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Berlusconi Under Fire for Obama 'Suntanned' Joke

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 6, 2008 5:30 PM CST

(Newser) – Silvio Berlusconi is in a bit of a pickle after calling Barack Obama “handsome, young, and suntanned,” the London Times reports. Political opponents in Italy called on the gaffe-prone prime minister to apologize. “To say that the US president is young, good looking, and suntanned will sound offensive to many, and charged with dangerous ambiguity,” said one.

An unfazed Berlusconi defended his comments as "cute" and called those who misunderstood him “imbeciles.” His statement came at a summit in Russia and was meant to liken Obama to another young leader, Dmitry Medvedev. "A statesman cannot allow himself to make cabaret jokes while abroad,” said the opposition leader in Italy. Another foe warned of “creeping racism.”

Obama is not a stranger to beaches.
Obama is not a stranger to beaches.   (AP Photo)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Berlusconi. The Italian PM made his comments on Obama in reference to Medvedev.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Berlusconi. The Italian PM made his comments on Obama in reference to Medvedev.   (AP Photo)
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.   (AP Photo)
Berlusconi and Medvedev during their meeting in Moscow's Kremlin, Russia.
Berlusconi and Medvedev during their meeting in Moscow's Kremlin, Russia.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
piodalcin
Nov 8, 2008 6:13 AM CST
Thefact that Berlusconi is not new to such comments, does not limit the silliness of his comment. Although I think that he meant no harm. His comment on Obama was wrong for a Country's leader into a country (italy) where racial issues sometimes are taken very seriously and sometime lead to violent acts. The least he could do is to make a formal excuse.
AnnieOkie58
Nov 7, 2008 5:29 AM CST
Oh GEEEEZZZZ how petty !
Shannonals
Nov 6, 2008 9:46 PM CST
The fact that he thinks Obama is "handsome" isn't creepy

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