I can’t talk about it — it’s private. (afp photo)
The White House on Tuesday declined to discuss any details of former President Clinton’s trip to North Korea to secure the release of two imprisoned journalists, calling the matter a “private mission.” Really?
Mike Allen from Politico reports the trip was primarily brokered by Gen. James Jones, Obama’s national security adviser, and former Vice President Al Gore. Before he left, Clinton was briefed twice by administration officials. North Korea was prevailed upon to accept the former president’s visit as a strictly private, humanitarian effort to bring the two women home.
David Jackson from USA Today notes the administration today was still pushing the “private mission” line, stressing that Clinton was not empowered to talk about nukes or anything else, and that he never spoke about the trip with Obama. Clinton did, however, have dinner with Kim Jong Il.
Ok — justification received and understood. But it still doesn’t meet the standard of a “private mission.” It was organized, sanctioned and secured by the government. It’s unclear who paid the bill — but that’s just another detail.
This morning, Obama paused on his way to Indiana to thank Clinton for his efforts.
“I think that not only is this White House obviously extraordinarily happy, but all Americans should be grateful to both former President Clinton and Vice President Gore for their extraordinary work,” Obama said. “And my hope is, is that the families that have been reunited can enjoy the next several days and weeks, understanding that because of the efforts of President Clinton and Gore, they are able to be with each other once again.”
