Failure to push the budget through could be the straw that breaks Mori's back. |
He seems to be playing fairly well into the electorate, and appears to have a greater level of popular support than Hashimoto. |
He's gained a lot of kudos in recent months, he's a fiscal consolidator -- which is what Japan needs. I understand he has growing support within the LDP. |
I think Koizumi is a genuine contender, although I worry about the factional support, |
If the coalition partners think they can't win the election because of Mori they will push for him to go, and LDP will have to listen. |
It might seem extreme, but it would allow the LDP to retain the balance of power. |
It's certainly not too soon to speculate on a successor to Mori and I'd rate Hashimoto a 40 percent chance of taking the job, |
It's like a pro quarterback who wants to keep going. I don't blame the dancers, but we do try to combat that. |
It's unclear whether he would be as committed (as Hashimoto) and as forceful on fiscal consolidation. Hashimoto has a past record to go on. So for Koizumi, there's a question mark there as well. |
Koizumi is being seen as more of a reformist, which plays well with the urban voting blocs, ... But regional factional support seems to be with Hashimoto, and also there's an issue with him on the fiscal reform and debt-restructuring front. |
Radio City Music Hall was at the table. Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street, the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, the San Francisco Ballet — it was a real mix. |
The case can be made either way. |
The current account deficit will probably show a gradual improvement this year as exports increase. |
The premise is healthy employees are going to perform better and enjoy it more. |
The recent rise in the oil price could see consumer spending pull back in coming months ... if we were in charge of monetary policy, we would not tighten. |