There are two candidates to replace Japan's exiting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
They are Taro Aso, 66, a comic reading China antagonizing hawk.
And
Yasuo Fukuda, 71, a dovish critic of Abe's government and a party stalwart who favors warmer relations with Asia.
Fukuda says - "This is an emergency situation, so I will do what I must do. I have a strong sense that I should do this for the country to move Japanese politics forward."
Aso - "We want to announce our policies to the people of Japan and the members of the party. It is my duty to shed the image that the LDP is going backward."
Backwards - Aso, a supporter of Abe. Four of Abe's Cabinet minister had to quit and one committed suicide.
Fukuda's father was a prime minister of Japan and Aso's grandfather was a pivotal premier in the '50s
Aso called China a military threat.
Fukuda favors closer ties with Asia and opposes Yasukuni Shrine visits.
There is no front-runner now.
The United States just wants someone to finish the Afghan mission started when Koizumi was PM....Fukuda served as his chief Cabinet secretary.
My money is on the old guy.
How about you?
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