Jill Biden likely to visit Japan for Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony

Regardless of what “side” one is on politically this is strange on so many levels. There is no logical reason for her to come to Japan for games and bring her very large entourage with her during a pandemic (this is as bad as Olympic entourages). Also, I do not understand the purpose of her meeting Suga; it makes no sense.

Finally it would be hypocritical to support this visit while simultaneously being against the games. In this case I think Ms. Biden is not following the science.

I can’t remember who said it (was stated against our “leaders” regardless of political party) but yes “it is one big club and all of us are not in it”

The expression of Pres. Biden’s support at G7 was *enough*. In Koike’s words “*STAY HOME”.*

Comment from my co-worker..."must be nice. I live here and can't even go".

Stay far away!

There are persistent worries among the general public and medical experts in Japan that the world's largest sporting event, delayed for a year due to COVID-19 outbreaks, could trigger a fresh wave of infections.

Please, "persistent worries?" Everyday for the past week there have been more new infections in Tokyo than the previous week, and there is no end in sight!

There is a strong possibility that Tokyo will be under another "State of Emergency" WHILE the Olympics are being held, which is asinine to say the least!

The people are being told by the government to "stay home", "don't go drinking", "stay away from crowds", etc etc etc etc, and yet the very same "government" is welcoming, with open arms, nearly 100,000 people, from all over the world, to come to the Olympics.

If I talked like that when I was a kid, "do as I say and not as I do" my dad would have wacked me upside my head, and then did it again, just for the heck of it!

Joe Biden needs Japan's support and vice versa, even though everyone knows this olympics is a disaster. Seems like Jill is helping Joe in an awkward diplomatic situation.

I guarantee you that Japan needs Biden's support a hell of a lot more than Biden needs Japan's.

The inability of the Japanese government to show any leadership is proof enough of that!

ulyssesToday  07:58 am JST

Dr. Jill Biden has intellect, grace and decency.

That’s the impression I get too.

And that is what makes her alleged presence at these games so odd. She must surely be able to see, objectively, that these games are at best a huge gamble with the well-being of the Japanese people, as well as a sign of the sheer greed of the IOC.

I'm not getting it either. It would be a snub if he didn't meet her.

Sorry, but spectators from overseas are not allowed.

"I cannot remember a single case where a first-lady alone met the leader of another country."

How about family members (like Ivanka and Jared) meeting with world leaders and negotiating with them on behalf of the President? Did you have a problem with that?

Hope the US Embassy have a nice room for her; all of the top hotels in Tokyo with presidential suites are booked solid for the IOC and members of the 'Olympic family!'

"I cannot remember a single case where a first-lady alone met the leader of another country."

How about family members (like Ivanka and Jared) meeting with world leaders and negotiating with them on behalf of the President? Did you have a problem with that?

Whoops, there you go pointing out the right's lack of credibility again. Shame on you. They don't like it when you do what they do.

Glad to see I am not the only one that considered sending only the First lady to the games a very strong diplomatic message. Much more clear than all the previous expressions of support from Biden.

Maybe the “doctor” can help Japan solve their covid crisis and save the Olympics…. harharhar…

@Blacklabel: Well, get ready to complain a lot of 'ill-timed' visits over the next 5-6 weeks. I'm sure there will be representatives from many Governments here. You are living in fantasy land if you think not.

Of course they will get Quarantine waived etc etc. Not really sure why anybody is surprised or 'outraged'

I cannot remember a single case where a first-lady alone met the leader of another country.

Well that just proves you don't know much about history. First ladies all over the world actually regularly attend events or visit other world dignitaries, leaders included, be it for pure decorum or for an actual cause. Michelle Obama has been received by the Emperor when she came to Japan (alone). Laura Bush and her daughter met Silvio Berlusconi alone when they visited Italy in 2006. It's all completely banal.

What is the purpose of the visit? I will give the Biden Administration credit though if they cut a deal with Japan that benefits the US somehow,

What are you talking about? This is a purely formal visit for a worldwide sports event. Not a diplomatic mission. It's only decorum.

though I suspect give and take negotiations take place when Joe's son is cutting deals beneficial for China.

Conspiracy theories are fairy tales for adults.

now we hear more people coming last minute, unannounced, from overseas.

Did you seriously just write that as a comment on an article where Jill Biden announces she might be coming to the olympics in 3 weeks? :'D

After the G7 farce in Cornwall, there was a massive surge in Covid infections in the region, mainly blamed on the press people wandering everywhere, diplomats and entourages of the big wigs.

