Berlusconi Hit in U.S. Breaks Down House and Podium
During a Columbus Day official dinner at the White House, with prominent Italians, Italian-Americans, and other Americans, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi proved to be his old self, entertaining the entire room, and calling Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi a “prima donna.”
In his haste to honor U.S. President George W. Bush, Berlusconi accidentally bumped into the podium, which fell apart. He quickly picked up the pieces with the microphones on it, carried it in his hands, and ran to Bush.
Smiling, Berlusconi went on to thank Bush for the dinner and to praise him. The entire crowd burst out in laughing, seeing the sympathetic (when he wants to) Italian PM stand there with a grin on his face, and part of the podium in his hands.
The dinner was translated so that Italians who did not speak English could understand what was said. Bush praised Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel A. Alito Jr. for being the first Italian-Americans on the court. They, of course, received applause and appreciation. Bush also honored Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for being the first woman (and from Italian heritage) the occupy the office. The translators translated that into “prima donna,” which was an accurate translation in two ways. The crowd appreciated it, bursting out in laughter once again.
Even Pelosi herself found the translation entertaining.
Berlusconi was and is somewhat of an oddity. He’s very conservative, yet entertaining. A serious man, with a highly successful career in business, but also a clown; a populist and someone who couldn’t care less about opinion polls.
It is undoubtedly true, though, that he’s much better for Italy than his successor (and predecessor) Romano Prodi. The latter’s solutions for Italy’s problems aren’t new, and have proven to be counterproductive. As such, Italians probably made a correct decision by voting Berlusconi back in office.
