We're not talking about formal endorsements here. It's true that a Gore administration might give slightly greater scope to organized labor than would a Bush White House. But the AFL-CIO didn't prevent the Clinton administration from pursuing free trade with China. Japan has been far less happy with the second term of the Clinton administration than has China. Zoellick stressed how Japan is changing, seeking more influence and a more independent foreign policy.
Japan is a democracy, Japan is our ally . . .
But that would be unfair, since Sasser isn't alone. Perhaps the Bush team might try to rely too heavily on Japan. In short, the U.S. presidential campaigns seems to offer different policy approaches for Asia this year. No wonder Tokyo and Beijing are watching so closely. You will not be charged to look for stories, only to retrieve one.