In my opinion, public opinion is quite different from what the Japanese politics has positioned in Japan-US relations.
For the Japanese people, OBAMA would be the best.
President Obama: Open your market to American rice and gas guzzlers or face trade sanctions!"
President McCain: No need to thank us for liberating North Korea and resolving the abductions of your people - our pleasure.
The choice is clear!
Obama threatens trade sanctions? Since when.
McCain will liberate North Korea? Sci-fi.
Neither will have much impact on Japan, but since Obama comprehends diplomacy, his presidency will facilitate trade around the world, thereby helping Japan.
Obama is a Tiger Woods w/o the golf clubs (and the great looking wife). Both tout their black heritage and completely ignore their mothers were a different race.
world woes will not reduce just with them. Today's world problems need very sophisticated solutions by very sophisticated leaderships, of highest calibre. We still do not have such leaders, anywhere on world stage.
rajakumar, rather queer observations on your behalf, may i say.
McCain is the obvious candidate with all the solutions. He is a world famous war hero and statesman.
May i suggest you tune in to Fox News, you will learn why McCain is the correct choice. The world will be enriched with McCains presence on the world stage.
Obama is a Tiger Woods w/o the golf clubs (and the great looking wife). Both tout their black heritage and completely ignore their mothers were a different race.
Most likely, people looked at them, and "touted" their black heritage for them. It's not something you decide for yourself.
Backing the surge in Iraq, right as it was, may have cost McCain the election.
As far as not trusting Obama, here's some proof:
• "As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic . . ."--Barack Obama, Berlin, July 24, 2008
• "New data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute shows that there is more ice than normal in the Arctic waters north of the Svalbard archipelago. In most years, there are open waters in the area north of the archipelago in July month. Studies from this year however show that the area is covered by ice, the Meteorological Institute writes in a press release."--Barents Observer (Kirkenes, Norway), July 24
By next January, Bush will have left the US, and the world, in such a sorry state that the next president will have to spend most, if not all, of his term just trying to undo the mess. And he probably won't succeed.
Beelzebub, Heck, you`ve been watching too much liberal media.
Try a more fair and balanced news channel.
The world is in great shape, due to the brave policies of GW. McCain will continue in this vein, and the US shall continue to prosper, and the world will be one of freedom.
Way to go McCain, America`s most famous war hero!!!
Mr. McCain is more mature and experienced in worldly decisions.
McCain is old and not very healthy. In most jobs, he would have long retired by now. As for experience, yes, he has crashed more fighter jets (5?) than most people.
For trade: McCain
For not coercing Japan into funding/participating in wars: Obama
For having a town in Japan with the same name complete with a troupe of Hawaiian dancers: Obama
I'm surprised that so many people here voted for Obama. I mean, expats tend to be more liberal, but wow, he's leading by half. Obama's problem is the same as McCain's: his age. Only he's too young. But wait till the September surprise is pulled out of the bag by the McCain camp--everyone knows the media has a tendency to turn on their own creations. The liberal press made Obama, they can just as easily break him.
I think "Kitty-chan" would probably be the best US president from the perspective of many Japanese people. However, I don't believe a Kitty-chan can become US president because she was born in Japan. So, I vote for Mickey Mouse.
Posters appear to have ignored the "for Japan" part of the question. Without comment on my own preferences, the answer for Japan is clearly John McCain. This is not to say that the Japanese government and people are not totally gaga over the prospect of America's first black president. But from day two, which presidency would be best for Japan?
For folks who can remember the 1990s, democrats are stiffer on trade, less likely to help Japan boost its international prestige and less likely to share defense information and technology with the Japanese. An Obama presidency increases questions and volatility over how the US will handle its macroeconomic policy and trade with China, relations with North Korea and others. McCain is much more likely to be predictable, and to place Japan at the center of US policy to Asia. It's not the sexy prediction to make, but it happens to be unimpeachable.
