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With Teflon for skin, politicians are preternaturally disposed to deflecting the toughest questions, criticisms, and accusations. But it seems even these rare birds can get their feathers in a bunch over soured relationships and faltering marriages.
Those of you who caught CBS's "60 Minutes" on Sunday were witness to just such a demonstration from French President Nicolas Sarkozy when he abruptly excused himself from an interview with (the fabulous) Lesley Stahl after she broached the issue of his wife and her recent departure from the world stage.
At the time of the interview, wife Cécilia Sarkozy hadn't been seen since July and rumors abounded over the fate of the presidential marriage. Two weeks later, Sarkozy's office announced it was over.
"If I had to say something about Cécilia, I would certainly not do so here," Sarkozy coldly informed Stahl before stripping off his microphone.
"What was unfair?" Stahl pleaded.
"Au revoir, merci et bon courage (Good-bye, thank-you and good luck)," Sarkozy said on his way out.
This isn't the first time Sarkozy's lost his cool over Cécilia. A French journalist who asked about the marriage at a press conference was denounced straight away for the media's "inelegance" in pursuing the matter.
Still, other than the occasional outburst, there is "no evidence that the end of Cécilia is affecting [Sarkozy's] passion and drive in his work," says Stahl. So, while politicians may not be immune to the stress of divorce, it doesn't seem to be any match for their personal ambition and acute narcissism.
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Too personal to air on TV
It was quite the dramatic interview, especially because of how CBS set the stage. I support his decision. Not broadcasting his personal business on American TV was the right thing to do. Perhaps his decision was an attempt to separate his private life from the public position he holds. Being distraught over the demise of one's marriage and choosing against discussing the subject on camera seems not only civilized, but reasonable. He certainly was angered by the question, perhaps even offended. If the interview had been granted to discuss official matters, Ms. Stahl should have respected his privacy (and Cecilia's) and kept things that way. For those who wish to discuss personal matters with people they don't know, this forum seems more appropriate than the tele. Anonymity, confidentiality, and privacy can be maintained here. Cheers!