August 06, 2007
Nicolas Sarkozy's American Vacation
The French aren't known for being the most hospitable of international hosts -- particularly when it comes to American tourists -- so perhaps it's fitting that newly elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy is being treated to a less-than-peaceful vacation in New Hampshire this month. But the paparazzi welcome seems like a cruel way to greet the first American-friendly French president in a long time.
Sarkozy got testy with the American press over the weekend after photographers snapped shots of him and some companions as they went for a boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee. According to AP, photographer Jim Cole and freelancer Vince DeWitt had permission to shoot on the lake, but yesterday an angry Sarkozy jumped into their boat and began "scolding them loudly in French."
The Boston Globe giddily reported last week that Sarkozy's vacation spot -- Wolfeboro, N.H. -- was "buzzing with excitement about his visit." New Hampshire journalists were likely "buzzing" as well over the chance to photograph something other than Mitt Romney's 15,000th visit to the state.
Perhaps anticipating the frenzy, Sarkozy had warned reporters prior to Sunday's incident. "I am naturally ready to answer all your questions," he said, "and maybe afterward you will resume covering the news and other topics, and leave me tranquilly with my family." Nice try. AP notes that one of its reporters "taped Sarkozy's remarks and had them translated, but the photographers did not hear the translation until after the altercation." How do you say "oops" in French?
Still, Sarkozy may just have to get used to the attention. There seems to be a growing U.S. market for photos of politicians in their swim trunks. And Sarkozy's home country isn't exactly known for its polite paparazzi, either.
