“His inclusion of NK in the “Axis of Evil” pissed them off.”
Well, yes, I rather imagine it did. Does seem to be a somewhat provocative statement. Followed by being quoted on 60 Minutes, stating his visceral hatred of Kim Jong-Il. Sort of thing puts people off, don’t you think? Heck, it might even give them the impression that they were under some sort of threat. People are funny that way, you tell them they’re evil and you hate thier guts, they get all apprehensive.
“He has focused too much on Iraq, when NK was always the bigger danger.”
Personally, I don’t regard either as that much of a threat, so a comparison is somewhat moot, like a deranged chihuahua and a three legged rottweiller. But I hasten to point out the GeeDubya had information regarding NK’s nuke status, but witheld it while the Iraq Resolution was before Congress. Didn’t want to confuse the poor addled dears, sidetrack them with other urgencies. First things first, and all that.
“There is no crisis. South Korea understands that peaceful negotiations can succeed.”
Perhaps so. As the alternatives range from the “bad” right through “disastrous” and all the way to “horrendous”, I rather imagine such “peaceful negotiations” might well be worth considering. You disagree?
“He has under-stated the NK crisis in order to maintain public attention on invading Iraq.”
Actually, as noted above, on that occassion he didn’t mention it at all. Being a politician, I think it fair to suggest his motives were political. You say “maintaining attention”, I say “duping”. A matter of inference, I suppose.
“He hasn’t built up a military capable of dealing with NK.”
Of course he didn’t, didn’t need to. The SK Army, the “Tigers” are legendary for toughness and ferocity. One on one, they are a good match for the Chiricaua Apaches. They are well armed, well trained. Backed by American air power, not to mention American thermo-nuclear arms, they are likely quite capable of taking care of themselves. Recent elections and statements would indicate that they are trying to relay this message: “Butt out, big nose!”
“He has been too militaristic, goading NK into building up their own armaments.”
Well, gee, december, I don’t know. You figure such statements as above might give someone the impression that they were under some threat? Well, yes, I imagine they very well might. “You’re evil, and I hate your guts.” Not the prelude to peaceful negotiations and a cordial, but frank, exchange of views.
To address your OP directly: Will it work? Which I rephrase: Will he get away with it?
If he has correctly estimated the cupidity of the American people, yes, it will. We are an emotional people, when the drums start to pound we rally round our leader, the threat of war never fails to boost solidarity with the Admin, regardless of what political stripe. The Pubbies know this, and made no bones about thier naked and blatant appeal to such.
Will it work? Not with me. How about you?
