Once a strong contender for the French presidency, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, 65, went on trial Monday in France, accused of “pimping” and acting as part of a prostitution ring. Strauss-Kahn has admitted engaging in “libertine parties”, but claims to know nothing about participants at the parties being there for pay.
His admission of “libertine activities” (basically: orgies) puts him in a grand French tradition. Philandering male politicians in most countries don’t have a similarly resonant term to fall back on. “Libertine”, with its connection to literary tradition (Casanova, Sade) allows Strauss-Kahn a veneer of gentlemanly, almost philosophical detachment.
What would top tier politicians in other national traditions say if caught engaging in orgies? (See below the horizontal fleur-de-lys)
Here are my best guesses. Feel free to add more in comments. (Curious if anyone would have a feasible Hillary response.)
Obama: “It’s true that party did not turn out as it should have. And as leader I have to take responsibility for that fact.”
Clinton: “I have never met either of these women--either Ms. Smith, or Jasmine, er, Ms. Wells.”
Putin: “Russia has a free press. The reporter asking this question, however, is not part of the free press.”
Bush, Jr.: “Sometimes a man’s just gonna get naughty. That’s the way it is. It’s our sinful nature.”
Berlusconi: “Bunga Bunga. It was a bunga bunga party.” (flaps botoxed tongue)
Nixon (jowls quivering): “I am not a pervert.”
Xi Jinping: “Remove the journalist from the room.”
Blair: “George was there. I thought it was the right thing to do.”