The president has proved once again that when America is strong and stands on principle good things are possible with bilateral relations with troubled nations.
When Nixon announced he was going to China many attacked him alleging that he was meeting with a brutal dictator of a hermit nation without conditions. Nixon like Trump is seizing an opportunity. Nothing ventured nothing gained can be an effective strategy. As a businessman the president understands that without undertaking reasonable risk there can be no reward.
It is Kim who requested a face-to-face meeting with the President of the United States because sanctions and alienation brought him to the table. He knows that while President Obama pursued a policy of “strategic patience" — Trump pursues a policy towards North Korea of “enough B.S.”
Trump gave up nothing to bring North Korea to the table. Sanctions continue in full force and effect as well as joint military exercises with South Korea and our Pacific Rim allies.
Over the past 30 years I have had the honor and challenge to help plan and shape some of the most historic and consequential foreign presidential summits. I have travelled to over 58 countries in support of our POTUS, VPOTUS and our nation. Here are some thoughts on the upcoming meeting with President Trump and Kim of the DPRK:
1. The meeting should take place at the DMZ between N. and S. Korea. The buildings and facilities were made for this purpose.
2. Since Kim asked for the meeting — Kim should be waiting for the POTUS in one of the "Blue Negotiation Buildings" that straddle the border.
3. There should be a first meeting of 2 hours with both delegations present. That is where the first photo-op can take place.
4. Only if things go well — should there be a lunch hosted by Kim on the North Side of the line in their HQ. Each leader can then offer a "toast" with Press Coverage. The drama of the president crossing the line on foot and actually entering the DPRK would make for great pictures.
5. If things go really well — then Kim should join the POTUS for a statement on the South side of the DMZ in the South's HQ. Likewise, the drama of seeing Kim walk across the border into S. Korea would make awesome press coverage.
6. The POTUS at the conclusion of the first bilateral meeting should request that everyone leave the room and the 2 leaders have a 15 minute private conversation where both can be candid and direct.
7. Following the meeting the POTUS needs to visit with the troops for dinner. Remarks should reflect the mood, tone and tenor of the meeting with Kim.
The schedule needs to be fluid and contingent on how things actually go that day. A lunch and statements should be decided on the spot. It gives more flexibility to the POTUS to get the hell out of there and not spend more time than is needed and puts pressure on the DPRK to behave.
This is a great opportunity to start a process to "beat swords into plowshares."
They say it could not be done with China and it happened. It can be done with North Korea if they are genuine in their desire to give up their nuclear weapons ambitions and join the rest of the civilized world in a path of peace and prosperity.
My advice to Kim is this: do not think you can “play” this POTUS. If you think you can stall for time or wait out his tenure, you are sorely mistaken. Your very survival depends on your actions and inactions.
Bradley Blakeman was a member of President George W. Bush's senior White House staff from 2001 to 2004. He is also a frequent contributor to Fox News and Fox Business Channel. He currently is a Principal with the 1600group.com a consulting company. — Click Here Now.
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