'Nobody in the bullpen': White House approaches North Korea talks without envoy

[DonViejo]

Critics argue that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo can't give the topic the explicit, sustained attention it requires.

By NAHAL TOOSI 06/30/2018 07:49 AM EDT

The Trump administration is barreling ahead in its high-stakes nuclear diplomacy with North Korea even though it lacks a full-time envoy to oversee the negotiations.

Currently, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is serving as the point man on the administration’s effort to convince North Korea to give up its atomic arsenal. But some lawmakers and former officials are urging President Donald Trump to put a special representative in charge, arguing that Pompeo can’t give the topic the explicit, sustained attention it requires.

The calls for an envoy come as Trump aides remain coy about details of their strategy to deal with the isolated Asian country. There have been no formal talks announced since Trump held a much-ballyhooed June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, although there are reports that Pompeo will go next week to Pyongyang.

Kim’s regime, meanwhile, is reported to have upgraded a nuclear facility and stepped up its production of fuel for nuclear weapons, raising questions about its true intentions.

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https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/30/north-korea-white-houseenvoy-pompeo-687898

[machoneman]

1. Hey, come on! We here all know it was a photo-op scam.

Nothign was or will be accomplished. And that rag-tag group known as Republiscum Senators haven't issued a peep when they first demanded a hearing with Pompous Ass Pompeo and then he cancelled.

We know why: the Senators didn't want to hear want they and we already know, where NOTHING of any substance was accomplished except to give Trumenstein a photo-op!

So much winning!!!

[Freethinker65]

2. I thought Dennis Rodman was our envoy?