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French Attempt Sarko-Free Day

Journalists and academics aim to take the 'omnipresident' down a notch

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 30, 2007 1:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Nicolas Sarkozy has earned his nickname of “omnipresident,” engineering his press coverage so deftly that a group of academics and journalists declared today “No-Sarko Day,” Jason Farago writes in the Guardian. The French president has spent the 6 months since he took office burnishing his image so well that the media have come down with a raging case of "Sarkozitis."

Farago notes the French are not strictly adhering to No-Sarko Day, but he argues that it shows how effectively Sarkozy has manipulated the media into a political weapon. He “frontloads the day’s news with appearances, crowding out opposition” and, more important, has crafted the perfect image: hostage-savior, jilted lover, strong policeman. A step back might be just what France needs.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech during a meeting with French police officers and gendarmes, in Paris, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007. The French president is omnipresent in the country's media.... (Associated Press)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech during a meeting with French police officers and gendarmes, in Paris, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (Associated Press)

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers his speech to Chinese students during a visit at Qinghua University of Haidian district in Beijing, China, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Francois Mori) (AP/McMaster Media)

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French Attempt Sarko-Free Day

Journalists and academics aim to take the 'omnipresident' down a notch

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French Attempt Sarko-Free Day

Journalists and academics aim to take the 'omnipresident' down a notch

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nicolas Sarkozy • France

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Sarkozy Seeking 5 More Years

Rival shrugs as president officially launches bid

Sarkozy Unveils 'Robin Hood' Tax

Financial transactions to be taxed starting this summer

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

Snub? Sarkozy, Cameron Have Handshake Fail

Even body language is under scrutiny at euro summit

Sarkozy: Change—or Kiss Eurozone Goodbye

At odds with Germany over ECB, deflation, budget enforcement

About Us

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Newser By Users

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