The US side of the clan is so desperate to avoid damaging association with [France] that when Lalonde travelled to support his cousin at the Democratic convention in August, many of his relatives were horrified. 'One part of the family refused to speak French with me and wanted me to hide,' he says. 'Having French relatives is not seen as an advantage; I really sensed the anti-French feeling during the convention. It was extremely painful.'
Lalonde, 58, has been advised not to talk to the French press in case Republican researchers seize on his opinions as fuel for anti-Kerry campaigning. Bush has already scored points by portraying his rival as excessively concerned about other countries' opinions. Kerry's comment that foreign policy should pass a 'global test' has become a key line of attack and the president has said with disdain that 'countries like France' should not be allowed to influence US decisions. Hinting at Kerry's continental ties, White House officials spat the worst insult possible at him: 'He looks French.'
By French relatives
Lalonde, 58, has been advised not to talk to the French press in case Republican researchers seize on his opinions as fuel for anti-Kerry campaigning. Bush has already scored points by portraying his rival as excessively concerned about other countries' opinions. Kerry's comment that foreign policy should pass a 'global test' has become a key line of attack and the president has said with disdain that 'countries like France' should not be allowed to influence US decisions. Hinting at Kerry's continental ties, White House officials spat the worst insult possible at him: 'He looks French.'
By French relatives
