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Europe Swoons Over Obama

'You must want a cigarette after that,' Dowd tells candidate after fawning reception

By Caroline Zimmerman, Newser User

Posted Jul 27, 2008 12:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – While all of Europe—even the right-wing Nicolas Sarkozy—goes ga-ga over Barack Obama, the would-be president is keeping it real, writes an uncharacteristically un-scathing Maureen Dowd in the New York Times. “If you start believing your own hype, which I rarely do, things’ll turn on your pretty quick anyway,” Obama tells Dowd, . Plus, he’s anticipating “some backlash” among Americans for cozying up with the French.

Obama’s all over the tabloids: his private prayer at Jerusalem’s Western Wall was snitched by a seminary student, and he was stalked by a blonde reporter at a Berlin gym who wrote that his T-shirt smelled like “fabric softener” in a German tabloid. But "I'm just realizing what I’ve got to become accustomed to,” he says.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., left, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, are seen following their joint press conference in Paris, Friday, July 25, 2008. (Associated Press)

Sen. Barack Obama waves to reporters as he leaves the Elysee Palace following his meting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, in Paris, July 25, 2008. (Associated Press)

French president Nicolas Sarkozy, left, walks up the steps after greeting Barack Obama in Paris, Friday, July 25, 2008. (Associated Press)

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., right, talks with French president Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris, Friday, July 25, 2008. (Associated Press)

Barack Obama is welcomed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy upon his arrival at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, July 25, 2008. (Associated Press)

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Europe Swoons Over Obama

'You must want a cigarette after that,' Dowd tells candidate after fawning reception

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Barack Obama • Nicolas Sarkozy • France • Obama 2008 • Carla Bruni • Barack Obama supporters

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More Newser Stories

Obamas Pass on Dinner With Sarkozys

President and first lady turn down dinner invitation from French hosts

In Paris, President Envy: 'There Is No French Obama'

Country's egalitarian tradition takes a hit

It's a Girl for Carla Bruni

Sarkozy's newborn is first French presidential baby

Sarkozy to Editor: I Could Smash Your Face

French president defends the honor of his 'man-eating' lady love

France First to Recognize Libyan Rebels

...as NATO meets to discuss no-fly zone

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Europe Swoons Over Obama

'You must want a cigarette after that,' Dowd tells candidate after fawning reception

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Nicolas Sarkozy • France • Obama 2008 • Carla Bruni • Barack Obama supporters

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Obamas Pass on Dinner With Sarkozys

President and first lady turn down dinner invitation from French hosts

In Paris, President Envy: 'There Is No French Obama'

Country's egalitarian tradition takes a hit

It's a Girl for Carla Bruni

Sarkozy's newborn is first French presidential baby

Sarkozy to Editor: I Could Smash Your Face

French president defends the honor of his 'man-eating' lady love

France First to Recognize Libyan Rebels

...as NATO meets to discuss no-fly zone

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?