CNN "Newsroom" - Transcript: Kenneth Bae Release
Interview
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BROWN: The news of Kenneth Bae's and Matthew Miller's sudden and unexpected release by North Korea left Bae's family stunned. In a statement they say, quote, "The day we have been praying for has finally arrived. Words cannot adequately express our relief and gratitude that Kenneth is finally coming home."
So let's talk more about this turn of events with Senator Patty Murray, Democrat from Washington state. She joins us now on the phone. Great to have you with us, Senator Murray. First off, do you have an idea why the sudden change of heart by the North Korean leadership?
SEN. PATTY MURRAY, (D) WASHINGTON (via telephone): Well, I think that is very hard for any of us to know, personally. But I can tell you that we're here today, an amazing day for all of us who have been working on this because of the persistence and insistence and strength of Kenneth Bae's family, who have worked so hard for the last two years to make sure no one forgets Kenneth.
BROWN: Yes. They have pleaded publicly, asking for his release today. They say they have been crying with joy. We've been speaking to analysts, and one of our reporters says that there's apparently no condition surrounding the release of these two last Americans in North Korea. What do you think North Korea hopes to gain from this?
MURRAY: I think that's very hard for anyone to know. North Korea is not an easy country to understand or comprehend on why they do a lot of things. I do think this day came about because of Director Clapper's willingness and State Department's good work to send him over there in the last few days here to release Kenneth and Matthew personally. And so I give a great deal of credit to the State Department, who has not forgotten this, has worked diligently, and directly to Director Clapper for his work in this, what we are all so grateful.
BROWN: And Senator Murray, as yoy said, you have been fighting for the release. What has that experience been like for you?
MURRAY: Well, this is a case that we -- he is from our state. And it's a case we've been working on for a very long time. I have met with the family personally. His sister, Terri, has just been the most passionate, articulate person I have ever met and have met with her and talked with her numerous times throughout this. And I think what -- why we are here today is because Terri just would not give up and would not let any of us give up. So this is a case where everybody kept at it. And that's why we're here.
BROWN: And just to be clear for our viewers, you're talking about Kenneth Bae's family, correct?
MURRAY: Correct.
BROWN: Just wanted to make sure.
There's been so much speculation, Senator Murray, that Kim Jong-un's leadership may be challenged. What do you think? Could this be a diversionary tactic?
MURRAY: I think it would be impossible for any of us to speculate on the intentions of the leader in North Korea. I think all of us are focused today on the wonderful, amazing news that Kenneth Bae and Matthew are on their way home.
BROWN: Absolutely. And you can imagine no one is more excited than their family members. Senator Patty Murray, thank you so much.
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