In Atlantic, Iowa, Democratic Senator Barack Obama defended his foreign policy experience, claiming that Senator Hillary Clinton and other opponents were portraying typical Washington practices as experience. Obama, a first-term senator from Illinois, has faced criticism for his lack of experience in running for the Democratic nomination in the November 2008 election. A recent CBS poll showed that while Obama is viewed as the candidate with innovative ideas, Clinton holds a 20-point lead as respondents believe she has the necessary experience to be president. Clinton has criticized Obama for his willingness to engage in diplomacy with adversarial nations, support strikes on al Qaeda in Pakistan, and reject the use of nuclear weapons in such attacks. Obama argued that Clinton and other candidates were merely adhering to traditional candidate expectations to appear experienced. During a five-day tour of Iowa, Obama stated that many of his opponents, including Senator Clinton, prioritize repeating the accepted beliefs in Washington as a measure of experience. He argued that this mindset led to the decision to invade Iraq and that a more comprehensive change is needed in foreign policy. The Clinton campaign responded by emphasizing Clinton's track record of advocating for change and her ability to bring about change in 2009. Obama emphasized the need for a new administration to break away from traditional thinking that promotes fear. He criticized the current administration for using tactics such as obfuscation and fear-mongering in foreign policy. Obama also highlighted his commitment to not using nuclear weapons in attacks on al Qaeda in Pakistan, while Clinton has expressed the importance of nuclear deterrence for maintaining peace. Obama stated that numerous military experts have assured him that nuclear weapons would not be utilized in an attack on a terrorist cell in Pakistan. He emphasized that in such a scenario, conventional weapons would be used instead. Despite being labeled as inexperienced, Obama received enthusiastic support and standing ovations in Council Bluffs and Atlantic for his message of change. He stated that when individuals refer to experience, they are essentially asking if someone has good judgment. Despite having a lot of experience, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney lacked good judgment in foreign policy. He believes that his strength lies in possessing good judgment.