Obama goes stag to Asia, and Japanese don't like it (+video)

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | April 22, 2014 | Howard LaFranchi

[george76]

Obama travels to Japan without the first lady, and Japanese tongues are wagging about what that says about Japan's place on the US priority list. After all, Michelle Obama and daughters recently went to (gasp!) China.

...

Now on the eve of Mr. Obama’s state visit to Tokyo this week, Japan is back to openly fretting about its place on America’s priority list – particularly in comparison to rising rival China.

The reason? When Obama arrives Wednesday evening, he’ll disembark Air Force One solo – without first lady Michelle Obama. Obama will be the first US president to come to Japan on a state visit in 18 years, but never mind: Michelle’s absence has thrown Tokyo into a tizzy.

...

to sit out not just Japan but her husband’s entire eight-day Asia trip, which will also take in South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

At least one miffed member of the Diet, Japan’s parliament, has gone so far as to become snarky – so not like Japan – and intimate that the president’s solo travel must say something about the state of the Obama marriage.

[Dagnabitt]

If Michelle Obama has political ambitions of her own, she will, like Hillary, remain in her sham marriage after the White House.

Otherwise, divorce within 2 years. (By which time she will weigh about 250 lbs)

[subterfuge]

The author sure seems to be in a tizzy because the japs are “in a tizzy” over the regime's utter cluelessness.

Where is Hilliary's reset button?

[no-to-illegals]

since have covered all ... and no further post have I made have been deleted ... it must have been saying obozo.

[no-to-illegals]

Request an explanation on post #4 removal. Email me please. Will endeavor to not do what I did wrong with post #4 again and will not bring to board. Only wish to know what I did wrong. Will send no response to email and will delete immediately thereafter. Thank You.

[albie]

Uh...is that photoshopped?

[Iron Munro]

Moosie The Mouch has no interest in going to Japan - no black rappers or hip hoppers.

[SevenofNine]

Something got lost in translatioin LOL!

[Moltke]

Obama will just have to bow a little lower this time to make up for it.

[no-to-illegals]

Thank You.

[Tucker39]

Lottsa’ bathhouses in Japan.

[no-to-illegals]

May as well try again ...

The mooch has passed the football to china during her visit Japan. Japan beware and be on your guard!

[lonestar]

I only hope the Obamas can’t stand each other as much as I can’t stand both!

[grania]

I thought it was tacky when Michelle and the family didn't adjust their China visit at the panda park and accompany Obama on his audience with the Pope.

I mean, really what Christian would pass up on such an opportunity?

[rllngrk33]

I thought it was tacky when Michelle and the family didn't adjust their China visit at the panda park and accompany Obama on his audience with the Pope. I mean, really what Christian would pass up on such an opportunity?

You wrongly presume the Obamas are Christians.

[grania]

You wrongly assume the Obamas are Christians

I was assuming at the very least they were pretending to be Christians.

[TigersEye]

The biggest fool to ever hit the big time ...

[Ronin]

I think I can safely say that most Japanese are grateful.

[skimbell]

She’s probably hangin’ at the whitehut getting ready to put her garden in.

[AmericanInTokyo]

If it cut costs, such as halved them, then I am all for it. We do not need her out here!