Sarkozy the celebrity politician – he’s almost there!
Sarkozy on holiday in America
In recent times, leading western politicians have become more and more histrionic, increasingly pragmatic and extremely aware of their money making potential as a celebrity politician. Moreover, it appears that Nicholas Sarkozy is attempting to join the band wagon of star struck leaders who spend their time flaunting their physical ‘prowess’, luxurious life styles and speech delivering capabilities. Tony Blair and ‘New Labour’ appealed to today’s modern voter who is often submerged in a consumerist, celebrity driven society whose youthful ambitions are to make the front pages of some overzealous tabloid. Blair would borrow villas and mansions from the likes of Cliff Richard and Bee Gee Robin Gibb. Sarkozy is well acquainted with the same kind of person. After his victory in the French presidential elections, he spent three days on board the luxury yacht of French businessman Vincent Bollore. Politicians seem intent on acquiring celebrity status as they befriend a wide ranging concoction of society’s popular personalities
Bill Clinton made millions through implementing a speech delivering career once he had left the White House. Tony Blair is set to go down the same financial road in the coming years. What’s more, Nicholas Sarkozy – like his American counterparts - has easily slipped into his gleaming white ‘sneakers’ to go jogging in the morning before he resumes decision-making duties with regards to society’s contemporary dilemmas such as the nuclear threat from Iran.
Charles Bremner, Paris correspondent for the Times in London said: “Sarkozy has fuelled a French suspicion that running is for the self-centered individualists like Americans.”
Sport and physical prowess are traditionally ascribed to right-wing totalitarian regimes; something that French intellectuals have always despised. For that reason alone, leaders in France should be seen to muse over their existential purpose while strolling next to something like a serene lake. Frankly, you are more likely to see Sarkozy abseil down the Aswan Dam than read a philosophical novel.
On the primary state television channel, France 2, Alain Finkielkraut, a leading French intellectual, recently demanded that Sarkozy give up his "undignified" exercise. Not only did he imply that exposing the boss's naked knees is something that never would have occurred in the time of Mitterrand, Finkielkraut claimed strolling is the proper activity of the thinking person, from Socrates to the poet Arthur Rimbaud.
So, Sarkozy brings France up to date both modernising and revolutionising French political life. The old fashioned, rigid physiques of Chirac and Jospin have been thrown off the end of the political conveyor belt and new models in Sarkozy and Royale are beginning their journey at the other end.
Sarkozy will have to realise that his status as a political celebrity will have the media tracking his every move – something he still seems reluctant to accept. While on holiday in America, Mr Sarkozy reportedly shouted in French at two American journalists who were trying to take his picture. I’m sorry Nicholas! But standing half naked on a yacht while borrowing apartments from high-flying figures such as Michael Appe (a former board member for Microsoft) is all too tempting for flash happy photographers working for ‘people’ magazines. Better try some chatêau in the south of France next time.
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
I am without doubt one of the best strollers in the business, I LOVE the idea of lazing in the grounds of a chateau, while pondering the vicissitudes of life! And, I am a poet!
WHAT MORE COULD FRANCE WANT????
Please put my name forward, and I will promise to get back to my French lessons!!
cheers and chateaus!
fog
P.S. Would I be able to inhabit the Palace of Versailles once elected??? I promise NEVER to mention cake and 'the people' in the same sentence!!!
Froggy Views and French News
Froggy News
Get the French mastered, quote a few lines from Baudelaire, Les Fleurs du Mal and you'll be on your first mandate in no time.
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
I love the frogs, I must admit. Didn't like the nuke testing in OUR backyard however!
No matter, one day, I may loll in side wlk cafes madly debating the meaning of life...42 right?
cheers and VIVA LA FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!
fog