Crossing the Aisle in Paris and Washington

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In The Media

Carnegie Europe

Crossing the Aisle in Paris and Washington

Both the U.S. and French Presidents, Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy, have brought key opposition figures into their administrations. As Fabrice Pothier argues, in both cases their policy influence has been minimal.

By Fabrice Pothier

Published on Aug 31, 2009

Source: E!Sharp

Crossing the Aisle in Paris and WashingtonIn some ways, they could not be further apart: Obama speaks with a silver tongue, while Sarkozy can be alarmingly blunt. Obama wears shoes with regular soles. Sarkozy doesn't. But while observers have noted the differences between both leaders, little has been said about the opportunities and challenges of their common political approach: reaching across the aisle, or politique de l'ouverture.

About the Author

Fabrice Pothier

Former Director, Carnegie Europe

Pothier, director of Carnegie Europe, is a noted commentator on European policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, transatlantic issues, and global drug policy.

Recent Work

Commentary
Can Macron Reload the Minsk Process?
- Fabrice Pothier
Q&A
Where's Europe?
- Fabrice Pothier

Foreign Policy Political Reform Europe North America United States Western Europe

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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