While Rudy was trying to figure out how much a gallon of milk costs and JOhn McCain was talking about how safe the streets of Baghdad are, Bill Richardson was actually doing something important. It's been barely covered in the press, too which is why I wanted to mention it.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson went to North Korea to help negotiate the release of bodies of 6 servicemen killed in the Korean War and also helped to get the Koreans agree to brining weapsons inspectors back into North Korea.
He had White House backing for the trip, which is a mixed blessing - but it shows the kind of President that Richardson might make and it's a stark contrast to BushCo's policy of not talking to people or negotiation with the enemies like Syria or Harry Reid.
This is the kind of positive moves that should garner more press and as the AP points out, it's not uncommon for Richardson.
Richardson has regularly made diplomatic trips, often on his own initiative, to a number of global hot spots. Though visits to North Korea by senior U.S. officials are rare, this was Richardson's sixth.
A former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary in the Clinton administration, Richardson also visited Sudan in January to try to end four years of fighting in the Darfur region.
Richardson said the timing of his visit is important and will show North Korea the United States' good intentions. He said the North Koreans will understand the symbolism of a delegation that includes Principi and Victor Cha, a top adviser on North Korea.