The things they say
Silvio Berlusconi is an ally of America. He’s locked in a close election battle with Romano Prodi, the plodding leftist that was previously PM, and has also served as head honcho for the European Commission (the unelected body that creates far-reaching policies affecting every European, without any significant oversight). He’s not our kind of guy.
Prodi, it is safe to say, would not be an ally in any meaningful sense, and in fact is committed to immediately withdrawing Italy’s 2600 troops from Iraq.
Berlusconi on the other hand is a devoted ally, and is committed to keeping Italian soldiers in Iraq through December 2006 - in the context of contemporary European politics, this is actually pretty courageous.
This campaign has been hilarious, with Berlusconi saying some of the most outrageous things ever to escape a politician’s lips. His outspokenness and flair have offended some, even among his base, but you have GOT to check out this piece summarizing his statements thus far.
A sample:
On calling sex chat lines to ask women what they thought of his policies, in April:
Seven out of the nine young ladies I called said they preferred me, which is very good news indeed.”
Errrr, did Mrs. Berlusconi agree?
On his main rival, Romano Prodi, in an April TV debate:
Prodi: “The prime minister clings to data in the way a drunkard clings to lamp-posts — not for illumination, but to keep him standing up.”
Again on Prodi and the Italian left:
“Let me return Prodi’s remark about the drunk by saying that Prodi is like a useful idiot — he lends his cheery parish priest face to the left, which is 70% made up of former Communists.”
Which is absolutely true, so pray for a Berlusconi win - he’s important to America.
Meanwhile, Berlusconi opponent Roman Prodi, an economics professor and moderate leftist, has played up his lack of charisma with the message, “I’m dull but at least I’m safe.”
Editoral assessment of where Prodi stands - moderate leftist - courtesy of the WaPo.
Tags: Berlusconi, Italian Election, Prodi
Late Final says:
Polling Strategies
Who needs Dick Morris or Joe Trippi? In Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has found some unique ways to get, um, public opinion….
Beth says:
I’m glad you wrote about Berlusconi–I’ve been meaning to, but hadn’t gotten around to it (typical for me).
Martin says:
Beth after your immigration post this morning, I really felt like It’d be watching Boyz 2 Men after a Led Zeppelin concert for me to post anything on THAT topic today.