Obama has a Lot to Gain from a Trip North

Published November 19, 2008

WASHINGTON—While Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement on Nov. 5 that he won't push president-elect Barack Obama to make Canada the destination of his first foreign trip will lower expectations for the relationship between the two men, a strong case can be made for continuing a tradition that has served both countries well.

Mr. Obama has been saddled with the task of "regaining respect for...