Much of this campaign has focused on President Barack Obama’s handling of the economy.  But Republican Mitt Romney sought to change the subject this week with a foreign policy address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Reno, Nevada.

“I am an unapologetic believer in the greatness of America.  I am not ashamed of American power," he said. 

Romney unleashed a withering critique of President Obama’s foreign policy record that accused the Democratic administration of not being tough enough with Iran, China and Russia, and not being supportive enough of Israel. “I will not surrender America’s leadership in the world.  We must have confidence in our cause, clarity in our purpose and resolve in our might," he said.

The Romney speech came one day after President Obama spoke to the same group and highlighted his record, including an end to the war in Iraq, the winding down of the war in Afghanistan and the killing of al-Qaida terror leader Osama bin Laden.

“Because we’re leading around the world, people have a new attitude toward America.  There is more confidence in our leadership.  We see it across the globe.  And when people are asked, 'Which country do you admire the most?' one nation comes out on top, the United States of America," he said. 

The dueling speeches on foreign policy come as Mitt Romney sets off on a trip to Britain, Israel and Poland that analysts say is intended to bolster his credentials as a potential president and commander in chief of the armed forces.