Steven Clemons stood before a crowd of 175 high school seniors -- many of whom will cast their first ballot in November -- and urged them to blog.

"It's very important to learn as much as you can and find your unique voice," said the self-described political junkie, who runs his own online soapbox, www.TheWashington-Note.com. "Get your thoughts out there."

Students from Brentwood, North Allegheny, Mars Area, Deer Lakes, Riverview, Shaler Area and Wilmington gathered at Pine-Richland High School on Jan. 31 to hear the Washington insider's thoughts on foreign policy issues and the upcoming presidential election.

Teacher Mike Ackerman brought 23 pupils from Riverview High School to the seminar so they could gain a clear perspective on topics that may affect their votes ... and their lives.

"There are so many different viewpoints on things it's hard to get real information," said 12th-grader David Rocchini.

As a senior fellow and director of the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation, Clemons has his finger on the nation's political pulse. His organization is one of 1,500 D.C.-based think tanks, boasting more than 100 members who work with both Republicans and Democrats.

This year features one of the most exciting political battles in decades, Clemons said. It is the first time since 1952 that neither a sitting president nor a vice president is a candidate, opening the door to fresh ideas and debates.

When the new commander-in-chief takes office in 2009, he or she will be challenged by international enemies and allies who want to test America's mettle.

In addition to ongoing issues such as U.S. relations with Iraq, China and Afghanistan, the new president must tackle problems that cut across broad swaths of the international system: global climate change, transnational diseases, high oil prices, floundering financial markets and immigration.

Clemons said the United States government needs to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to these issues.

The young audience members responded to the 45-minute lecture with questions ranging from Russia's increasing economic stability to tensions between China and Taiwan.

A small group of teenagers then met with Clemons to discuss the topics at hand. The meeting was filmed and will be available online so teachers can use it to spark their own classroom discussions.

Clemons' visit was sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, an organization that encourages informed discussion on matters that affect all human beings. WAC provides outreach to more than 275 schools throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Before Clemons addressed the crowd at Pine-Richland, he watched art students create perspective line drawings in the hallways outside the auditorium.

He told the 175 budding politicos to gain a similar perspective on foreign policy issues.

"Learn how to write," he said.

"Learning how to critically think about issues and express your feelings on them is important."

For more information on the World Affairs Council, visit www.worldaffairspittsburgh.org or www.globalpittsburgh.org.