i think that describes john roos. ally, just to reiterate what senator kerry said, john has worked politically for vice president mondale, for senator kerry, for president obama, and for me. and i think the fact that three of us are here today and the fourth nominated him to this position shows the respect that we hold for him, a respect that has been forged under very intense pressurized situations over a very long period of time. so, mr. chairman, i truly feel that john's nomination is an inspired nomination. and i am very pleased to be here today to introduce him to the committee. >> thank you very much, senator bradley, for those strong words of endorsement. mr. vice president, we certainly welcome you to the room today and to the contain. -- table. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i had not planned coming to make any remarks but i am strongly john roos' nomination to become our ambassador to japan. i've had a chance to talk to him about these issues. i think he's going to be a very strong ambassador, and i wanted to co