French Socialist leader jokingly mulls backing Romney

France’s President Francois Hollande showed a fine understanding of American politics Tuesday when he refused to endorse a US presidential candidate.

Asked by a reporter at the UN General Assembly in New York whether he backed Democratic incumbent Barack Obama or his Republican rival Mitt Romney for the White House, a smiling Hollande shot back: “Who do you think?”

“Are you aware that Mitt Romney never ceases to attack socialist Europe at his campaign rallies?” asked Hollande, Europe’s most powerful socialist leader.

“Yes, that’s why I’ll be careful not to say anything at all on this subject because, as you’d imagine, if a socialist supported one of these two candidates, that could cost him dear,” he explained.

Then, a brainwave.

“So I suppose I should endorse Mitt Romney,” Hollande joked. “But I won’t.”