Election Politics Hampers North Korea Talks

Laramie, WY – Election year politics and disagreement within the Bush Administration are hampering negotiations over North Korea's nuclear program. That's according to University of Wyoming Political Scientist Jean Garrison. Garrison spent a year as a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs fellow. She believes election year politics could create a dangerous situation. Garrison says North Korea believes it will get a better deal if John Kerry is elected President. But she notes President Bush has moved closer to Kerry's stance. Garrison says there's also disagreement within the White House, State Department and Defense Department over how to proceed. She says U-S foot-dragging on the issue threatens to further erode the country's world image.