French President comes to Maine, does not Throw Wine in Bush's Face

Newly elected French President Nicolas Sarkozy dined with President Bush yesterday at the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. The visit was billed as a casual affair and was expected to serve as an extended introduction/meet and greet for the two world leaders. Lobster, atlantic salmon and steamers were absent from the lunchtime menu, as seasonal seafood fare was passed over in favor of good ole' cookout-style Americana:

The visiting French president got American picnic fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and fresh dessert.

"If he feels like it, he can have him a piece of blueberry pie," Bush declared.

After indulging the media by fielding questions -- and then prodding the talkative Sarkozy to do the same -- Bush wrapped up their brief appearance on his own terms.

"Thank you," he said. "We've got to go eat a hamburger."

--The Plain Dealer, 8/12 (story)

Get your fill of cheap ground beef and refined carbs, Nicolas. They don't do cuisine like this in la France! With nothing at stake in the meeting, the less-than-elegant spread makes sense. If your country doesn't have a stake in the Iraq War, the Bushies aren't breaking out the shellfish.

Both Bush and Sarkozy stressed that their meeting was to involve eating and eating only. Not policy, not pressing world affairs. Eating. And for all involved, this is just as well. Sarkozy is a conservative (by French standards), but he has no interest (or means) of throwing shit (that has not been sticking, mind you) at the wall with Bush in Iraq. Realizing this, Bush labeled their get together as a "casual" meeting, meaning: "I'm not going to try to get anything done because I can't get anything done," or "We've got to go eat a hamburger."