Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife were honored Wednesday evening with a state dinner at the White House. The theme was "Celebration of Spring," meant to highlight the friendship between the United States and Japan.
It was a star-studded affair, as happens during Democrat administrations. I don't see any reporting that First Son Hunter was there but two of his daughters were there. One sat at the head table with her grandparents.
It was a Biden White House event so there were gaffes made. A reporter asked if Biden had a message for Iran on behalf of Israel.
REPORTER: "Do you have a message to Iran on behalf of Israel?"
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 10, 2024
BIDEN: "Thank you all. Appreciate it." pic.twitter.com/3NJiDnYF7P
Had his evening medication kicked in yet? Did he understand the question? Who knows? It isn't Biden's place to speak on behalf of Israel, of course, but that answer was weird. It caused Biden to end the photo op and go back inside. Notice that Jill had to pull Joe over a bit on the balcony to allow room for the prime minister. Jill said something as she waved before going back inside but I couldn't understand what she said. She thinks she's the star. Why did she say anything?
The Japanese prime minister delivered a tribute to his hometown, Hiroshima, during his toast and noted that Star Trek actor George Takei also has roots in Hiroshima. Joe Biden went to deliver his toast and didn't have a glass. Oof.
'We are now standing at a turning point in history, embarking on a new frontier, elevating this unshakeable Japan-U.S. relationship to even greater heights and handing it to the next generation,' Kishida said. 'Finally, let me [conclude] with a line from Star Trek: to wish you all boldly go where no one has gone before.'
During his toast, Biden talked about how the cherry blossom trees - a gift from Japan - bloomed early this year and that spring was upon D.C. - symbolizing 'what both our countries hold dear- new beginnings.' He then looked for a glass.
'Ladies and gentleman please join me in raising a glass - I don't have a glass,' the president said.
An aide then brought him a glass.
'There you go. Join me in raising your glasses to our alliance, our friendship,' Biden said.
The new beginning I'll be looking for is one in November when, hopefully, this crew is swept out of office. Say what you will about Trump's behavior at times but he never embarrassed us at formal affairs.
The fashions were interesting. This is my favorite photo. Note the stark contrast.
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) April 10, 2024
Oh my. Lauren Sanchez (girlfriend of Jeff Bezos) looks like she's ready to work the pole and Hillary is in a caftan. Allegedly the caftan was in a kimono style and maybe she got it in Japan. It's not something I'd wear to a state dinner. YMMV. My late husband brought back a kimono as a gift to me from a trip to Japan but I never considered it anything but loungewear. She is in a caftan phase.
For the event, Hillary fashioned a flowing purple and pink caftan. The fabric draped over the former Secretary of State with ease, featuring billowing sleeves and an ornately patterned design. Gold details were featured throughout the ensemble, blending the plum and pink hues together in seamless fashion.
Hillary completed the look with pointed-toe shoes and accessorized with delicate jewelry, including a simple string necklace and sparkling studs. The former first lady has fashioned caftan looks in the past, including a dazzling powder blue look embellished with crystals she wore to the 2022 Venice Film Festival.
Okay, then.
Singer Paul Simon entertained the crowd.
Some of the big names were asked about supporting Biden in November and they avoided an answer.
Bezos, one of the richest men in the world, merely said 'hello' when asked if would be donating to the Biden campaign.
'What do you think?' DeNiro responded when asked how he felt about the 2024 election and then kept going, walking through the entryway quickly with girlfriend Tiffany Chen at his side. He ignored a question about whether he'd campaign for Biden.
Apple CEO Tim Cook ignored a question about whether he'd donate to the Biden campaign.
'Oh we're having a good time tonight,' Hillary said when asked about the 2024 campaign.
Shouldn't they be singing the praises of Joe Biden and calling Donald Trump a threat to democracy?
Anyway, the prime minister addressed a joint session of Congress today. Kishida urged Americans to support continued leadership on the world stage. It seems to me that it was a message that acknowledged America's diminishment among world leaders.
The House has not yet voted on support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan after a bill passed in the Senate in February. Many conservatives have soured on additional spending on foreign aid to Ukraine over a lack of accountability and transparency with the funding already sent. Many progressive Democrats have joined the Hamas caucus and don't want to send aid to Israel.
Kishida spoke about living in Queens, New York with this family in his younger days. Then he went on to assure the politicians that Japan stands with the United States.
"The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations," Kishida told the assembled lawmakers. "And yet, as we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be."
"I want to address those Americans who feel the loneliness and exhaustion of being the country that has upheld the international order almost singlehandedly. I understand it is a heavy burden to carry such hopes on your shoulders," he said.
"The U.S. should not be expected to do it all, unaided and on your own... You are not alone. We are with you."
Speaker Johnson has pledged to put aid to Ukraine up for a vote in the House but so far that is not on the calendar.
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