Korea watcher, ex-government drone. Now in think tankery (@csis) & professing (@georgetown). Mom of two boys, intrepid traveler, foodie.
Jun 19, 2020 • 13 tweets • 2 min read
THREAD II. More revelations from Bolton’s book about Trump and North Korea.
This is from the chapter on the Hanoi and Panmunjom summits—“Checking into the Hanoi Hilton, Then Checking Out.”
2. Bolton was able to hold 3 pre-Hanoi prep sessions with Trump. Key points Trump took away were: “I got leverage,” “I don’t need to be rushed,” “I could walk away.” Bolton convinced him that “if we walk away, it’s okay,” because Bolton wanted to sabotage the talks.
Jun 18, 2020 • 9 tweets • 2 min read
1. THREAD. Bolton has a lot to say about Trump and N Korea in his book. It hasn’t all been reported in the book coverage.
A few highlights from his “Singapore Sling” chapter follow...
2. Bolton confirms that Trump was desperate to have the summit with Kim at any price because it would be “great theater,” “an exercise in publicity.” There was no detailed preparation, no formal agenda. He was prepared to sign a “substantive free Communique.”
