The BlogBusinessBenjamin BrafmanSilvio Berlusconi

11 Questions About the Dominique Strauss-Kahn Affair

Why the Sofitel? It's in Times Square, and is fine as far as that goes, but the Ritz Carlton is on the park and even more expensive. You would think that if one were the head of the IMF one would abuse one's expense account at a much more ostentatious level.
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Fortune columnist and best-selling author of business books

Fortune columnist and best-selling author of business books
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  1. Why the Sofitel? It's in Times Square, and is fine as far as that goes, but the Ritz Carlton is on the park and even more expensive. You would think that if one were the head of the IMF one would abuse one's expense account at a much more ostentatious level.

  • Did M. Strauss-Kahn even consider the Four Seasons on 57th, which reputedly has some very hot and expensive talent at the bar, particularly on weekends? Or did M. Strauss-Kahn choose a hotel in Times Square because it was more consistent with his standing as a major Socialist?

  • Why was M. Strauss-Kahn arrested in such a rude fashion? Didn't he have a chance to buy his way out of this situation?

  • Why are people shocked at the alleged behavior? Have they never been to the Comedie Francaise, where horny old satyrs chase their victims from chambre to chambre, with ample screams and slamming of doors? Is it possible that the theatrical French archetype had so pervaded the consciousness of this international financial mogul that it warped his judgment?

  • Come to think of it, what is a leader of the Socialist Party of his country doing at the head of the International Monetary Fund? Isn't that a position that should be occupied by a Capitalist?

  • Why does it take a major gaffe like this one to bring other accusers into the light of day? "As the impact of Mr. Strauss-Kahn's predicament hit home," writes the New York Times, "others, including some in the news media, began to reveal accounts, long suppressed or anonymous, of what they called Mr. Strauss-Kahn's previously predatory behavior toward women and his aggressive sexual pursuit of them, from students and journalists to subordinates." Isn't there a TMZ in France?

  • How is M. Strauss-Kahn's behavior different than that of Silvio Berlusconi? It's worse, of course. But why? Use a separate sheet of paper if you're a Berlusconi supporter, or one of his former companions who is now in the Italian Parliament.

  • What steps should M. Strauss-Kahn take to battle the taint of the charges of attempted rape, engaging in an illegal sexual act, and an attempt to sequester another person against her will? Is a comeback possible? NB: Eliot Spitzer aggressively prosecuted individuals for sexual crimes of which he himself was guilty, abusing his office and flagrantly disgracing himself. Yet he has frequently been seen in recent days lunching at Michael's Restaurant, a highly public spot patronized by very respectable media people, laughing and backslapping with other famous types and being congratulated on his cable television show. People are talking again about his political future. Why not M. Strauss-Kahn?

  • M. Strauss-Kahn has engaged Benjamin Brafman, the attorney who has represented Michael Jackson and Diddy. Does this sound like a wise selection?

  • M. Strauss-Kahn reportedly has voluntarily submitted to a DNA test. Why would he do such a thing? Doesn't the sheer fact that one was requested by the Authorities make you feel kind of queasy?

  • Will any of this interrupt the important work now being done by the International Monetary Fund? Why not?

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    BusinessBenjamin BrafmanSilvio BerlusconiDominique Strauss-Kahninternational monetary fund
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