North Korea Endorses Barack Obama
by Richardson ~ June 24th, 2008. Filed under: Election 2008, Korean Politics, North Korea.The Chosun Shinbo (조선신보, also Romanized as Chosun Sinbo), a newspaper in Japan controlled by the North Korean organization Chosun Soren (a.k.a the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, 재일본 조선인 총련합회), has endorsed Barack Obama over John McCain in the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. This is not to be confused with American-style endorsements from newspapers as communications from the Chosun Soren and via the Chosun Shinbo are generally understood as the official position of the North Korean regime:
The newspaper expressed hope of better ties between North Korea and the United States under an Obama administration, saying that even if McCain won the election, he could not reverse U.S.-North Korea ties.
Pyongyang favors Obama because he has vowed to meet leaders of rogue states, such as the North Korean leader, without conditions if elected.
[…]
Obama has said that he may be willing to sit down face-to-face with leaders like North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il if that’s what it takes to resolve the continuing nuclear tension on the Korean peninsula.McCain said last month that it is of vital interest to the United States to end nuclear weapons programs by countries like North Korea, calling Kim a “dictator.”
It’s quite understandable that North Korean leadership would prefer Obama over McCain, considering – from statement he has made, data on his website, and information from the CFR – he actually has a grasp of the issues in play over concerning North Korea and will not appease them. This is, ironically, an area where Obama would pretty much continue a Bush policy.
Hamas and North Korea know what they want.
June 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
[...] how the realization that Obama stylistically tracks no one so much as George W. Bush is spreading: DPRK Studies » Blog Archive » North Korea Endorses Barrack Obama It’s quite understandable that North Korean leadership would prefer Obama over McCain, [...]
June 24th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
As I stated on Joshua’s blog, Kim Jong Il should worry less about what we are doing and start looking at his own mess. It is beyond repair, and he needs to understand his time is ticking. He can endorse all day long, but will not mitigate the usupers.
June 24th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I agree - the cracks started by last decade’s famine are steadily widening. But the policies of the current administration and those Obama likely would have only offer Kim Jong-il more time.
Not that anything good will come from a united Korea; that actually has the potential to get very bad. But it’s the right thing to do.
June 24th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Well, to be fair, McCain has little to offer. There are two candidates; left and lefter. I am very distrusting of both, and in my mind will prop the regime a little longer, prolong the suffering, and the status quo. I noticed as long as Kim is quiet, the people suffer in silence behind the fortified walls, the problem does not exist.
June 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Damn, Now I have to vote against him, and I was sooo close!
June 26th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Maybe the North Koreans want to be the only one with an elderly megalomaniac in charge…
July 1st, 2008 at 4:11 am
Maybe Chosen Shinbo has it right. If they endorce a US candidate, then maybe the US majority will vote against him/her. Maybe DPRK and pro-North in Japan may want McCain as the next POTUS. Wait a minute, I am reading too much into this.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
[...] Related story: North Korea endorses Obama [...]
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
[...] would, yes, be the same DPRK (North Korea) that endorsed Jesus Barack Obama not too far [...]
September 11th, 2008 at 1:48 am
It seems to me that the distinct definitions of talking and appeasement have been blurred somewhat this election season. The desire to talk with our foes does not equal giving them what they want, rather it gives us an opportunity to reach a solution without having to break out the artillery. Kennedy, Nixon and Reagan all worked that way, and now Obama wants to too.
McCain, on the other hand, wants to go riding in, shoot first, and ask questions later.
September 11th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Actaully, just speaking with North Korea often does involve giving something up in return. Obama is clearly out of his depth on the topic.
September 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Maybe Obama and Biden will learn to sing WooRi Eh SoWonEun TongIl “Our hope is the Reunification” so they can hold hands with DPRK leaders and sing together.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
In front of dancing girls… Then they can present a basketball signed by Michael Jordan to the delight of the Dear Leader.
September 16th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
SEN Obama seriously underestimates the posture and politics of leaders like Kim Jong Il and Ahmedinijad. This is not about talk - but action with credibility.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:10 am
[...] North Korea The totalitarian regime that starves its own people. That’s who I want to endorse my candidate. [...]
September 26th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I think it’s fair for a “new” president to encourage diplomacy first and rogue actions second. After all, isn’t that what democracy is all about?
October 1st, 2008 at 11:17 pm
We’re a democracy? I thought we are a constitutional republic.
November 16th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
[...] was a reason that Obama received endorsements from North Korea’s official news outlet, Cuba’s Fidel Castro, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, the Communist Party in the [...]
June 8th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
[...] was a reason that Obama received endorsements from North Korea’s official news outlet, Cuba’s Fidel Castro, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, the Communist Party in the [...]