Bill Richardson Makes His Case - Through Action

I hate to dismiss the big breaking "Don Imus has been fired for being the real father of Anna Nicole's baby" stories, but this Bill Richardson/North Korea deal deserves more scrutiny.

Richardson went over there solely to get the remains of American soldiers who died during the Korean War. In his spare time, he managed to broker a deal with the North Koreans on the dismantling of their nuclear program. They will return to nuclear negotiations, let the inspectors back in, and begin to destroy the Yongbon nuclear reactor.

Here's what Richardson had to say about the deal (via email):

The bottom line is that diplomacy works - there is no other lesson to draw from this monumental breakthrough. And we desperately need someone in the White House who understands this and can restore American international leadership.

In today's world, we have to be willing to engage our adversaries in tough and direct talks that lead to resolution, not more confrontation and isolation. I don't have to tell you that there are trouble spots all over the world that could use some of this tough and smart American diplomacy.

I'm running for President, in part, to keep our country safe and secure. I'm proud that yesterday in North Korea I was able to make a contribution to real progress toward that goal.

It's such an indictment of this Administration that even their successes have to be helped along by Democrats to be implemented.

Richardson also received well-deserved plaudits for affirming his belief in the complete removal of ALL troops from Iraq, without a single exception. That means no permanent bases, no force confined to fighting terrorism, nothing. This is a major difference between him and most of the top candidates. And Markos explains the significance:

Richardson, in just the last couple of months, has brokered landmark deals in Darfur and North Korea -- efforts that had stymied the Bush Administration through two terms. There is no one in American politics today more respected and accomplished on foreign policy than Bill Richardson [...]

Of all the top candidates, Richardson is the only candidate who currently advocates a complete withdrawal from Iraq. That he's also the sharpest mind on foreign policy issues isn't a coincidence.

I don't know if Richardson just vaulted himself into the top tier or not. But he's had an incredibly good week. And his resume is without peer in the Democratic field. He deserves a long look.