By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, September 30 -- As if in denial as his government collapsed by in Rome, last week Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta gallivanted around New York. From Media Alerts sent out by the Italian Mission to the UN:
September 24: "We are pleased to confirm that the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, will hold a stakeout in the UN Rose Garden, TODAY, Tuesday September 24, following the address of the President of the United States of America."
The connection to Obama's speech was unclear. Also September 24:
"We are glad to inform that the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, will meet the press TODAY AT 12:15 PM outside the New York Times building located at 242 West 41st between 7th and 8th Avenues."
The next day, Letta was back in the UN Rose Garden, apparently looking through rose-colored glasses:
"Please be advised that the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta, will hold a possible stakeout in the Rose Garden of the UN, tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, following his address to the UN General Assembly, at approximately 1 pm."
Also on September 25 Letta Occupied Wall Street, in his way, with the so-called (and once self-described) Money Honey:
"8.20-10.15 Meeting at the New York Stock Exchange with NYSE delegation headed by CEO Niederaurer (Statement, Opening Bell, visit to the trading floor, interview with Ms. Maria Bartiromo for 'Closing Bell' show) (2 Broad Street)"
And then it all wrapped up:
"The concluding press conference of Prime Minister, Hon. Enrico Letta will be held, as scheduled, tomorrow Thursday 26 September at 1:20 pm at the Italian Academy, Columbia University (1161 Amsterdam Avenue)."
While Letta was up to this in New York, also meeting with Hassan Rouhani, his support at home was falling apart. A lesson? Watch this site.
