In a Nikkei interview in Farmville, Virginia, on Oct. 4, African-American leader Rev. Jesse Jackson (74) said it would be a blow to U.S.-Japan relations in terms of both security and the economy if Republican candidate Donald Trump (70) were to be victorious in the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 8. Rev. Jackson also anticipated that relations with the black community [in the U.S.] would deteriorate under “President Trump.’

Rev. Jackson was in Farmville for the vice presidential debate as a member of former Secretary of State and Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton’s camp. Jackson carries great influence in the black community and ran in the Democratic Party primaries in 1984 and 1988.

“‘President Trump’ would be a provocative choice. It would be a blow to U.S.-Japan relations, including our deep economic and military ties,” said Rev. Jackson. “The United States needs Japan, and Japan also needs the United States.”

“Japanese automakers have set up factories in the U.S., and they hire many Americans. They hold the key to the economies in states where they have facilities. The U.S.-Japan relationship is strong,” said Rev. Jackson. He went on to criticize the presidential candidate, saying, “Trump’s stance is not normal (in its criticism of Japanese-affiliated firms). Trump attacks those of African and Mexican descent as well as immigrants. He is always attacking.”

Rev. Jackson praised President Barack Obama’s visit to Hiroshima in May, the first ever by an incumbent U.S. president. “(That visit) deepened ties between the two countries, and I would like to see our ties strengthened even further.”