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No, Bloggers: Obama Doesn't Think Chirac Is French Prez

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2009 12:39 PM CDT

(Newser) – The tone of a letter from President Obama to Jacques Chirac has some in the blogosphere wondering if Obama knows that Chirac is no longer the president of France, writes Jimmy Orr in the Christian Science Monitor reports. “Doesn’t Obama ever consult his staff before acting?” one concerned blogger wrote. Tempting hypothesis, but no: Obama’s letter is simply a response to one from Chirac on behalf of his foundation.

The Chirac Foundation advocates sustainable growth in developing countries. “I am certain that we will be able to work together,” Obama’s letter goes, “in a spirit of peace and friendship to build a safer world.” Some wonder if the word “peace” is a tacit acknowledgment of Chirac’s opposition to the Iraq war, but it’s not like “Sarko writing to George Bush and saying he looks forward to working with him,” as the blogger wrote, referencing Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s current president.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former French President Jacques Chirac chat with former First Lady Bernadette Chirac.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former French President Jacques Chirac chat with former First Lady Bernadette Chirac.   (AP Photo)
Former French President Jacques Chirac.
Former French President Jacques Chirac.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama speaks to reporters.
President Barack Obama speaks to reporters.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama.
President Barack Obama.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
NxBigmouthery
Mar 23, 2009 8:01 AM CDT
Idiocy in a President is just something people have to train themselves out of.
woodyTX
Mar 23, 2009 7:31 AM CDT
Alas, we've gotten too used to that kind of mistake the last 8 years. Mr. Bush didn't know who the Prime Minister of Canada was when he took office. When asked by a Canadian comedian what he thought of PM Poutine, Bush retorted "I like him. We think a lot alike". Poutine is actually a Canadian culinary delicacy...french fries, gravy and cottage cheese curds.

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