The relationship between Europe and the United States has always been in flux, depending on the values of the leaders on both continents. When former President Bill Clinton was in office, a sense of camaraderie among European leaders and the White House was high. But now that George W. Bush is in office, his conservative bent and nebulous war on terror has drawn criticism from Europeans in the form of large demonstrations last week. When an esteemed American TV correspondent questioned American-European relations during the president’s visit to that continent last week, Bush derisively defended his administration with flip sarcasm — certainly not a good way to improve Europeans’ opinions of Americans, or our leader.
Last week during a joint news conference with Bush and French President Jacques Chirac in Paris, NBC News White House correspondent David Gregory asked Bush why he thought there was such a strong sentiment in Europe against his American ideals. Gregory also asked him to comment on a popular view that Bush was trying to impose American morals on the rest of the world; Gregory then asked Chirac — in French — if he would also care to comment on the same subject.
In a child-like display of frustration, Bush snapped back at Gregory and said, “Very good. The guy memorizes four words, and he plays like he’s intercontinental.” Gregory offered to continue in French and Bush replied, “I’m impressed — que bueno. Now I’m literate in two languages.”
Reportedly, roars of laughter followed Bush’s quip, but Gregory’s question demanded a more serious answer. There were significant demonstrations against Bush’s visit — protesters who numbered 20,000 in Berlin, 4,500 in Paris and 300 in Moscow — evidence that anti-American sentiment is only growing across the Atlantic.
The White House has admitted it has been on the outs with the American media, mostly because the Bush administration thinks the media are making mountains out of molehills regarding widespread dissent with traditional allies. But by addressing a serious subject with an unprofessional personal attack on a journalist, the White House just appears to be in denial about any European-American relationship problems.
At this uncertain time when we are finding out more of what the White House knew of Sept. 11, journalists should question the administration’s policies and values relentlessly. Bush needs to keep his allies in Europe and stop patronizing those who question his dedication to upholding that friendship. With Bush’s unprofessional display of condescending sarcasm, it’s no wonder some Europeans have a stigma against Americans.
Bush’s patronizing sarcasm inflames anti-American sentiment overseas
Daily Emerald
June 2, 2002
0
More to Discover