McCain vs. the Clintons on North Korea

Posted: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:07 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Security

From NBC's Ken Strickland
Are we beginning to see the contours of a possible Clinton-McCain presidential race? In remarks today, Sen. John McCain (R) said the Clinton Administration's policy on North Korea "was a failure," calling it a "carrots and no sticks policy that only encouraged bad behavior." He also called on Senator Hillary Clinton (D) to stop blocking legislation that would accelerate missile defense. These remarks were released in a written statement today to compliment a news conference McCain held in Michigan where he was expected to make the same points.

"I would remind Sen. Clinton and other critics of the Bush Administration's policies that the framework agreement of the Clinton Administration was a failure," McCain said. "The Koreans received millions of dollars in energy assistance. They diverted millions in food assistance to the military. And what did the Koreans do? They secretly enriched uranium." He added, "When one carrot didn't work, we offered another." McCain also threw his support behind President Bush and his handling of the North Korea situation, including Bush's calls for action by the UN Security Council. And while he didn't call for immediate military action against North Korean, McCain said "it is obvious" the United States needs a larger active duty Army and Marine Corps.

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Comments

Bravo, Senator McCain. I agree that we need a large military presence. Sound like he supports re-instating the draft. As a retired service man, I believe that the draft is inevitable, despite the fact that it is a political hot potato.

Ron Kroll, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:23 PM)

What's a "failed Policy" is the name calling and threatening actions of this administration. When will these people stop acting like kids on a playground refusing to play well with others and start acting like adults and talking with those who we have problems with. I remember growing up that violence doesn't solve anything! Granted talking sometimes doesn't get the results we like, but at least we could say we tried (with this administration). Bush was at it from the beginning of his first term. All these guys care about is WAR! Why else would McCain ask for more reserves? Because without them we can't fight Iraq, Iran, and North Korea at the same time!

J B, Austin Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:26 PM)

McCain is a bushwiener. NO, republi-cons allowed. NONE, zero got it........

karl h. weiss, pardeeville, wi (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:40 PM)

The carrots Mr. McCain is talking about involved the North Koreans being made to contain radioactive fuel rods under lock and key, with the monitoring of UN weapons inspectors. We knew where this dangerous material was, and if we needed to they could be taken out by the military, as dangerous as this would be, Clinton was prepared to do this. Yet in 2002, just after Bush proclaimed North Korea as part of the 'axis of evil', the North Koreans threw out the weapons inspectors, fired up its nuclear facilities, and began work making weapons grade plutonium. The Bush admin stood by and did nothing. No threats to wage war, no pursuit of solid diplomacy. Low and behold, 4 years later, we have a nuclear test.

Ryan, Melbourne (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:42 PM)

sounds like he wants a draft

hugh vines,chattanooga,tennessee (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:56 PM)

I really used to like and respect John McCain, but I find myself more and more seeing him as a shadow of President Bush. His failure to not only stop the torture legislation, but to also agree with most of it, and now his direct assault on the Clinton's is odd and bothersome to me. It's been 8 years since Clinton was in office. How much time has to pass before blame begins to be assigned where it belongs? 8 years people! That's a lifetime to many... and plenty long for the current administration to have done something besides call North Korea names.

Wayne, Dallas Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 12:56 PM)

Bill Clinton said on the Daily Show that McCain's biggest mistake was not standing up to the Bush smear campaign that targeted him during the 2000 primary. I lost a lot of respect for McCain when instead, he kissed up to Bush after the 2000 election. Hillary will hit him hard and often over this, and I think it will resonate.

Mike Wilson, Detroit MI (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:03 PM)

What secret is McCain talking about? In 2002, two years into Bush's presidency, North Korea expelled IAEA nuclear inspectors from its country, and said it would start producing weapons grade plutonium. What did Bush and McCain do over the past four years? They invaded Iraq in 2003!

Tom, San Diego (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:13 PM)

"Failed policy"???? I guess McCain things that Bush's Iraq policy is working???

Mark, Springfield Illinois (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:20 PM)

I am sorely disappointed in Senator McCain. I would ask you Senator exactly what has Mr. Bush done to deal with this situation in the past 5 years. Better yet what have you done? Thanks to the policies of this administration our military has become another hollow Vietnam era force leaving us very few options and Mr. McCain has followed Mr. Bush like another lapdog.

