Administration Official Gives Back Story on Clinton Mission
EmailABC News' Yunji de Nies and Sunlen Miller Report:
A senior administration official said last night President Barack Obama called family members of both women to "express his relief that they will be reunited shortly."
Speaking on background, the official said, "The two journalist are enormously relieved and seem to be in good health."
The official spoke about the work that led up to the release of Laura Ling and Euna Lee, saying that today's events reflect work over the course of several months.
Since the women's arrest, the adminstration has spoken with the families regularly about the work they were doing to secure their release.
In the spring, the North Koreans began to allow the women to call their families weekly. In mid-July during one such phone call, the women said that the North Koreans would be willing to release the women if former President Bill Clinton would come as an envoy to North Korea. Vice President Gore, the founder of CurrentTV, which Ling and Lee were reporting for when they were captured, spoke on behalf of the families and asked Clinton do this.
National security teams worked to make a judgement to see if that mission would be successful. During the weekend of July 24/25 the National Security Advisor spoke with Mr. Clinton about his willingness to take this on.
Prior to leaving the White House and North Korea agreed that Mr. Clinton was there as an envoy in a private mission, and not there to negotiate any of the weapons issues.
"We made clear in every communication we had with the North Koreans, and President Clinton made clear in all his conversations, that this was a purely private humanitarian mission, being solely for the release of the two journalists. And that in fact was completely separate from issues between North Korea and the international community. That it would remain crystal clear the separation here," the offical said.
The administration also consulted with U.S. allies, including members of the Six Party talks, so they would know "what the trip was about, and what it wasn't about."
Mr. Clinton and his team engaged in an hour and fifteen meeting with Kim Jong Ill. They also shared a two hour dinner.
"I'm sure President Clinton gave President Kim his views on de-nuclearization. And his views are well-known," the official said, "In addition to discussing U.S. journalists…he did pressed very hard on the positive things that could flow from the release of the South Korean detainees."
Former Vice President Gore has been "directly, vigorously and constantly involved in trying to seek the release of his colleagues." He had at least one conversation with President Obama.
Former President Clinton has not spoken with Obama, but did speak with regularly with members of the National Security team about the trip – at least twice face to face. The last in person talk was last Saturday with members of interagency team and others to receive a briefing on the situation in North Korea.
–Yunji de Nies and Sunlen Miller
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Thank You, Mr. President, Bill Clinton! You did something Obama could NEVER do! Again, I stand by my statement that Hillary should have been our President. Never underestimate the power of a Clinton. Watch out, Obama!
Posted by: dk | August 5, 2009, 8:28 am 8:28 am
I’m glad the women are home. Now what did we give up in exchange?
Posted by: Plumber | August 5, 2009, 9:07 am 9:07 am
Will the United States Taxpayers be reimbursed for the expenss incurred by their employer? How much did these 2 journalist cost the U.S. taxpayer?
Posted by: ubu1991 | August 5, 2009, 9:27 am 9:27 am
The women were called “journalists” but were working for Algore. Is he now a media mogul, too, besides being a global warming huckster?
Will Algore be given the bill for Bill’s time and trouble? What was Algore doing sending these young women to North Korea anyway and what did the US government give up to get their release?
Posted by: Questions | August 5, 2009, 9:39 am 9:39 am
When you need to get something done, you bring in the Big Dog. Thank you Mr. President!
Posted by: AllyIowa | August 5, 2009, 9:39 am 9:39 am
So much for not negotiating with terrorists and rogue states. Bill Clinton apologized for the two women committing the crime of JOURNALISM.
While the United States is properly concerned whenever its citizens are abused or held hostage, efforts to protect them should not create potentially greater risks for other Americans in the future. Yet that is exactly the consequence of visits by former presidents or other dignitaries as a form of political RANSOM to obtain their release. Iran and other autocracies are presumably closely watching the scenario in North Korea. With three American hikers freshly in Tehran’s captivity, will Clinton be packing his bags again for another act of obeisance? And, looking ahead, what American hostages will not be sufficiently important to merit the presidential treatment? What about Roxana Saberi and other Americans previously held in Tehran? What was it about them that made them unworthy of a presidential visit? These are the consequences of poorly thought-out gesture politics, however well-intentioned or compassionately motivated. Indeed, the release of the two reporters — welcome news — doesn’t mitigate the future risks entailed.
Expect more kidnappings in the future, more presidential visits, and more apologies from this administration.
Posted by: Weakness in the face of Terror begets more Terror | August 5, 2009, 9:43 am 9:43 am
I bet it KILLED Obama to have to send in Clinton. Just killed him.
I’m also willing to be that Obama will never mention Clinton’s work in praise — he’ll just mouth platitudes about being grateful the women are home.
