1.   Clinton should fend off similar embarrassment with a clear message about the limits of American patience.

2.   He did not hesitate to tell the Japanese when he thought American patience was running out.

3.   It is not the tie, but the grating behavior of the contenders in the tie, that is trying American patience.

4.   Other U.S. officials have said American patience is running out.

5.   His statements follows statements by other U.S. officials that American patience is running out.