Obama: Lula Is 'Most Popular Politician On Earth'

LONDON — President Barack Obama _ wildly popular the world over _ says he isn't the globe's most admired politician. He says that title belongs to Brazil's president.

During a lunch at the Group of 20 summit in London, Obama shook hands with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and said: "This is my man, right here. I love this guy."

A bemused Silva _ who does not speak English _ appeared to enjoy the comments as they were relayed by an interpreter, grasping Obama's outstretched hand with both of his.

Obama followed the comment by saying Silva is "the most popular politician on Earth" and that it is because of "his good looks."

The comments were broadcast on Brazilian television and Internet sites in the original English with Portuguese subtitles.

Comments

[lightningbolt]

11:35 AM on 04/10/2009

Obama is just trying to be modest.

[jast]

09:39 AM on 04/03/2009

It seems Obama is trying to separate the "good" lefties from the "bad" lefties in South America. I wonder if this divide and conquer strategy will work.

[kingsbridge77]

10:00 PM on 04/02/2009

Is Lula the most popular politician in the world? or is Obama wrong?

[samuel logan]

05:58 AM on 04/03/2009

Obama's reaction to Lula is similiar to the reaction that Lula had for Chavez when the Venezuelan leader was very popular in the region. At international events, the new guys on the block seek to rub elbows with the popular presidents who have been around a while. Lula, also known as the teflon man in Brazil because they can't make corruption stick on him, is very popular here in Brazil (I live in Rio), and around the region.

But to call him the most popular in the world? That might be a stretch. Seems to me that this is more of a moment of seized opportunity in front of the press. Although it is true that Obama and Lula have had serious meetings, do get along, and will likely bring the US and Brazil closer over time because of a concrete relationship between the two.