OPINION | Barry Richard: Trump Brings Kim Jong Un to the Table
President Donald Trump has accepted the invitation of North Korea's dictator Kim Jong Un for a summit that could lead to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Whether such a meeting, should it even occur be successful is anyone's guess at this point.
Trump has proven to be an unconventional leader with unconventional ideas that seem to get results. Even when the "know-it-alls" in Washington and in the media insist that he doesn't know what he is doing, Trump proceeds when he believes in his plan and so far his instincts have proven to be right.
Not long ago his critics were saying, Trump would ignite a nuclear war with Kim with his heavy-handed approach. Looks like they were wrong. Now, they are all rushing in with advice on how to proceed and whether he should even have the meeting at all. Funny thing is they haven't been right about anything. Why should he listen to them?
The big question is "why now?" The more cynical are suggesting Trump only accepted the invitation to meet with Kim in order to sway the 2018 midterm elections. Really? Others suggest that for a U.S. President to meet face to face with a tin horn dictator is not very "presidential." Gee, where have we heard that criticism before?
The truth of the matter is that Kim comes to the table with very few options. His economy is sunk due to sanctions imposed by Trump. He can no longer afford his nuclear program and the isolation that has resulted from it. It's kinda like when Reagan was called a fool, and then he broke the Soviet Union.
Whether this summit proves to be worth Trump's time or not it is certainly worth the effort. Should Trump succeed, will he be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Don't hold your breath.
Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3pm. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.