Richard Gibbs Quotes

Koizumi is being seen as more of a reformist, which plays well with the urban voting blocs... But regional factional support seems to be with Hashimoto, and also there's an issue with him on the fiscal reform and debt-restructuring front. - Richard Gibbs

It's unclear whether he would be as committed (as Hashimoto) and as forceful on fiscal consolidation. Hashimoto has a past record to go on. So for Koizumi, there's a question mark there as well. - Richard Gibbs

It's like a pro quarterback who wants to keep going. I don't blame the dancers, but we do try to combat that. - Richard Gibbs

It's certainly not too soon to speculate on a successor to Mori and I'd rate Hashimoto a 40 percent chance of taking the job. - Richard Gibbs

It might seem extreme, but it would allow the LDP to retain the balance of power. - Richard Gibbs

If the coalition partners think they can't win the election because of Mori they will push for him to go, and LDP will have to listen. - Richard Gibbs

I think Koizumi is a genuine contender, although I worry about the factional support. - Richard Gibbs

He's gained a lot of kudos in recent months, he's a fiscal consolidator -- which is what Japan needs. I understand he has growing support within the LDP. - Richard Gibbs

He seems to be playing fairly well into the electorate, and appears to have a greater level of popular support than Hashimoto. - Richard Gibbs

Failure to push the budget through could be the straw that breaks Mori's back. - Richard Gibbs

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