SGM Larry A. Myers, U.S. Army Retired, Tallahassee, florida (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:25 PM)

McCain had the upper hand when he let the deserter smear him in 2000- that was disgraceful. Then he stands up against torture and I start to like him again, then he lets President Nero get away with a no-torture pledge, as long as it's President Nero deciding what is torture. And NONE of them stand up to say: "Mr. Curse of a President, you do not have the power to make an American citizen stateless and denied all Constitutional rights on your say-so, alone." But you know what - he can, and this disgrace extends to every American who ever swore an oath to protect the Constitution of the United States of America, myself included. Welcome the New American Facsism.

Lee Steele (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:25 PM)

So, McCain thinks it was a great idea for Bush to give North Korea $92 million in 2002 without performing the nuclear inpection required by the framework agreement? Not so much.

Seriously Im Just Asking (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:34 PM)

What really happened to our press? All the press and media seem to be capable of doing lately are to report propoganda, falsehoods, and threats from the Administration and its followers like John McCain. There was a time when the press and media put things in context so that the readers could reach obvious and clear conclusions about the reporting. Now, any politician can say whatever he or she wants and the media reports it as "fact" rather than the disengeneous views of a Senator (McCain) who increasingly looks like the second coming of George W. Bush. With views like these, McCain has lost whatever credibility he had as a straight-shooter and "maverick". He is now in the same boat of credibility as the President, Vice President,Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense. How has he (McCain) been different from the President? The press and media is still in love with McCain even though, time after time, McCain has sided with the Administration and the President. Isn't there any journalist/media types that could hi-light the hypocracies of John McCain and report the vast similarities of him with the President?

J.R. San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:37 PM)

What can we expect next? I know. How about a nuclear war over there instead of a nuclear war over here. Of course the Koreans both North and South would suffer but,. . .

Robert Stelling, Chandler, AZ (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:46 PM)

I also used to respect McCain until he folded under Bush in 2000 (how much better our country might be if he'd been in the White House)and am truly sickened by his kissing up to Bush now just to be president!!

Leslie, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:47 PM)

I think ineptitude and the lack of wisdom characterize the Bush Administration. That McCain is now taking up the partisan attack game is disappointing. There was a time I would have volunteered to help him get elected but now I view him as a fop, a fawning politico and not the independent-minded man of courage I once considered him. Let's find someone who loves country more than self and political party and who does the right thing even if it means sacrifice. I never thought I would sway toward Hillary but she looks more presidential every day.

Terry Fife, MD (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:50 PM)

I have no respect for McCain now that he has surrendered to the Bush "torture" compromise, and suspending Habeas Corpus. Habeas Corpus require that the government demonstrate it is holding detainees lawfully. McCain wants to have it both ways - acting like an independant, all the while following the party line. This gives me the impression that he is 'faking' it.

jill, Philadelphia (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:50 PM)

McCain has lost every bit of credibility he ever had. He has no backbone. He bent over for Bush and said "thank you" afterwards. I used to like McCain, and would never discount his time in Vietnam, but he allowed the attacks, and seemed at times to like the abuse from Bush and the rest of the morally impaired. Clinton's policy worked better than any policy dumbass Bush has ever introduced. Maybe the Republican Porn Comittee who were so interested in Clinton's sex life, should have focused on the real world rather than what Clinton did... Atleast Clinton cheated with woman old enough to vote, and not some little boy like Foley. IF the republicans would have focused on the real world and not a witch hunt against Clinton, the world would be better off. IF dumbass would have actually known where Korea was (remember the first Bush election?)and what the history and and psychological makeup of Kim Jong Il, he would have realized that you do not make sharp moves against a lunatic that has a gun to your head. IF dumbass had actually TALKED to N Korea DIRECTLY, he would realize that Kim Jong Il's only concern was REGIME SURVIVAL. SAME applies to Iran. McCain should shut up, go home and hold his head in shame.

