News Nuggets 110 [SPECIAL EUROPEAN TOUR EDITION]

Most of the articles deal with Michelle's impact.  I think the Europeans were

 somewhat prepared for Barack -- but that Michelle came largely as a surprise!

Obama Sets New Tone for European Allies from the New York Times

THIS IS WHY Obama was elected!!  See the whole town hall meeting in France HERE -- it's about an hour long.

"Hundreds of people, many of them students from France and Germany, applauded him loudly as he spoke in a sports hall, particularly when he evoked efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles and close the Guantánamo Bay detention center."

Obama's Star Shines Bright in London from Politico

This article gives a sense of how Obama looks to foreign journalists.

"Maybe it should have been called the O-20.  Just over two months into his presidency, Barack Obama commanded center stage at this high-wattage gathering of the world’s industrialized nations, vacuuming up attention both inside the summit and throughout a sophisticated city not easily star-struck. "

World Community Organizer (Dan Froomkin) from the Washington Post

On-the-money observations by Mr. Froomkin!

"Obama's style is very much a reflection of his background in community organizing, a process that starts with listening before moving on to forging consensus and taking collective action.  Apparently it works on the international stage, too -- though I expect it doesn't hurt if you're the charismatic and hugely popular new leader of the world's only superpower and (despite everything) largest economy."

G-20 Summit Surprises with a Show of Unity from the Los Angeles Times

"The measures announced at the Group of 20 summit in London may not constitute the "new global deal" called for by President Obama and the host, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. But the outcome still surprised many observers with its unusually substantive achievements: a commitment to prop up tottering economies of developing nations through the International Monetary Fund, and pledges of a heavier regulation of international finance."

First Lady Michelle Obama Gives Schoolgirls Pep Talk from the Times [of London]

SEE the film clip that goes with this as well as this one and this one -- they are deeply moving!

"America’s First Lady appeared at times overwhelmed by the reaction to her visit to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington."

G-20 Summit: How Britain was Wooed by Michelle Obama from the Guardian [of London]

"The success of this trip for Brand Michelle was not that the international public think of her as more beautiful, or even as more stylish, but that they like her more, they relate to her more, and they trust her more."

The Inner-city girls Michelle Obama left Feeling 'Really Inspired'"  from the Guardian [of London]

"The G20 communique may yet prove to change the world, but for the students in the EGA assembly hall on Wednesday it is the visit of the First Lady which, they were a little giddily insisting yesterday, will go on to shape theirs."

Michelle Obama Makes a Royal Connection from the Los Angeles Times

"The Associated Press reported that he said he could not remember the last time the queen had displayed such public affection with a first lady or dignitary. "It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection.""

Michelle Obama -- the Genuine Article from the Guardian of London [of London]

"I forget who it was who said that if you can fake sincerity you've got it made. Alas, there is some truth in that observation, but the genuine article is much better, and sometimes we get it – and know it."