...come on, a few press members, most of whom were probably vaccinated, spread the virus?

G7 brought an influx of 5000-6000, including security, hospitality staff into a rural area. Infection rate in the area shot up  from 4.9 per 100,000 people on 3 June to 130.6 per 100,000 people on 16 June. A local map clearly shows the conference area was the biggest hotspot.

Olympics teams are being dispersed all around Japan and then everyone converging on Tokyo. The numbers of people involved dwarf the G7 - security, hospitality, volunteers, transport, media, coaches and other assorted team support staff all outside the bubble, mixing, moving around. The potential for a superspreader event is massive. A really bad idea.

And yes, we really don't need world leaders or their representatives coming, without quarantine for sure, to add to the risk.

Can't think of one who insists on the title. It holds little of the prestige or sense of being hard-earned that it once did. Especially holders of EdD degrees. It smacks of insecurity to insist on the title, and butt kissing to use it for someone .

Anyone who has worked hard to get a Phd is proud to be called a Dr.

It takes years of research, presenting and defending your thesis to get a Phd.

The illiterate types do not understand the difference between an MD and a Phd, but then it's on them.

And that is what makes her alleged presence at these games so odd. She must surely be able to see, objectively, that these games are at best a huge gamble with the well-being of the Japanese people, as well as a sign of the sheer greed of the IOC.

Dr. Jill Biden is not responsible for holding these games. Let’s not mix up issues. Opening Ceremonies are generally attended by friendly head of states.

It’s probably a good idea to have the FLOTUS attend it rather than the POTUS. There’s less effort involved and fewer engagements.

Who cares?

After the G7 farce in Cornwall, there was a massive surge in Covid infections in the region, mainly blamed on the press people wandering everywhere, diplomats and entourages of the big wigs. What makes anyone think this won't happen in Tokyo, but on a larger scale?

Will see how this olympic can stop the virus ?

Big mistake, Jill. stay home. Better safe than sorry.

Dr. Jill Biden has intellect, grace and decency.

That might scare a few with stunted minds, but the rest of us don’t mind.

My coffee fell to floor when I read that. Funniest thing that has been said in a long time.

@Blacklabel: Why is the visit ill-timed? Its the Olympics.

With knowledge of the world’s highest numbers of corona infected and deads in her own country one would expect that she would have the brain and courage in her position not to support that money grabbing mafia and such a super spreading event.

Yan Limeng, a former Hong Kong virus expert who fled to the US, recently posted on Twitter emails from Anthony Fauci, the White House's chief medical adviser and director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which she believed supported her claim that the COVID-19 was a chemical and biological weapon of the Chinese Communist Party. But Yan's plot was soon slapped in the face by Fauci himself. Mr. Fauci responded on the program by calling it a "quote out of context" and saying that "the most likely source of the virus came from a wild animal."

@Blacklabel: I'm still missing your point.

I might be at the opening. Now, for her, I am more than happy stand up and cheer (ok, clap my hands as cheering is probably prohibited), but not for Bach, Coates or Suga.

Welcome to the virus games. May the odds be with you.

talk about rubbing Japanese' faces in it....

Calm down, everyone. It's the Olympics, not a political summit.

People here seem to not understand political and business dynamics.

there is to meet, there is attend a meeting and there is “hold” a meeting.

holding a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga 

the person holding the meeting has the power and attendees, well they attend.

Can you cancel the meeting as an attendee? Nope, only the person holding the meeting can. They are the “host”.

so the PM of Japan is lower in the dynamic (in his own country) than someone else’s wife.

Can Suga just say “don’t come” or cancel to see her? Nope.

What is the purpose of the visit? I will give the Biden Administration credit though if they cut a deal with Japan that benefits the US somehow, though I suspect give and take negotiations take place when Joe's son is cutting deals beneficial for China.

Here is another time we should listen to the words of Vice President Harris, "Do not come."

Tokyo-EngrToday  07:36 am JST

Regardless of what “side” one is on politically this is strange on so many levels. There is no logical reason for her to come to Japan for games and bring her very large entourage with her during a pandemic (this is as bad as Olympic entourages). Also, I do not understand the purpose of her meeting Suga; it makes no sense.

Fully agreed.

zichiToday  09:05 am JST

Doctor of Education. There are a few here in need of some teaching.

