Silvio Berlusconi says he is 'paler' than Barack Obama

Telegraph (U.K.) ^ | March 26, 2009 | Nick Squires

[Schnucki]

Mr Berlusconi was responding to questions from journalists about his stewardship of the Italian economy, which has lurched into recession despite his assurances that the country is well-placed to weather the world crisis.

"I'm paler [than Mr Obama], because it's been so long since I went sunbathing. He's more handsome, younger and taller," quipped the media mogul, who is renowned for his gaffes.

Mr Berlusconi, 72, was accused of racism in November when he hailed then President-elect Obama as "handsome, young and also suntanned".

The Italian leader accused his critics of lacking a sense of humour, and a few days later repeated the observation about Mr Obama's skin tone.

Mr Berlusconi pays careful attention to his own appearance, sports a year-round tan, and is known to have had a face lift and hair implants.

He has described the global economic downturn as a "virus", which originated in the United States and is now attacking Italy.

He has accused the Italian media of exaggerating the depth of the crisis and has told Italians that, with their low levels of private debt, they are better placed than other Europeans to withstand it.

Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister who drew criticism last year when he described Barack Obama as "suntanned", rejected a comparison of the two leaders' approaches to the global economic crisis by saying: "I'm paler".

[Schnucki]

It seems obvious that Silvio is openly implying that obama is spending too much time on vacation while others, like Silvio, are working on economic issues.

I can understand, though, why obots would like to distract people from such a conclusion by shrieking, "Racism!"

[1010RD]

When you have no ideas of your own, just blame racism.

[Caipirabob]

"Obama's policies are socialist"

"Obama's socialist policies favor the unproductive over the producers in society"

"Obama's wealth redistributionist policies are a major realignment of the American economy likely to result in driving off business and massive loss of jobs."

"The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Generally speaking, the sky is blue and water is wet."