Article in Slate about what exactly Kerry meant by a global test when it comes to making decision that effect the world. One thing that Saletan brings up that I hadn't thought about, as I haven't reread and analyzed the entire debate. Kerry stated, in reference to gaining global approval:

you've got to do in a way that passes the test--that passes the global test--where your countrymen, your people understand fully why you're doing what you're doing, and you can prove to the world that you did it for legitimate reasons.

Kerry is saying that not only do you need to use that evidence to convince other countries that what you are doing is legitimate, you have to convince the American people. Saletan (and Kerry in the debate) argues that Bush isn't even giving the American people a chance to evaluate the president's actions and hold him accountable.

What he's protecting you from is the ability to measure his assertions against the world that you and I can see. That's the global test he's mocking. And he expects you to applaud him for it, because he thinks you resent the French so much you'd rather have a president accountable to no one.

Man, the more I listen to what Bush says, the more his lack of intellect frightens me. He just doesn't get the whole structure of foreign policy. He doesn't understand that it is important that the world understands your reasons for taking an action. If the world has no comprehension, you are no better than Saddam or Kim Jung Il. You are a madman.