Governor Richardson (D) and North Korea: A Democratic Primary Preview

What do a popular governor, a despotic regime; nuclear weapons and Donald Rumsfeld have in common? The answer is credibility, in an area where each needs to gain ground, namely foreign relations. Current and popular Governor Bill Richardson is taking a much needed break from the inclement weather of New Mexico to fly over 4000 miles to Pyongyang. Why? In Richardson’s words, “We’re going to focus on two important areas: one is verification, the second is what steps are the North Koreans taking to dismantle their nuclear weapons — concrete steps,” Richardson told AP. And what legitimate power of enforcement does this US governor have over a sovereign nation?

None, unless we factor in the foreign policy debate between Richardson, Biden and Clinton during the 2008 primary season. This exercise in diplomacy is a clear feather in Richardson’s cap. He must come to the label with some, albeit frivolous experience in foreign affairs. Apparently his political advisor has honed in on the nuclear threat as the issue which Democrats will be debating. Consequently, Richardson must come to the table with experience. In effect, he must be the only one to have gone to North Korea and demanded “concrete steps” from Kim Jong Il.

The foreign policy debate will revolve around nuclear weapons, and terrorism. Terrorism will be left on the back burner by Democrats. Why? Because it is an issue which is intimately connected to Bush and all things Bush are bad. Thus, voters must not equate Democrats with Bush. Terrorism will be put in the same light as FEMA; speeches will resonate and déclassé tones of “we can do better” and “this will never happen again”. Real solutions will not be blueprinted and real changes can not be announced for fear of losing any ‘swing’ votes. Unfortunately, Democrats as well as Republicans are absent of true answers. No answers or solutions about poverty, education, a bloated and festering defense budget and debt. More smoke and mirrors are on the horizon and Gov. Richardson is ahead of the pack clearing his political reflection of any blemish.