The question did state the "best president from Japan's perspective" so I think the answer has to be McCain. He is more likely to maintain the current large number of troops in Japan and unlikely to shake up the status quo. I also tend to believe that McCain will favor old alliances more than Obama would. I would say that in general Japan would favor a republican administration with Clinton being the past exception.
mccain will just continue the bush policies in Asia, he wont come up with anything new. So Japan will stay a dependent client of the US for more years.
Just look at the last eight years for bush failures in Asia, notably Korea. That is what McCain will continue with question.
zurc the only way that Japan will not be a client state of America is if they amend article 9. Japan as it is today cannot be independent because it doesn't have a full military.
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burikko
Either of Obama and McCain would be acceptable except Clinton. I thank clever Democrats.
bibric
In my opinion, public opinion is quite different from what the Japanese politics has positioned in Japan-US relations. For the Japanese people, OBAMA would be the best.
Raja Kumar
7 out 10, vote for obama,best president choice for japan is Obama O8, after 08.08.08 olympic games.
Sarge
Lessee...
President Obama: Open your market to American rice and gas guzzlers or face trade sanctions!"
President McCain: No need to thank us for liberating North Korea and resolving the abductions of your people - our pleasure.
The choice is clear!
moonbeams
For Japanese people or for the LPD?
For the people, Obama.
For the current government, McCain
def
Obama threatens trade sanctions? Since when. McCain will liberate North Korea? Sci-fi.
Neither will have much impact on Japan, but since Obama comprehends diplomacy, his presidency will facilitate trade around the world, thereby helping Japan.
RepublicofTexas
I think they'll be about the same, both for the Japanese people and for the Japanese gov't.
RomeoRamenII
This question might be a bit premature since obama has not locked up the democrat nomination yet.
RR
rtrhead1
Are you insane? Yes, he did. Hillary has quit. What part of that didn't you see on any of the news channels?
cleo
Where's the button for 'neither of the above / six and 2 threes'?
Surge
Heck,Cleo who would you prefer? Someone like your PM Gordon Brown? The US will make the correct choice, way to go McCain.
USNinJapan2
Wait, you're asking the regular crowd here to adopt a Japanese perspective? That's one of the funniest things I've seen so far on Japan Today. LOL!
Blue_Tiger
Where's the "None of the Above" choice? That'd be my pick. Both McCan and Obama are not to be trusted....
spudman
McCain is best for Japan, old folks looking after old money. The LDP couldn't take a black man seriously.
cleo
My preference hasn't changed from last time. It has to be an American, so Brownie is out (looks like he'll be out in the UK soon, too...)
Jon Stewart.
Sarge
"from Japan's perspective"
Perhaps we should get some responses from some Japanese.
sabiwabi
The best for Japan and America, and for the entire world, Ralph Nader.
JoeBigs
For Japan and the world Obama would be a much better prospect. Hell atleast Obama knows the difference between Shiite and Sunni.LOL
Hughgarse
perhaps it will bring them out of their zenophobic stupor....
Tatanka
Obama is a Tiger Woods w/o the golf clubs (and the great looking wife). Both tout their black heritage and completely ignore their mothers were a different race.
Raja Kumar
Obama as president or Mccain as president,
world woes will not reduce just with them. Today's world problems need very sophisticated solutions by very sophisticated leaderships, of highest calibre. We still do not have such leaders, anywhere on world stage.
If there is, I welcome them.
FairandBalanced
rajakumar, rather queer observations on your behalf, may i say.
McCain is the obvious candidate with all the solutions. He is a world famous war hero and statesman.
May i suggest you tune in to Fox News, you will learn why McCain is the correct choice. The world will be enriched with McCains presence on the world stage.
Zurg
It seems that not much people of THIS blogg are not in agreement with the 'Poll Numbers'.
Mr. McCain is more mature and experienced in worldly decisions.
Most People in the USA can see through the charade of Mr. OhBama.
All of his talking points are in line with the Liberal democratic party of the US.
Most of the Middle America will not let this go by. It's the large cities that could steel this election.
helloklitty
Most likely, people looked at them, and "touted" their black heritage for them. It's not something you decide for yourself.
helloklitty
Backing the surge in Iraq, right as it was, may have cost McCain the election.