Brad Branson MO (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:51 PM)

I agree with JB in Austin. I liked McCain when he was running AGAINST Bush. But after the SC primary, for some reason, he became an apologist for the Bush administration. Personally, I think there was a deal that he'd shut up in return for clear sailing in 2008. It doesn't matter...any Democrat will be elected president in 2008 and if he (or she) isn't, this country will continue sliding into the abyss.

rc (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:55 PM)

If McCain is foolish enough to think that tough empty talk will solve the problems we face today he is even more out of touch then I thought. And as for a draft I am all for it because the soccer moms across the country will end the war tomorrow.

Brian (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 1:58 PM)

Enough of Mc Cain and hillary- they are only jockeying for 2008. As for NOW, TODAY- send Jim Baker and Gov richardson to speak w/ the North Koreans, along w/ Japan, China, South Korea. We are not the key player here- China is. China has the direct link to Kim Jong Il, not Bush or any US politican. We need direct talks..this namby-pamy footsie diplomacy has to cease..NOW. Devise an apporiate tough response to Kim Jong Il and make it stick.Heck- the man can build a nuke, a 1 million man Army but cannot feed the people of his country? Tough times mena tough talks..no more diplomatic fodderall..go for the jugglar!

Rico Dewaer, Brooklyn NY (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:02 PM)

McCain is taking a page out of the Bush-Rove playbook which is essentially, when you screw up blame the other guy. (You know it's the Democrats responsible for the Foley scandal, and I'm sure somewhere the Democrats caused Hurricane Katrina just to make Bush look bad!) We have had Bush for 6 very long years and this Korean neucular(!) test came during his watch, not Clinton's. I was no fan of Clinton, but Bush's incompence is simply staggering. He simply cannot chew gum (Afghanistan) and walk (Iraq, Korea) at the same time. How many decades will it take to repair the damage to foreign policy that has been visited on nearly every continent?

Bob, Boston, MA. (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:04 PM)

The Republicans have had the House, the Senate and the presidency, and most of the Supreme court for six years now, which is nearly complete control of the aparatus of the government, and they're blaming the Clinton administration? And during the Clinton administration, they still had the House and the Senate. Are they claiming that while the completely Republican controlled Congress and Administration was in office, their hands were tied for the last 6 years by policies of a president long out of office? How gullible do the Republicans really think the American people are? Wasn't it a Republican who said, "You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."

StephG (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:08 PM)

He failed to metion that Bush gave $95 Million to N. Korea in 2002. Long after Clinton was out of the picture. What was the $95 Million restricted to be used for? NO RESTRICTIONS! What was it used for? ENRICHMENT?

Jim Frego, Grants Pass, OR (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:10 PM)

I used to think McCain was a "different" kind of politician, a statesman even. Now, with his rolling over for Bush on the detainee legislation and his blind allegiance to party over principal, he is merely another voice in the wilderness. Way to go John-have fun with your Bush buddies and kiss the moderate vote good-bye.

Michael Korda, Menlo Park, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:10 PM)

On 19 March 2002, Bush declined to certify to Congress that North Korea was upholding the "Agreed Framework", although he offered no evidence that the agreement had been violated. On 22 March 2002, North Korea repeated its threat, but with a new twist: A high-level delegation from North Korea had visited Russia and asked Russia to build a nuclear power station in North Korea. Bush then decided to release US $95 million to KEDO, apparently for heavy fuel oil for North Korea, although this was not specified in the official White House memorandum. Normally this money would only be released on three conditions: implementation of the Joint Declaration on Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, North Korea complying fully with the Agreed Framework, and progress in eliminating the North Korean ballistic missile threat. Bush did not certify that these conditions were met. Instead, he waived the conditions, determining that it was "vital to the national security interests of the United States" that the money was released. http://www10.antenna.nl/wise/index.html?http://www10.antenna.nl/wise/566/5390.html

Jim Frego, Grants Pass, OR (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:12 PM)

So much for the "maverick" McCain. He is easily the most overrated politician in recent memory (Bush is so terrible that his particular brand of ineptitude defies calibration of any sort...). He has proved to be dare I say, a true coward since the Boy Blunder smeared him on the way to the White House. He only goes against the administration when it is safe to do so, i.e. when the votes for legislation are clear cut and the outcome is assured. Then, and only then, is he free to don the "maverick" mask. Typical GOP hypocrite.

