POLITICS: On Wednesday night, as those among the most promontory US dignitaries joined in the evening's black tie gala, US President Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden gathered together with former US President Bill Clinton and wife, the former First Lady, Senator and US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and others who were among the illustrious guests welcomed to dine with the President & First Lady.
By Michelle Crawford-Sapenter "We are the same..." Biden commented, "We may be divided by distance, but generation after generation, we have been brought together by the same hopes, the same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom and to dignity for all."
At the 2024 State Dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, the guest list included a distinguished array of individuals along with US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and wife, former White House aid. Evan Ryan.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida commented in reference to comments made by former US President John Kennedy who, in a letter forwarded to, then, Prime Minister Ikeda, stated, '"The Pacific Ocean does not separate Japan and the United States. Rather, it unites us." '"These were the words that President Kennedy sent to Prime Minister Ikeda, also hailing from Hiroshima, at the state luncheon held at the White House about 60 years ago." '
While the Obamas were in New York during the Biden fundraiser less than 2 weeks ago, the former President and First Lady have been involved in previous state dinners. On Wednesday, their presence at the 2024 event was not documented.
The focus was on His Excellency Kishida Fumio, the Prime Minister of Japan, and his wife, Mrs. Kishida Yuko, who were the honored guests.
The evening celebrated diplomacy and camaraderie, but the Obamas were not part of this specific gathering.
It’s worth noting that state dinners are significant occasions, often attended by prominent figures from various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment. As the evening moved forward and both President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida concluded their speeches, they both agreed that the meetings this year mark a "turning point in history, embarking on a new frontier and elevate this unshakable Japan-U.S. relationship to even greater heights and hand it to the next generation."
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