TOKYO -- The next U.S. presidential election is a year away, on Nov. 3, 2020, and at this point, making a prediction would be foolhardy. With economic uncertainties, an ongoing impeachment inquiry and the race for the Democratic presidential nomination as wild cards, one might as well forecast the weather.
Still, there are two matters that require immediate attention and analysis. One is why Trump retains rock-solid support among Republicans despite waves of allegations and scandals. The other is how divisions in U.S. society, which appear to be deepening, will affect the course of American diplomacy, especially in regard to China.
