I think this is one of those rare occasions where the smack down needs to be open and public and enough so that even the North Korean peasants can't help but notice how young leader just got pimp slapped. It might enrage him, but I seriously doubt the party leadership wants to do much to get knocked off the dung heap. They're on top right now after all, even if it is precarious it beats what would happen in a war and they know it.
Far from a smackdown as it seems the Obama adminstration is reverting to groveling now. Latest reports state that John Kerry, who served in Veitnam BTW, is concerned about the "rhetoric coming from our side" and will go full retard on a "diplomatic solution." Translation: Millions in aide to prop up the basket case regime most likely on the verge of collapse.
The DPRK know the democrats well and manipulate them at will. Ol Billy Clinton thought he won peace in our time and was just used like a 5 dollar hooker. North Korean propaganda portrayed Clinton as quaking in fear of the DPRK's mighty armed forces.
Oh, the Obama adminstration should know one thing going into any talks with the Norks. Absolutely no way in hell are they ever going to give up their weapons of mass destruction. They saw clearly what happened to Khadaffi after he relinquished his weapons programs. Nice precident! They are not going to believe you Obama!