WASHINGTON (Yonhap) -- North Korea seems to be hardly a political issue in the United States, with the presidential election less than four months away.
But President Barack Obama, seeking re-election, on Monday openly mentioned North Korea, along with Iran, publicizing his foreign policy achievements.
Obama was emphasizing his view that the U.S. is taking the initiative in global diplomatic issues after a decade of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"It's allowed us to broaden our vision and begin a new era of American leadership. We're leading from Europe to the Asia-Pacific, with alliances that have never been stronger. We're leading the fight against nuclear dangers," he added.
Obama is apparently emboldened by high approval ratings on his national security and foreign policy, bracing for a duel with former CEO and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney of the Republican Party.
The North Korea issue is out of the spotlight in their debates that have focused on ways to deal with the economy and other domestic issues.
Pundits here say there is no major controversy over how to handle nuclear-armed North Korea, which has taken repeated provocative acts, including a long-range missile launch in April.