Rikki Nadir, Alexandria, VA (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:13 PM)

if he wants the draft watch out because if we don't fallow the geniva convention be ready our enenys whant either can blame them can you? well how long do we have to train them? big talk and nothing behind it. If he stood up more to bush maybe I could respect him but he change is position as many times as bush his under wear

Sleepless (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:18 PM)

I think Gov. Richardson is the most, if not the only, trusted American in N. Korea. If BushCo isn't leaning on the panic button to get Richardson online, then once again, "diplomacy" is merely a word spit out for public consumption.

! (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:22 PM)

How does Wayne- Dallas count, I make it 6 years ago for Clinton. Can't count or think either I guess.

Ed, Fall Creek,Wi. (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:25 PM)

Like the others on this page, I used to respect McCain, but have felt very dissapointed in the last 6 years. he seems to be more interested in getting the Republican party apparatus behind him for an election bid, than to speak the truth, and his own mind. He seems to be more than willing to sell out his principles, and hew to the Karl Rove mainifesto.

Barry, Tucson, AZ (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:27 PM)

Same old, same old .... blame Clinton for everything. Hey McCain! How long has Bush been in office? When are you going to make Bush take responsibility for what happens on his watch?

pianofan (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:28 PM)

I used to like McCain until he backed down to Bush. He thinks that the terrorist policy that he helped(???) form will help. The problem is that he was able to give Bush everything that he wanted and thinks that he succeded in showing he was a maverik. He again has show how much he wants to be President. He says (like Bush has been telling us for the last 6 years and will probably be telling us for the next 2) that Clinton is to blame for the war in Iraq and now how it is Clintons fault that N. Korea has the A Bomb. Who was it the pulled the IAEA inspectors our and also who gave them 92 MILLION dollars. The answer is not Clinton but BUSH. Please Republicians take the responsibilty for all of the problems that you have created. The Democrates have not been in control for 6 years and we have had noting but LIES from our supponsed President. Please have the entire staff and the president resign so that maybe we can get some of the respect that we have lost since Bush has been in office.

Brandon Makoroff, Los Angeles, Ca (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:29 PM)

When they re-institute the draft after the mid-terms, I hope the Bush girls are the first to get picked. Seems only fair to hold the draft without regard to status or gender. Once we get the children of our leaders in uniform, the mass insanity of this administration will stop.

mitch, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:33 PM)

Bush, acting like the big baby he is, didn't want to continue Clinton's successful policy of engaging North Korea diplomatically simply because he doesn't like Clinton. Clinton considered making a military strike against North Korea, so McCain's allegation that Clinton used only "carrots" but no stick in dealing with the North Koreans is just plane false. McCain is just another lying politician. The real problem is the bullying tactics that pass for Bush diplomacy are all sticks but no carrots. And with the U.S. military in a severely degraded state thanks to Bush's Iraq fiasco, the "sticks" Bush uses to threaten other countries aren't as effective as they used to be.

Len (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:35 PM)

Are we EVER going to reach a point where even brainless ideologues will tire of hearing about what Clinton did or didn't do? How long does Bush need to be in office, and how long do the Repubs need to be in complete control before they are held accountable for the mess in which we find ourselves.

Frank Filipo, Medford, NY (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:48 PM)

Bush has been in office long enough to be held responsible for all current situations. Why do you insist we Americans are stupid? You in "power", take responsiblility and deal with it!

Jennifer, Nashville, TN (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:54 PM)

Re mitch, Phoenix--Unfortunately if the draft is reinstituted and the Bush girls were the first ones picked, Daddy would pull all the strings he could to keep them home--the way Bush himself ended up in the Texas Air National Guard...

Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill. (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:06 PM)

The number of individuals who are saying they used to think McCain was a maverick or a straight shooter but now can see that is not the case, just shows how easy it is to fool people. McCain has always been a two-faced, backstabbing, lying Republican. No more, no less.

