Housewife who grilled Clinton seeks strong leadership

Japan Policy & Politics, July 26, 1999

OSAKA, July 21 Kyodo

The Osaka housewife who asked U.S. President Bill Clinton about his sex scandal during his visit to Japan last November says she wants Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi to demonstrate stronger leadership. In an interview with Kyodo News, Hatsue Dobashi said, "He (Obuchi) looks like he treats his wife properly and I have the impression that he is a sweet daddy. But I want to see more powerful leadership." She added, "It may sound tough but I want him (Obuchi) to quit if he fails to bring about economic recovery by the end of this year. That is the essence of democracy." Democratic Party of Japan leader Naoto Kan, who has also faced allegations of extramarital affairs, did not impress Dobashi when he was confronted by reporters. He "got angry" during a news conference about his alleged extramarital affair with a former journalist, she said. "He lacked coolness and persuasion and was far different from Clinton-san," Dobashi said. Dobashi became an instant media celebrity last Nov. 19 when she asked Clinton during a town hall meeting how he asked his wife Hillary and daughter Chelsea for forgiveness after the sex scandal involving former White House intern Monica Lewinsky was exposed, and whether they had indeed forgiven him. A little bit surprised, Clinton replied, "Well, I did it in a direct and straightforward manner, and I believe they did, yes. But that's really a question you could ask them better than me."