Who is ambassador to japan

Al Sharpton among others opposed Emanuel as a cabinet pick. Former South Bend mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg ultimately got the nod. Getting selected as an ambassador amounts to a political consolation prize for Emanuel, but it also restores a foothold in national and international politics. A foreign assignment for Emanuel was not likely to draw quite as much ire from critics as a cabinet post would have.

Larry Cohen, the chairman of the Our Revolution group that backed progressive Sen. As mayor, Emanuel took a member delegation from Chicago on a trade trip to Japan and China. Emanuel also met with James Nudo, president of DMG Mori, a company that makes machine tools for the auto, aerospace and other industries. A few weeks following the trip, DMG Mori announced it was moving its North American headquarters and jobs from suburban Hoffman Estates to Chicago to be closer to the staff and students at Illinois Institute of Technology in Bronzeville.

And spending a few years in Japan could further deepen his well of business contacts, should he decide to pass through the revolving door a third time back to the private sector. As part of the confirmation process, Emanuel would be required to disclose his financial assets and income at Centerview Partners. Twitter BillRuthhart. Skip to content. In a February interview , Emanuel cited a rationale for joining the TPP deal that may still be palatable to some: national security.

Why do they support it? Japan has said it hopes for the return of the U. Still, Japan is expected to be pleased with the appointment, since Emanuel is known to have developed a close relationship with the vice president under Obama, providing Tokyo with what could amount to a direct line to the White House.

Although he could face a bruising confirmation battle in the Senate, where Democrats maintain a majority only through the votes of two independents and the vice president, several key Democratic and Republican figures welcomed the nomination. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that he would work to help shepherd the nomination through the Senate.

Japan is an important strategic partner in Asia, particularly in light of our continued challenges from China. Across the aisle, Republican Sen. It refused to release video from a dashboard camera for more than a year, until after Emanuel won a second term for mayor, prompting outcries. He acknowledged he misjudged distrust within the Black community.

A number of Chicago officials wrote a letter to the Foreign Relations Committee calling the nomination a disgrace. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and several other progressives called on Biden to pull the nomination.

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