So "Abe hints at second bid for LDP presidency, alliance with Hashimoto," as the Japan Times puts it:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120821b3.html

I guess he can say that in the event, his rapid plunge in popularity turned out to be no worse than Fukuda or Asou, so why not? I think there used to be a taboo against former PMs contending, but Hashiryuu broke it, and would have won under the old rules (or with a lesser competitor than Koizumi), I suppose.

And teaming up with Hashitou . . . hilarious at first blush but it is true they both hate labor unions.

Will Hatoyama challenge Noda next?

John Campbell