Three weeks ago, Cheong Wa Dae said President Lee and U.S. President-elect Obama were the same because they both ``seek changes."
Now, some at the governing Grand National Party (GNP) say Lee should consider ushering in Rep. Park Geun-hye, his rival at the party convention, as prime minister by following the example of Obama, who has nominated Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.
The first episode was close to a comedy, trying to absurdly identify the conservative Korean leader with his liberal U.S. counterpart. The second may appear less funny but no less problematic, reflecting the ruling camp's simplistic mindset even if one takes their words in good part, or politics-is-everything calculation if taken in bad part.
First of all, no one knows for certain how Obama's decision will work out, considering various factors ranging from Sen. Clinton's yet-to-be tested diplomatic talents to her willingness and capacity to be a team player. Some historians raise questions with the wisdom behind the ``team of rivals," asking what is more important ― seeking harmony or focusing on problems amid unity.
This notwithstanding, Lee and his GNP allies could learn at least one lesson from the next U.S. leader ― picking up pragmatists ahead of ideologues ― a move the Korean President has vowed so often but failed to put into action. What's important is not the appearance but the substance.
Secondly, it seems a little too late for President Lee, who is almost nine months into his term, to extend an olive branch to Rep. Park. Lawmakers belonging to Park's faction complain they have had little say in party affairs over the period, let alone received proposals for any decision-making posts.
Thirdly, Rep. Park Geun-hye would not have accepted the offer for premiership even if it had been made earlier nor will she do so in the future. Park, 56 years old, may be seeking another try in five years, unlike Hillary Clinton, who will turn 70 eight years from now. The office of prime minister in Korea is little more than a Presidential bulletproof jacket, which would be of little help ― if not a critical blow ― to a would-be president's career.
Fourthly, Obama's liberal camp will have the effect of moving toward the center by letting the right-of-center Hillary join it. On the other hand, if right-of-center Lee joins hands with further-right Park, his conservative administration would become irreversibly hawkish, aggravating the already fierce ideological battle with the opposition and causing friction both at home and abroad. Lee will repeat the failure of his ideology-ridden and nation-splitting predecessor, Roh Moo-hyun, if from the opposite direction.
Last but not least, even if Park accepts Lee's offer, it is doubtful the Lee-Park team would roll on smoothly, which almost entirely depends on the President's leadership and tolerance, given his nine-months in office. U.S. academics said it was neither the Lincoln's embracement of party rivals nor even his formation of a bipartisan cabinet but his sheer leadership that made him great.
Instead of inviting as heavy a figure as Rep. Park, President Lee and his aides ought to start with replacing some key cabinet posts, including the finance portfolio, at her recommendation or that of opposition leaders.