Sunday, April 05, 2009

McCaskill: World Must Present United Front Against North Korea


Sen. Claire McCaskill said the world community must show a united front against North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket Sunday.

"I think it's important that we ramp up the pressure, all of the diplomatic tools we can use, all of the sticks and carrots we can use," McCaskill said, meeting with Springfield reporters on Saturday.

*WATCH HER FULL ANSWER ABOVE*

North Korea claims that the missile is a vehicle to launch satellites, but the U.S. and its allies regard satellite and missile technologies as interchangeable.

"I am convinced, after briefings this week, that we are prepared to look and see exactly what it is," McCaskill said.

The Notebook posed the question to the Senator before the missile launch as part of a round of questions that viewers and readers submitted via Twitter & Facebook.

Loyal reader @mattlyons wrote presciently: "
Ask McCaskill if we should shoot down the N. Korean missile test slated tomorrow. If not, whats the right course to pursue?"
***

OTHER REACTION:

  • President Obama said the "provocation underscores the need for action - not just this afternoon at the UN Security Council, but in our determination to prevent the spread of these weapons."
  • Speaking on ABC's This Week, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said she would push for tougher sanctions against the North Koreans.
  • Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he would have attempted to knock down the missile.
  • DRUDGE banner: "NO THEY DIDN'T!!"
  • AP: "North Korea's defiant launch of a long-range rocket has confronted President Barack Obama with his first global security crisis and a difficult diplomatic challenge for his young administration."




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