Posted by: liz | August 5, 2009, 9:45 am 9:45 am
Oh, and the Chicago Tribune’s story this morning makes it sound like it was all Obama administration’s doing, instead of North Korea making Clinton part of the deal.
Posted by: liz | August 5, 2009, 9:46 am 9:46 am
“I’m glad the women are home. Now what did we give up in exchange?”
You probably don’t want to know. Seriously, what did they expect? This is North Korea we’re talking about, not Denmark.
And another bunch of idiots got grabbed by the Iranians for idiotically hiking in a war zone. I bet they play in traffic when they’re at home.
Posted by: Stu Pidd | August 5, 2009, 9:54 am 9:54 am
I’m thrilled that the journalist are free and that Bill Clinton gets the credit.
If he was still president or Hillary–American’s nightmare would be over.
Hillary 2012
Posted by: larry | August 5, 2009, 10:09 am 10:09 am
Bill Clinton makes Obama look like an immature adolescent.
Compare his demeanor when shaking the hand of a tyrant to Obama grinning from ear to ear and deep bowing.
Obama looks silly running down the steps of AF-1 with his hands jiggling in front of him–like being president is one big party.
The whole Monica thing was bad but Clinton is still classy and presidential–something BO never will be.
Posted by: bailey | August 5, 2009, 10:15 am 10:15 am
Just for a little back story for the readers here.
First, anyone know why these reporters went there and what story they were trying to report?
Also, did Clinton appologize for these reporters? NK’s propaganda was that these reporters were spies. If he appologized, then he just gave NK credibility to their claims and played into their propaganda. Maybe it was worth it to bring them home.
Also, a little dirty secret about much of the world is that they are REAL racists. Likely Clinton went because NK is still a very racist nation, fed by their leadership. It is likely that Obama would not be respected because he is black. So those wondering why Clinton went, this is likely the reason. It’s sad, but an unfortunate truth. Most of the world, and their governments, are very racist and gender oriented. If you look at Condi Rice’s career, you would see that in many cases, a white male was sent in many of missions that would commonly have been hers to do.
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 10:27 am 10:27 am
Posted by: Ryan C | Aug 5, 2009 1:07:50 PM
The guy/gal sounds like an unrepentant Clinton fan. How can you be sure of his/her political affiliation? You might as well guess what color socks he’s/she’s got on. Don’t be stupid.
Posted by: Assume | August 5, 2009, 1:11 pm 1:11 pm
“If you look at Condi Rice’s career, you would see that in many cases, a white male was sent in many of missions that would commonly have been hers to do.”
That statement is so absurd and revolting. It reveals way more about your mindset than any reality.
“The subjects of North Korea and Taiwan dominated meetings in Beijing Sunday between top Chinese leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
The French news agency quotes Ms. Rice as telling President Hu Jintao she hopes Beijing will intensify efforts to get North Korea to resume talks on its nuclear program in a constructive manner. Mr. Hu said China is committed to resolving the issue.”
“The president also dispatched Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Baghdad to urge Iraqi leaders to speed reconciliation efforts.”
“Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held midnight talks with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah on Monday on the first leg of a five-day swing through the Middle East to rally Arab allies against the growing momentum of militant movements in the region.”
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
“Posted by: Assume | Aug 5, 2009 1:11:51 PM”
Because that wasn’t bailey’s first post here.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:13 pm 1:13 pm
Clinton was an expert politician and triangulator. Obama is an idealogue and unfortunately, what he is advocating is Marxism.
Clinton knew the art of negotiating and finding compromise. Obama? My way or the highway. I won.
Why would the Obama administration put this out there:
“If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag at white house dot gov…”
This has got to send a shiver up anyone’s spine.
Young America, learn your world history.
Definitely not tomato-tomahto.
Posted by: Skipppy Gates | August 5, 2009, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
“That statement is so absurd and revolting. It reveals way more about your mindset than any reality.”
Oh Ryan, you are right. The rest of the world isn’t racist, we are. I said on some missions, not every. I’m not going to go through and pull up research for you. If you don’t want to believe it, fine, don’t. But facts remain, many cultures do no respect women, and many are racist. And I said it’s an unfortunate fact, not that I believe it so. But hey, who am I? I only have worked in national defense for 13 years and strategic information for 5 years. What do I know?
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
Posted by: KR | Aug 5, 2009 1:31:20 PM
Don’t waste your time. And for the record, I’ve heard things in Asia that would put Stormfronters to shame. I’ve been to places where women are only considered important from their neck to their knees. And that’s the free-thinking view.
Posted by: DKP | August 5, 2009, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
Obama’s Carter’s Second Term domestically with his weak leadership skills and immaturity. As for his foreign policy, Afghanistan is Obama’s Vietnam and it ranks as Bush Term II.
