The 'Axis of Evil' Challenges President Obama

The "Axis of Evil" challenges President Obama -- that is the subject of this evening's "Talking Points Memo." Two-thirds of the "Axis of Evil," Iran and North Korea, are still causing major trouble worldwide. Of course, the other third, Saddam Hussein's Iraq no longer exists.

Let's take Iran first. There's major debate over how President Obama should react to protests against the fascist government there. Many Iranian voters believe the crazy mullahs fixed the presidential election. And now protesters are risking their lives in pursuit of a new regime.

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People wailing and grieving over the body of a woman, known only as "Neda" gunned down by Iranian paramilitary police.

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Well, since Iran has cracked down on press coverage, we don't know what happened to that woman and we don't know how many protesters have been killed or hurt, but the number surely is into the hundreds.

So what should President Obama do? Critics of the president believe he should take a harder line, perhaps even supporting the protesters against the mullahs. But as "Talking Points" said last week, that kind of rhetoric could ignite more violence in Iraq and Afghanistan against American forces.

Also, as Henry Kissinger pointed out here on FOX News, if President Obama backs the dissenters, the mullahs will blame the protests on the USA. And some inside and outside of Iran will believe that. Thus, Mr. Obama must be cautious.

But he does have the human rights card to play. And now is the time to play it. The president should speak to the world as he did in Cairo and reiterate his belief that human beings, including women, have the right to freedom, not oppression. The president must begin to be more Reaganesque in that regard. Or risk being seen as weak and indecisive.

And that is what the North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il apparently thinks Mr. Obama is -- weak. Kim, a certified nut, is threatening the USA with a missile launch on the Fourth of July and a nuclear attack if we dare stop North Korean violations of the United Nations weapons mandates.

Right now, the U.S. warship John McCain, named after the senator's father and grandfather, tracking a North Korean vessel believed to be carrying illegal arms. Should President Obama order the Navy to board that vessel? That would definitely provoke Kim Jong Il, who would retaliate somehow. Mr. Obama knows that. It will be fascinating to see what he does.

If the president does nothing, Kim wins, taunting the president and getting away with it. But if the president orders the Navy to board, violence will likely occur. At this point, I don't believe the president of the United States can stand by and do nothing. So get ready.

Of course, many on the left will condemn Obama if he acts against North Korea. And these are his people. The committed left has elevated the president to power. So, another Barack and a hard place situation, no question.

And that's "The Memo."

Pinheads & Patriots

Time now for "Pinheads & Patriots." It was FOX News Channel Day at the New York Mets on Saturday, and the starting pitcher for the Mets, Greta Van Susteren. Whoa! Look at that.

Greta went four innings, allowed one run, just two hits. After the game she scolded the Mets for not providing more runs for her. And for her performance Greta is a patriot, even though she throws like a girl.

On the pinhead front, committed left-wing guy Paul Begala -- you just saw him -- said this.

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BEGALA: When I have a book out, I go on Bill O'Reilly's show. I think it's fun. It's a comedy channel, you know.

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Comedy, of course, in the eye of the beholder. Mr. Begala's publisher might not think it's so funny. His last book, "Third Term: Why George Bush Loves John McCain" sold 4,000 copies. Not good, Paul.

By contrast, "Bold Fresh" was No. 5 on the New York Times best-seller list yesterday. Nine months after publication, "Bold Fresh" now approaching one million in print. So we might be having the last laugh here, thanks to you.

Paul Begala is a pinhead.