U.S. presidential campaigns usually aren’t focused on foreign policy — which is actually a blessing because, when they are, the result is often crazy talk. If you doubt that, consider the latest policy idea that has been endorsed in some form or another by almost all the front-runners for the Republican presidential nomination: effectively declaring war on Mexico’s drug cartels.

A recent poll found strong support for military action among GOP primary voters, so expect to see more such wild statements.

While the problem that needs to be addressed is real and tragic, the idea that using U.S. military force would solve the problem is delusional.