lacked good judgment in terms of foreign policy. One of his strengths is his ability to provide sound judgment.