As far as not trusting Obama, here's some proof:
• "As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic . . ."--Barack Obama, Berlin, July 24, 2008
• "New data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute shows that there is more ice than normal in the Arctic waters north of the Svalbard archipelago. In most years, there are open waters in the area north of the archipelago in July month. Studies from this year however show that the area is covered by ice, the Meteorological Institute writes in a press release."--Barents Observer (Kirkenes, Norway), July 24
Beelzebub
By next January, Bush will have left the US, and the world, in such a sorry state that the next president will have to spend most, if not all, of his term just trying to undo the mess. And he probably won't succeed.
FairandBalanced
Beelzebub, Heck, you`ve been watching too much liberal media.
Try a more fair and balanced news channel.
The world is in great shape, due to the brave policies of GW. McCain will continue in this vein, and the US shall continue to prosper, and the world will be one of freedom.
Way to go McCain, America`s most famous war hero!!!
sabiwabi
McCain is old and not very healthy. In most jobs, he would have long retired by now. As for experience, yes, he has crashed more fighter jets (5?) than most people.
Altria
For trade: McCain For not coercing Japan into funding/participating in wars: Obama For having a town in Japan with the same name complete with a troupe of Hawaiian dancers: Obama
undecidedbout08
So as America goes so goes the entire world? That's a comfort.
I was feeling guilty about the 5% world population/but using 25% of its resources business...
Moderator: Back on topic please.
JoeBigs
Now that is a good one, but I must agree, good Old Mc is really Mature. Hell he is soooo mature he knew Lincoln personally! LOL
How old is Good Old Mc? Dont ask him he does not remember! LOL
Ask Good Old Mc to multiply 50 times 2, he will just look at you like a deer in the headlights.......LOL
Ask Old Mc to spell ECONOMY...LOL He does not know how to cause he does not understand it!LOL
Yeah, hey he has one characteristic that reminds me of Reagan....He is darn old!<BG> LOL
zidane_head
why is there only two options?
Noripinhead
I'm surprised that so many people here voted for Obama. I mean, expats tend to be more liberal, but wow, he's leading by half. Obama's problem is the same as McCain's: his age. Only he's too young. But wait till the September surprise is pulled out of the bag by the McCain camp--everyone knows the media has a tendency to turn on their own creations. The liberal press made Obama, they can just as easily break him.
kinniku
I think "Kitty-chan" would probably be the best US president from the perspective of many Japanese people. However, I don't believe a Kitty-chan can become US president because she was born in Japan. So, I vote for Mickey Mouse.
Kijimuna
Posters appear to have ignored the "for Japan" part of the question. Without comment on my own preferences, the answer for Japan is clearly John McCain. This is not to say that the Japanese government and people are not totally gaga over the prospect of America's first black president. But from day two, which presidency would be best for Japan?
For folks who can remember the 1990s, democrats are stiffer on trade, less likely to help Japan boost its international prestige and less likely to share defense information and technology with the Japanese. An Obama presidency increases questions and volatility over how the US will handle its macroeconomic policy and trade with China, relations with North Korea and others. McCain is much more likely to be predictable, and to place Japan at the center of US policy to Asia. It's not the sexy prediction to make, but it happens to be unimpeachable.
usaexpat
The question did state the "best president from Japan's perspective" so I think the answer has to be McCain. He is more likely to maintain the current large number of troops in Japan and unlikely to shake up the status quo. I also tend to believe that McCain will favor old alliances more than Obama would. I would say that in general Japan would favor a republican administration with Clinton being the past exception.
zurcronium
mccain will just continue the bush policies in Asia, he wont come up with anything new. So Japan will stay a dependent client of the US for more years.
Just look at the last eight years for bush failures in Asia, notably Korea. That is what McCain will continue with question.
usaexpat
zurc the only way that Japan will not be a client state of America is if they amend article 9. Japan as it is today cannot be independent because it doesn't have a full military.
Kijimuna
Anyone who thinks Japan's last 8 years in its relationship with America does not understand how much ground they gained bilaterally after Clinton.