Hailing Clinton Victory

Before seeing the result of Golden State, United States media reported that Hillary Rodham Clinton achieved majority of delegates and would be nominated as the candidate of Democrats in the Presidential election this fall. While Clinton is familiar figure in U.S. politics for most Japanese, it is hard to understand for them why she has been so unpopular in the primary race. One of the fundamental facts is U.S. citizens want a leader who leads the country to the right course, rather than a topic of having first female President.

Asahi Shimbun reported that Clinton secured 1,812 pledged delegates, and adding 571 super-delegates, she achieved required majority of 2,383. Clinton is likely to accumulate 300 more delegates in six caucus/primaries in California or New Jersey, raising her status to the first female candidate for Presidential general election. Although her rival in the primary race, Bernie Sanders, still seeks nomination in Democratic National Convention in July, newspapers concluded that the party would choose Clinton.

The Japanese know well about political standpoint of Clinton. Basically, a crucial point for them is whether U.S. can break glass ceiling over American society. As Secretary of State in Barack Obama administration, she led pivot policy to Asia, including definition that Senkaku Islands were within the realm of Article 5 of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which required U.S. military action against armed attack on Japan. She is expected to maintain the alliance with Japan in the time of growing pressure of China over South or East China Sea.

Newspapers also introduced some reasons why she was partly unpopular. American people are tired of politics led by traditional establishment. Clinton is close to successful economic establishments. She does not have down-to-earth personality. Those were some of typical criticisms on her.

But, true reason of Clinton’s unpopularity should be lacking of real leadership. She might be good at appealing to the enthusiasm of her campaign supporters. However, most of her policies have no difference from Obama’s. Although Obama made every effort to stabilize situation in Ukraine, Syria or China Seas, he has not been successful in removing clear and present danger. Clinton has not shown alternative answer.

Although they might not right, Donald Tramp laid a number of answers on difficult issues. Trump’s attack on Clinton’s personality unfitting U.S. President has some appeals. That is why Japan does not realize the nightmare of Trump Presidency.