Koizumi tried to achieve reform within the LDP framework ... But he couldn't do that, so that means reform is only possible if there is a change in government,

Koizumi tried to achieve reform within the LDP framework ... But he couldn't do that, so that means reform is only possible if there is a change in government.

Koizumi beat up on the old LDP and cast the Democratic Party as anti-reform, ... The Democrats should have stressed more that Koizumi's reforms were not enough.

Being young as a politician means being energetic. But it can also mean that the politician is immature or fragile.

He's already a lame duck, but it would be a minus for his ability to handle the LDP and parliament.

There's no way around it. Koizumi is a political genius. His creation of the assassin candidates has captured the public's imagination.