When Mori Meet Clinton

A few years ago, Japan’s Prime Minister Mori was given some Basic English
Conversation training before he visited Washington and met president
Bill Clinton.

The instructor told Mori “Prime Minister, when you shake hands with President Clinton, please say ‘how are you’. Then Mr. Clinton will say,” I’m fine, and you?” Now you should say ‘me too’.

Afterwardswe, translators, will do all the work for you.”

It looked quite simple, but the truth was…

When Mori met Clinton, he mistakenly said “Who Are You?”.

Mr. Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:

“Well, I am Hilary’s husband, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.”

Then Mori replied confidently “Me too, hahaha…hahaha…”

Then there was a long silence in the meeting room.