About her dissertation:

it is so equally lacking in rhetorical force, boldness of conception, and original research that it amounts to a triple null set, a vacuum inside a blank inside an abyss. If Ingmar Bergman were alive and hired to make a film about this paper, he would say, “I can’t do it, there’s so much emptiness even I cannot grasp it,” and it would sound so much worse in Swedish that suicide hotlines would have to hire extra staff. 

https://news.yahoo.com/jill-biden-doctorate-garbage-because-212259558.html

Those having doctorates have been referred to with the title "Dr." since at least the 1300s.

Attilathehungry

As for referring to herself as "Doctor"... I know a lot of people in academics who hold similar credentials. Can't think of one who insists on the title. It holds little of the prestige or sense of being hard-earned that it once did. Especially holders of EdD degrees. It smacks of insecurity to insist on the title, and butt kissing to use it for someone .

 and holding a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga 

does no one see this? its right in the article.

I think countries sending any more than the bare minimum of people to Tokyo are idiots. The Olympic delegations probably have so many empty suits and hangers-on that one more won't make much difference though.

Ulysses. Dr. Jill doesn't have a PhD. She has an EdD, a lesser ranked degree. She taught remedial English in junior college- a respectable profession to be sure, but hardly "doctor" worthy. Her dissertation was a joke- have you ever read it?

Again, of all the PhD and EdD that I know (and I know quite a few), none call themselves "doctor", especially outside the academic setting. In the general public, "doctor" has a specific meaning- someone with medical training of some kind or other. Can you imagine the scenario.... on a flight somewhere that Dr. Jill is on, a person is taken sick in the cabin. The FAs hurriedly check the passenger manifesto. Oh joy, there is a doctor on the plane! All is looking up. "Dr. Biden, can you help us with this person?" "Uh, actually, I'm not THAT kind of doctor... would you like to hear my thoughts on community college education?"

My coffee fell to floor when I read that. Funniest thing that has been said in a long time.

My apologies for scaring you.

That might scare a few with stunted minds, but the rest of us don’t mind.

The visit is ill timed, she expects to meet with the Prime Minister too?

and that is more people from overseas when supposed to be restricted?

what’s the benefit of this trip again?

well @Ego Sum Whatever: Lucky a lot of the UK has been very sensible vaccinated then, isn't it?

Joe Biden needs Japan's support and vice versa, even though everyone knows this olympics is a disaster. Seems like Jill is helping Joe in an awkward diplomatic situation.

@Blacklabel: Yes - a possible meeting with Suga? So? Am I missing something?

because in order to make Japanese feel safe about having the Olympics, Japan announced restrictions on people from overseas.

now we hear more people coming last minute, unannounced, from overseas.

also don’t send your wife for me to take care of during my busiest/most important time of the last 4 years.

@Blacklabel: Why is the visit ill-timed? Its the Olympics.

also, what was so farcical about the G7 summit? Love to know your thoughts on that.

Ditto SS, who cares?

Ego, come on, a few press members, most of whom were probably vaccinated, spread the virus? I'm betting it's all young people, going hog wild after being locked down for a year, and many of which chose not to be vaccinated.

ahh, the new royalty.

If the First Lady wants to come to the Olympics, I have no problem with it. I am sure she has been vaccinated and is still tested constantly, she is probably one of the safest people in the world to attend.

As for referring to herself as "Doctor"... I know a lot of people in academics who hold similar credentials. Can't think of one who insists on the title. It holds little of the prestige or sense of being hard-earned that it once did. Especially holders of EdD degrees. It smacks of insecurity to insist on the title, and butt kissing to use it for someone .

Dr. Biden is a gracious First Lady, but I am disappointed she and Joe are offering any support for the continuation of the Tokyo Olympics.

I doubt Dr. Biden will have a jacket with "I really don't care, do you' written on the back, like her graceless predecessor has.

Dr. Jill Biden has intellect, grace and decency.

That might scare a few with stunted minds, but the rest of us don’t mind.

Shame. I am very impressed with Pres. Biden (as a non-American; so I’m politically disinterested), and the First Lady is obviously a person of intelligence and class. It’s unfortunate that even one of them would want to be associated with this farce.

Was hoping Joe could have made it.

Excellent that the USA will have a White House presence at the Olympics - Further support for the Olympics on the World Stage and a further push to show we can and will return to normality.

There is a first time for everything @Zoroto - and lets face it, Jill Biden is very different to Melania Trump. I find it rather disrespectful that you are so anxious to pour cold water on this. Seems like many other feel the same way about your increasing negativity recently.