While
"After North Korea reportedly launched a ballistic missile, the two leaders appeared for hastily prepared statements in a ballroom of Trump's south Florida estate. Abe spoke first and longest.What jumps out is Rump's unpreparedness to address something that his administration should have known was coming, especially with the Japanese P.M. visiting the U.S. Maybe if he'd attend or pay attention in the daily intelligence briefings, he'd know that North Koreans were preparing for the launch. The delusional North Koreans might read Rump's brief non-response to their act as a sign of disengagement or helplessness. They can read into Rump's lame comment of standing "behind Japan" that he's unprepared, shallow, and in over his head.
'North Korea's most recent missile launch is absolutely intolerable,' Abe said through a translator. He added that the North must comply fully with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, but also noted that Trump had assured him that the U.S. supported Japan.
'President Trump and I myself completely share the view that we are going to promote further cooperation between the two nations. And also we are going to further reinforce our alliance,' he said.
Trump followed Abe with even fewer words, saying in part: 'I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent.' With that, they left the room." (emphasis added)
BONUS: The emptyheaded shitgibbon was missing one crucial piece of equipment during the joint press conference --
BONUS II:Trump is NOT wearing a translator earpiece. This means he is PRETENDING to understand Japanese. pic.twitter.com/0cgmRCUgPv— Diane N. Sevenay (@Diane_7A) February 10, 2017
Very difficult to overstate how much weaker the US looks in Asia now, via patented Trump combo of bluster and retreat. https://t.co/4r1TdFS9jt— James Fallows (@JamesFallows) February 10, 2017
Fallows' tweet was in reference to Rump's about-face on using Taiwan's "independence" as a bargaining chip with China, which he then reversed after a call to the Chinese president and pledged to uphold a "One China" policy. No wonder our Asian partners are worried.