In politics, a week may seem like a long time, but 24 hours may seem like an eternity, especially if the White House is ignorant of fundamental historical realities.
U.S. VP Kamala Harris amply demonstrated this on Thursday by visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the Korean Peninsula to round up her four-day tour to Asia.
She misled onlookers by claiming that the U.S. has a “strong partnership” with “the Republic of North Korea” during the visit.
She continued, “It is an alliance that is solid and durable,” referring to South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea.
Her error occurred just 24 hours after President Joe Biden was likewise confused by circumstances when he unintentionally praised Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) at the White House, according to Breitbart News.
“Is Jackie present? How is Jackie doing?” Biden enquired after thanking many congressmen from various political parties. He said, “I didn’t believe she was going to be here.”
In a sad automobile accident in August, Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) passed away.
White House
The vice president resumed her speech by expressing the U.S.’s support for South Korea’s defense against the nation’s increasingly belligerent North Korean leadership after Fox News picked up on Harris’ gaffe.
Harris added, “I cannot emphasize enough that the United States’ commitment to the protection of the Republic of Korea is unwavering, and that we will do every effort to make sure that it means everything that the words suggest.”
Harris proceeded to the top of a ridge at the DMZ, close to watchtowers and surveillance equipment. A South Korean official pointed out military sites on the southern side as she peered through hefty binoculars, according to the AP.
On Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, VP Kamala Harris visits the DMZ that divides both the Koreas in Panmunjom, South Korea, while using binoculars at the military observation point.
An American officer then pointed to some of the defenses, such as claymore mines and barbed-wire fences, along the military demarcation line. He claimed that American soldiers frequently patrol along a trail on foot.
“It’s just so close,” said Harris.
At the end of the DMZ visit, Harris flew from Osan Air Base back to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
