Forty-four years ago, Ronald Reagan asked the most devastating question in presidential-campaign politics. "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" he asked in reference to the Jimmy Carter presidency, an utter disaster economically and on foreign policy. That question crystallized an American electorate tired of being told to get used to decline, and it touched off an economic and military revival that eventually ended the Cold War.

Tonight, the theme for the Republican national convention is "Make America Strong Again," a slogan that got a broad sweep in the speeches from the stage. Border security dominated the earlier speeches, but Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia focused on military readiness and standing in the world, as did the speakers that followed. He reversed the Reagan question, and instead asked delegates and viewers to think in these terms: "Are our enemies better off than they were four years ago?"

Bellavia answered his own question:

I interviewed Bellavia many years ago when his book House to House: An Epic Memoir of War first came out. It was a gripping read about the Battle of Fallujah II, and gave a rare insight into combat experience, especially the grueling urban combat that Bellavia experienced. He was still somewhat uncomfortable discussing the specifics, but he really wanted to make sure everyone understood the sacrifices men and women made in war. It's been several years since I've read it, but I may dig it up again. (I don't have the interview in our library any longer, unfortunately.)

But Bellavia's question and observations here matter, and are worth capturing. Because he's right -- our enemies are stronger and more emboldened, especially Iran and its proxies. And while American voters don't usually choose presidents on the basis of foreign policy, Joe Biden's disgraceful presidency demands that it be a large part of the decision loop.