Rick, Lincon, NE (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:15 PM)

These remarks were released in a written statement today to "compliment" a news conference McCain held in Michigan where he was expected to make the same points. The correct word is "complement" . . . Look it up

John McG (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:16 PM)

I had hoped McCain and Barak would start to bring integrity and wisdom back to politics. I can understand McCain having to embrace his political party in making up with Bush, but backtracking on the radical religious right and now attacking Clinton? He appears to be just another politician. Mr. Obama, we need you real bad. Please help.

Abel Trevino, San Antonio, Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:31 PM)

McCain should advocate reinstituting the draft, but only AFTER he secures the Repugnants nomination for "President." (Heard the Bushies want to change the title to King?) It would be the final nail in the coffin for the Repugs, hopefully enough to banish the neocons and American taliban for the next 100 years. The Demo's are not a whole lot better, but at least some appear to have some grasp of reality and at worst have some semblance of honesty and respect for the American people. I am sure there are some honest, moral and human (read: able to admit mistakes) Repugs, but they are hidden away in a back room somewhere, there tongues tied by our current regime. The family values party - !what a joke!! - where I come from honesty, integrity, modesty and love of our brothers and sisters are family values, and lying, greed, pigheadedness and deceit are for the 'morally inferior'.... I feel McCain knows what is right, but the taste of power has intoxicated him. We need 'sober' governance, not village idiots or any neo_____-ultra______-far_____-_____hawk - ____dove - corporate_____ or green______ . NO extremists !! We need to elect intellectuals from both flavors.

Owen Vanders, Evansville, IN (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:36 PM)

Senator McCain, you lost me. Are you also falling for the Sean Hannity's blame Bill Clinton for George Bush's failure in office after almost six years.

Benjamin Purser, Royal Oak, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:47 PM)

If The American people believes all this bull the republicans put out then we are headed down the road of no return. The American people must wake up and pay attention.

Faye Thompson (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 3:56 PM)

Republicans use the same mantra time & time again, every time they come up short in whatever areas, it time to "Wag the Dog" & in this case it always the same dog,it's President Bill Clinton's fault.Republicans have President Bush,II. who must have failed freshman English in the hallowed halls of Harvard because he cannot string a complete sentence or a comprehensive thought together.He gets a "F" in not being able to lead the Republic of America. How about some personal responsibilty on matters of the Iraq War, Diplomacy, being able to converse with other World Leaders. This is not Bill Clinton's term in office it's your time, "Stand and Deliver" Mr. President. Do not place blame on others for this is your moment in history.

Ivory Williams, Dayton, OH (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 4:06 PM)

I used to consider John McCain a statesman and an honorable man, but no longer. McCain, you lost all credibility when you rejoined the Bush camp. You have shown your true colors and I want no part of it. I will vote Democratic all the way. It's the only way to undo all the damage that the Republicans have done.

Kate NJ Voorhees, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 4:10 PM)

GOP officals on Capitol Hill: Those of us in your party, who elect you, want you to accept responsibiity for your actions, or lack thereof. Just as we demand responsibility from our children, we demad it from you. If you cannot take the heat, get your tail out of the kitchen! We are growing weary of the bull faced baloney you deal out daily, your lack of spinal cord in standing up for the truth and your attempt to cover it all up. Same garbage others have done, you are now repeating. This is why democracy should be limited on how long a particular party stays in power....abuses and excesses galore! It is time to sweep out the old relics and get new, honest blood in the seats!

Jerald B; Tucson, AZ (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 4:22 PM)

It is easy to throw stones and contempt at remarks like this one. Senator John McCain has many followers who will believe him on this unless we bring them in on it. As a start - How about Sen, Hillary Clinton making a strong public demand on Sen, McCain to explain himself one more time and proceeding to counter all his his points afterwards.

Otto,Harrisburg, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 4:33 PM)

To current administration disengaged from north korea altogeher which further isolated him. Seems to me that the current administration has succeeded only in make more enemies and making the enemies we previously had even bolder. I can't put fault on Clinton becuase were we not bogged down in Iraq and spread thin in Afghanistan then they would not be so bold right now. this is only an example of our failure in policy elsewhere and our enemies taking advantage of it.

Michael Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 4:54 PM)

I got a paper cut this morning, Must be Clinton's fault...

Dan, Reno, NV (Sent Tuesday, October 10, 2006 5:00 PM)

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