Obama (domestic policy)= Carter Term II
Obama (Foreign policy) = Bush Term III
If Clinton were president, the country, and the world, would be going forward, not backwards. Shame, really, but Barack should have gained some resume experience. 2 years in Senate, all of which were ‘present’ empty votes and 2 autobiographies is okay for Hollywood, not Washington!
Posted by: pat | August 5, 2009, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
“Oh Ryan, you are right. The rest of the world isn’t racist, we are. I said on some missions, not every. I’m not going to go through and pull up research for you.”
Yes how dare I ask you to back up your nonsense with actual facts.
Again your claim with no basis that Rice was held back from diplomatic missions so a white man could do it says alot more about you than it does reality.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
It took a Clinton to get this done. Guess Obama is messin’ up his waffles again.
Periodically, Barry will feel ‘down’ and start attacking his arugula to boost his green appeal….
Posted by: memi | August 5, 2009, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
The right wing Insanity: “I’m also willing to be that Obama will never mention Clinton’s work in praise — he’ll just mouth platitudes about being grateful the women are home.”
President Obama: “I want to thank President Bill Clinton — I had a chance to talk to him — for the extraordinary humanitarian effort that resulted in the release of the two journalists. I want to thank Vice President Al Gore, who worked tirelessly in order to achieve a positive outcome.”
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
When adults are needed to get the job done, you call a Clinton and leave Barry at home, hopefully with a little supervision…
Posted by: big dog gets job done! | August 5, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
“2 years in Senate, all of which were ‘present’ empty votes”
You cannot vote present in the US Senate.
The right wing has nothing but lies and fear.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
“Don’t waste your time. And for the record, I’ve heard things in Asia that would put Stormfronters to shame.”
Stormfronters have shame?
“I’ve been to places where women are only considered important from their neck to their knees. And that’s the free-thinking view. ”
I too was struck by this when Palin spoke at the RNC.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
“But hey, who am I? I only have worked in national defense for 13 years and strategic information for 5 years. What do I know?”
What you don’t own your own company like the rest of the fake right wing resumes?
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
“Again your claim with no basis that Rice was held back from diplomatic missions so a white man could do it says alot more about you than it does reality.”
Actually, it was Rice who would send a male (sometimes white, Asian, or hispanic) representative if she felt he could get more done. She wasn’t TOLD she couldn’t go. She was a smart women and she knew how to influence foriegn leaders. Does this sound unreasonable to you? Diplomacy is more than a teleprompter.
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 1:53 pm 1:53 pm
“What you don’t own your own company like the rest of the fake right wing resumes?”
Told you before, my father owns several construction/heavy equipment companies, my brother works there. I joined the military years ago, now in the reserves working for a government contractor.
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 1:55 pm 1:55 pm
“Yes how dare I ask you to back up your nonsense with actual facts.”
Unfortunately, I cannot because the nature of the source. But, it doesn’t matter. Nothing will convince you that a smart diplomat would play to the culture of the foreign leader in order to exert influence. That would just be crazy talk.
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
–That would just be crazy talk.–
For Obama it is. We’ve got Hillary and Biden on the job. Go figure…
Posted by: Reset | August 5, 2009, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
“Unfortunately, I cannot because the nature of the source.”
Oooooo secret evidence.
This reminds me of a guy at the bar hinting he’s a CIA agent.
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
“Haha, people being treated like animals!Nothing but a joke to you.”
I know the patsy middle aged men leering at Palin was most unseemly.
“I’m sure I’m not the only male in America who, when Palin dropped her first wink, sat up a little straighter on the couch and said, “Hey, I think she just winked at me.” And her smile. By the end, when she clearly knew she was doing well, it was so sparkling it was almost mesmerizing. It sent little starbursts through the screen and ricocheting around the living rooms of America. This is a quality that can’t be learned; it’s either something you have or you don’t, and man, she’s got it.”
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 2:13 pm 2:13 pm
“Oooooo secret evidence.
This reminds me of a guy at the bar hinting he’s a CIA agent.”
No, its not evidence, its called message traffic between embassies, and no it’s not on the internet.
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
“No, its not evidence, its called message traffic between embassies, and no it’s not on the internet.”
ROFLMAO!
Posted by: Ryan C | August 5, 2009, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
“While many believe that Arab and Latin American societies have a better track record in regard to race than the United States, Dr. Carlos Moore, resident scholar at Brazil’s Universidade do Estado da Bahia, contends that this impression is wrong. Moore, a black man raised in pre-Castro Cuba, believes that while these societies may look color blind on the surface, race actually dominates every aspect of social and political life. Moore is best known for his book Castro, the Blacks, and Africa (CAAS, 1989), and African Presence in the Americas, co-edited with Shawna Moore and Tanya R. Sanders (Africa World Press, 1996).”
UCLA International Institute -
Now Ryan, knowing this and being an astute diplomat, would you not use this in your diplomatic influence plans, yes or no?
Posted by: KR | August 5, 2009, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm