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Jeff Mason
For Jeff Mason's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
U.S. President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Thursday.
WORLD / Politics
Mar 8, 2024
Biden takes on Trump and Republicans in State of the Union speech
The 68-minute speech gave Biden, who is suffering from low approval ratings, a chance to speak directly to millions of Americans about his vision.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Selma, Alabama, on Sunday
WORLD / Politics
Mar 5, 2024
Kamala Harris presses Israel war Cabinet's Benny Gantz on Gaza aid and Rafah
The U.S. vice president urged Israel to craft a "credible" humanitarian plan before conducting major military activities in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. President Joe Biden walks to board Air Force One for travel to New York from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Monday.
WORLD / Politics
Feb 27, 2024
Biden hopes for cease-fire in days as talks with Israelis and Hamas progress
The presence of both sides meeting mediators separately but in the same city suggested talks were further along than at any time since February.
U.S. President Joe Biden has presided over a growing economy and some foreign leaders have said after meeting him that he is sharp and focused in private meetings, but his age is still an issue that is posing a drag on his poll numbers.
WORLD / Politics
Feb 14, 2024
Democrats bungle Joe Biden age concerns, some critics say
Their strategy so far has not quelled criticism or concerns about the U.S. president's fitness for the Oval Office.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a news conference at Camp David in Maryland in August
JAPAN
Jan 26, 2024
Biden to host Kishida for state visit in April
Trip comes as alliance deals with growing security concerns.
Demonstrators protest outside India's consulate in Vancouver on Sept. 25, one a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the prospect of New Delhi's involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
WORLD / Politics
Nov 30, 2023
Indian official was behind plot to assassinate Sikh American in U.S., DOJ says
The target has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs.
Demonstrators protest outside an Indian consulate in Canada on Sept. 25 after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the prospect of New Delhi's involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader there. Now U.S. officials say they have thwarted a similar plot.
WORLD
Nov 23, 2023
U.S. thwarted plot to kill Sikh separatist in America
The U.S. is treating the plot with utmost seriousness and has raised the issue with the India "at the senior-most levels," the White House said.
U.S. President Joe Biden signs an Executive Order about Artificial Intelligence as Vice President Kamala Harris looks on, at the White House in Washington on Monday.
WORLD / Politics
Oct 31, 2023
Biden inks executive order to curb AI risks to national security
Artificial intelligence technology has been making rapid gains in capability and popularity in an environment of, so far, limited regulation.
U.S. President Joe Biden participates in a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the 78th U.N. General Assembly in New York City last month.
WORLD / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 13, 2023
In U.S., Biden faces few calls to rein in Israel amid Gaza crisis
Allies of the U.S. president want to avoid giving Republicans making the crisis a political liability as he seeks re-election in 2024.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics / ANALYSIS
Apr 2, 2023
Biden's strategic silence on Trump may be tested in days ahead
Joe Biden's strategy on Trump has been simple: silence is golden. The White House plans to continue that approach even though Trump has been indicted.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Mar 24, 2023
Tethered together, Biden and Harris move toward 2024 re-election run
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris may not have won over America in her first two years in office, but she is staying put at U.S. President Joe Biden's side.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jan 28, 2023
Why Biden pushes an assault weapons ban despite the political odds
Flags are lowered, sorrowful statements are issued, pleas to lawmakers are made, again.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 25, 2023
Classified documents found at former U.S. Vice President Pence's home
The discovery puts Pence in the company of his former boss, former President Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden after documents with classified markings were found at their residences.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 2, 2022
Biden and Macron vow unity on Ukraine and commit to easing trade tensions
The U.S. leader has so far resisted talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the invasion was launched in February, while the France's Macron has kept lines of communication open.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Oct 28, 2022
How Congress might look for Biden post midterms: The good, bad, and the ugly
The worst-case scenario for Biden and his party would likely see his agenda completely frozen for the next two years.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Oct 26, 2022
Outlook darkens for Biden's White House ahead of U.S. midterms
Recent polls have shown Democrats who once had comfortable leads are now in tight races and Senate elections that were considered toss-ups between the two parties are now leaning Republican.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Aug 11, 2022
U.S. rethinks approach to China tariffs in wake of Taiwan response
The president's team has been wrestling for months with various ways to ease the costs of duties imposed on Chinese imports during predecessor Donald Trump's tenure.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 22, 2022
Biden says he is 'doing well' after testing positive for COVID-19
The 79-year-old has a runny nose, fatigue and an occasional dry cough, symptoms which he began to experience late Wednesday.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 21, 2022
Biden stops short of declaring climate emergency but takes steps on wind power
Democratic lawmakers and environmental activists want Biden to formally declare an emergency, which would enable the use of the Defense Production Act.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jun 3, 2022
Biden says 'Enough!' on gun violence and urges Congress to act
The president called for a number of measures historically opposed by Republicans in Congress, including banning the sale of assault weapons.

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