Sarkozy 'embarrassed France' with Obama video conference TV stunt

[Judi Lynn]

Sarkozy 'embarrassed France' with Obama video conference TV stunt
French president condemned for allowing cameras in to film video link-up just days before first round of election
Angelique Chrisafis in Paris
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 15 April 2012 06.50 EDT

Nicolas Sarkozy has been accused of using a video conference with Barack Obama to boost his election campaign.

In an unprecedented move in French diplomacy, newscasts on several TV channels showed the first few minutes of a video link-up between the French president and his US counterpart.

Days before the first-round vote in the French presidential election, on 22 April, the rare glimpse of banter between world leaders shows Obama saying of the campaign: "It must be a busy time." He adds: "I admire the tough battle you are waging." Sarkozy replies, grinning, with arms folded: "We will win, Mr Obama. You and me, together." The cameras leave before the pair talk about Syria, Iran and oil.

The Socialist party accused Sarkozy of breaking diplomatic protocol and embarrassing France on the world scene to boost his struggling campaign for re-election, saying the images "weakened France's credibility in Washington and across the world".

More:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/15/sarkozy-obama-videoconference-tv-stunt

[MADem]

1. He's going to use the bully pulpit and trappings of office to advantage. All politicians do it. nt

[regnaD kciN]

2. At least he doesn't own most of the media in the country, like Berlusconi did in Italy...

[JDPriestly]

3. Wall Street wants Sarkozy -- and Obama looks like a winner here.

Since Wall Street likes winners, they will probably support Obama.

[Liaso]

4. Spam deleted by cyberswede (MIR Team)