Obama and the Italian-American vote

[Keystone Phil]

It seems that all the Italians I know are Republicans.

I think most are Dems.

I'd expect Obama to do poorly among Italians but who knows this year?

[Keystone Phil]

My brother and I voted for Obama with great enthusiasm of course though.

You're a fake Italian anyway.

[Keystone Phil]

I am technically half-Irish though. Shh.

Bingo 

[Keystone Phil]

I'm an Italian.

thank you.

We have many things to be thankful for because of that great man.

[Keystone Phil]

OK----- not to rain on the parade here but are you both really thanking a corrupt populist quasi-fascist political figure?

Berlusconi got his financial start involving corrupt construction contracts with state dollars, then gravitated towards generating a media monopoly with similar financial dealings in that sector. Then was elected PM after forming an alliance with the Fascists and anti-immigrant LN movement, and later presided over the police murder of an anti-globalization demonstrator in Genoa a few years back.

Are both of you claiming that this populist, corrupt, ally of Fascist leaning political movements is a genuine FF? Surely there must be a better example of Italian heroes.

My "admiration" for Berlusconi is only half serious. I'm more of a fan of his party and him being a thorn in the side of the leftists in Europe.

You raise valid complaints but the "presided over the police murder of an anti-globalization demnstrator in Genoa" is just beyond ridiculous. Seriously. He was Prime Minister at a time when a demonstrator was killed. You act as if he ordered the murder. Don't be disingenuous. That's not like you.

[Keystone Phil]

The broader point is that he is more corrupt than Blago, and has had key allies on the extreme-Right at times during his coalition governments in a country where there is still a significant minority that has Fascist sympathies.

I've made clear that I don't like some of Berlusconi's allies. I can't stand Lega Nord and Bossi. I'm also not naive enough to think that Berlusconi is the most ethical man. I "admire" him mostly for his entertainment, his party and how he drives the European left crazy.

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Well, I don't know if Fini is much better...