Sarkozy and the Press Respond to ‘the Call of Obama’: Le Journal du Dimanche au Quotidien

After the open display of affection and support Barack Obama received from French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris on Saturday – John McCain cannot be pleased. On the other hand, such a display could serve to hurt Obama, which is something that will perhaps become clear in the coming days. The French are not oblivious to this.

Referencing the danger for Obama, Nicolas Moscovici writes for Le Journal du Dimanche au Quotidien:

“Drawing too close to Paris could cost him precious from the center of the electorate in November. But on Friday standing behind his lectern, Obama had only sweet words for the Hexagone [France is often referred to as a six-sided Hexagon due to the geometric shape of its territory].”

In one telling passage, Moscovici refers to remarks made by Sarkozy:

“One is interested in a candidate who’s looking toward the future rather than the past” – in reference to the way he campaigned last year. ‘Good luck to Barack Obama. If he is chosen, then France will be delighted. And if it is somebody else, then France will be the friend of the United States of America,’ he finally concluded; with a formulation which again – says a lot about his preference” …

By Nicolas Moscovici

Translated By Sandrine Ageorges

July 25, 2008

France – Le Journal du Dimanche au Quotidien – Original Article (French)

Barack Obama continues his tour of European capitals. Arriving from Germany early this afternoon, the Democratic candidate for the American presidency spent only a few hours in Paris. Before leaving for London, the Senator from Illinois was received by Nicolas Sarkozy at the Elysée Palace ; It was an opportunity for both men to express their “convergence” on the climate and on a nuclear Iran.

There were large crowds in the Elysée Palace ballroom this Friday. Dozens of journalists representing all the media in Paris, including newspapers, radio stations and television channels – to say nothing of their many American colleagues – have responded to the “call of Obama.” Outside the Palace, a number of supporters – both French and American and mostly people of color – gathered behind the security barriers to catch a glimpse of the democratic senator. Arriving at 1700 hours [5pm] at rue du Faubourg St. Honoré, he left an hour and a half later accompanied by a smiling Nicolas Sarkozy, who didn’t hesitate in front of photographers to “blow a kiss” to his “friend” from America.

READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, along with continuing translated foreign press coverage of the U.S. election.