There was no rulebook to consult ahead of President Trump’s meeting in Singapore on Tuesday with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
Both leaders were new to the type of scenario before them. For the reclusive Kim Jong Un, the summit was a rare appearance on the world’s stage. Meanwhile, President Trump, no stranger to standing before the media, met with a ruthless tyrant in an attempt to open a constructive dialogue on the topic of denuclearization.
The meeting itself, though noteworthy for its historic nature, is of little consequence. Unless the brief discussion between the two results in concrete action on the part of North Korea’s Kim, and a commitment from the Trump administration to hold the regime accountable, the summit was nothing but a rare, slightly awkward photo opportunity. It will be months before the rest of the world can determine whether progress was made.
In the meantime, we’ll see more immediate impact within the confines of American borders during a contentious midterm election year.
As usually happens, a president’s staunch detractors and supporters take their respective sides following any sort of meeting meant to test said leader’s skill as a negotiator. This time, the stakes presented President Trump with an occasion to solidify the support within his base and perhaps gain followers who may be floundering in the middle of the electorate. Virtually no one in America is against any sort of progress when it comes to removing the nuclear threats posed by North Korea. To rally against this type of success means supporting not just a political enemy, but an individual who is an opponent of humanity. No one in their right mind is anti-Trump in a situation where he is opposite ruthless dictator Kim. At least, they shouldn’t be.
That a meeting took place is enough to give even a slight boost to Trump’s name, and in turn, indirectly help 2018 Republican candidates who support his agenda. As political consultant John Brabender noted before the meeting, it was very likely that a portion of Democrats looked favorably upon Tuesday’s summit.
During his time in the White House, Barack Obama often grew concerned at how the rest of the world scrutinized the United States, pro-America sentiment, and actions taken by those in government. Now, many view President Trump’s “make America great again” mentality as one of the most patriotic of the past several decades. Whether you agree or disagree with the current president and his words and actions, there is no denying the powerful pull this theme has on voters around the country.
So naturally, a meeting with Kim where American interests and safety are the main topic of conversation only encourage his supporters to elect those of like mind to office come November.
Some on the opposite side of the political aisle, who can’t claim a moderate perspective, have viewed Tuesday’s meeting as downright disastrous. But again, even if you don’t agree with President Trump generally, taking a side that stands opposite of American interests is unwise at best. More so during an election year.
On Wednesday morning, President Trump tweeted the following:
Just landed – a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018
While it is premature and dangerous to conclude that a North Korean nuclear threat has been neutralized given the regime’s history, there can be no doubt that the president and his supporters consider the summit a rousing success. In reality, it will take many months before a determination can officially be made either way. During this waiting period, American voters will head to the midterm polls.
Those who are passionately in the president’s corner will support his agenda by way of candidates who vocally support the party leader. Those who hope for a blue wave will cast ballots for the opposing party. In the middle will be independent-minded voters who will carefully weigh the past two years of President Trump’s first term.
The promises from the summit and hope for a peaceful conclusion may sway them to consider Republican candidates. But like the agreements made on Tuesday, time will be the ultimate judge.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.
