And we thought Nicolas Sarkozy LOVED America.
The French president clearly isn’t that big a fan of American interviewers.
He stormed out of a recording with the CBS magazine show “60 Minutes” after appearing to become angry at the line of questioning.
See for yourself..
CBS released a promo for the programme which, as you would expect, is going down a storm on YouTube.
The interview took place at presidential residence, the Elysees Palace, and CBS says M Le President was clearly a little impatient from the start.
First, he called his press secretary an “imbecile” for scheduling the interview.
"He is stupid," he said in English. Then, in French, added: "I don't have the time. I have a big job to do. I'm not angry, I'm in a hurry."
The perplexed interviewer pressed on. But when the questions turned to Sarkozy’s wife Cecilia and the impending divorce, he’d had enough.
"If I had something to say about Cecilia I would certainly not say it here," he said.
As the questioning continued, Sarkozy removed his microphone, stood up and walked away.
With an ‘au revoir’ and a ‘merci’ he was gone, with a brief ‘bon courage’ heard off camera.
Sarko is known to be very touchy about his private life. But in France the traditional respect for politicians’ domestic arrangements is changing.
It is the first time a serving president has experienced such marital turmoil and his comes just months after he was elected, having had Cecilia at his side for much of the campaign.
Things are obviously still very raw – but showing a little bit of Gallic temperament to the American audience probably won’t do him any harm.
Since Sarko is getting a divorce from Celia, or even if he changes his mind, it’s irrelevant information. Who cares? It's none of my business or anyone else's. I'm more interested in his Domestic and Foreign Policy. Hearing his comments in response to those questions will tell me far more about the man than discussing his marital status. I don’t blame him for loosing his cool, why question him on this issue anyway? It isn’t journalism.
Posted by: P. A. Livingston Oct 31, 2007 3:16:15 PM
To David England posted 30/10
Liked your post!
Is that Gordon you're calling a Wimp?
We have loads of them here down in good old South Africa.
To scared to talk or even take steps against Old Evil Eye.
Kind regards
Sandra Rennie
Posted by: sandra rennie ,south africa Oct 31, 2007 5:53:10 AM
Well done Sarkosy - I wish we had a leader with the same kind of passion and integrity shown here.
Mr Brown refuses to attend a summit where Mugabe might also attend rather than turning up and saying his piece against the evil dictator before turning around and storming out. Wimp.
Posted by: David England Oct 30, 2007 6:10:19 AM
To Riley Johnson U S posted 29/10 7.02
Riley, you are one brave person - I actually thought we were describing our country.
So it seems we all have the same problems.
Good for you !
Kind regards
Sandra Rennie
South Africa
Posted by: sandra rennie,south africa Oct 30, 2007 1:23:57 AM
Good for the French President putting the interviewer on her place.
What's his personal life got to do with being the President or running the country for that matter?
At least his divorce is in the open and he won't have to be impeached at a later stage. (American style)
His is not the first divorce and will not be the last!
Mr Sarkozy is honest and upfront re his relationship with Cecilia.
Kind Regards
Sandra Rennie
Posted by: sandra rennie,south africa Oct 30, 2007 1:20:35 AM
Although it is pretty pointless to keep on pestering him about his divorce, Sarkozy knew all to well what he was letting himself in for when running for president. He shouldn't be throwing tantrums like that.
Posted by: Imran, London Oct 29, 2007 12:09:06 PM
I wish every political character could be as frank as Sarkozy. He may looks like he has an attitude but he is so right! Why wasting his time answering questions about his divorce? give him a rest! And anyway, who cares about his divorce?
Posted by: Lucie, Rochester, Kent Oct 29, 2007 9:03:09 AM
I feel sad for President Sarkozy, he has much to do.
It seems our media through observations will spin and interview for their gain, not serving the public.
Again, it seems, America is only an illusion of yesteryear with uncontrolled immigaration, and uncntrolled crime being also out of control, and our cities appear to be like Sodom and Gomorah.
I really love my country but wonder how long these happenings can go on before our intrastructure starts to crumble? - The interview in the article is an example of where our values lean to - the gutter. Does anyone really care about Cecelia Sarkozy's desires?!
Posted by: Riley Johnson - U.S. Oct 29, 2007 7:02:33 AM
Bravo - my congratulations and applause to the French President for walking out of this interview.
Who the hell do these interviewers think they are asking "whats wrong" after intruding into personal matters in his private life. did she think we are all interested in hearing about people getting divorced ? these people have to be brought to book on the sensitivity of the questioning.
Posted by: keith Oct 29, 2007 6:15:06 AM
Thats Politics "Lady" whether it be British, French or otherwise. Regards "Modjo".
Posted by: Khalid Oct 29, 2007 5:27:37 AM