An Affair to Remember

And Torrent says Bruni can't do worse than Sarkozy's original première dame, Cécilia, 50. His wife of 11 years lasted five months as First Lady. She's credited with playing some role in helping to free Bulgarian nurses imprisoned in Libya, but the moody Cécilia also made headlines for not bothering to vote on Election Day and bailing on key meetings, leaving the G8 summit early and playing hooky during a Bush family barbeque at the president's family estate in Kennebunkport, Maine. Touring Jordan and Egypt, "Carla Bruni didn't have a 'white angina' [the sore throat excuse Cécilia gave last summer for bailing on the Bushes]," quips Torrent.  "She's smiley. She looks happy to be there. He looks happy to be there. Maybe they are made for this role."

Indeed, Sarkozy's speed in going public about the relationship may have its own political benefits. "He's a pro," says Sliman. "We speak only about what he wants us to speak about." He may have it down to a science. "With the reform of universities last summer, with the special regimes reform last fall, he pitches in a completely unrelated news item. Every time a subject might allow a structured opposition to mobilize, he can create a diversion," says Sliman. Indeed, Sarkozy's relationship with Bruni was made public two days after the controversial state visit of Libyan leader Muammar Kaddafi drew a wave of negative publicity.

"All this stuff may not so be so idiotic on his part. No one wants to talk about the core issues. Not the media, not the opposition, not the unions. What's funny is that that's what interests regular people. It's a fabulous diversion," continues Sliman. "Maybe [flashing his private life] is one or two points lost in popularity polling, but for that everyone who could have a critical role isn't playing it." As such, the calculus may work out in his favor--and the magical world of Sarkozy isn't as frivolous as it might appear.

© 2008