Where precisely is the offence? Where exactly is the racism?

Where in saying someone is suntanned is the implied statement: "you are inferior because of your race"?

Exactly. It's nowhere except in the victim-obsessed heads of those who just LOVE taking offence.

Ignore the imbeciles.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Wow! I'm impressed that so many Italians feel the need to apologize! I suspect few Americans will take offense though as the phrase "Tall, Dark and Handsome" is a compliment. Anyway, much worse things are heard daily in the U.S., so most of us have thick skins. No worries, we still love Italians!

Michael Gray, Sacramento, United States of America

People should take politics less seriously. There are more important things in life.

Tyke, Bologna, Italy

I'm Italian and prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is not speaking in my name!

Milena, Torino, Italy

To all those apologising, get real.
Politics is a giant version of Big Brother and as such those involved should be prepared to made fun of.

Tyke, Bologna, Italy

Much ashamed that my country should be represented in the world by this man so arrogant who boasts continually for all its abuses. Please Berlusconi go home! P.S. you know that in my country if you have many legal action against you, you can become Prime Minister? I live in Disneyland. God saveus!

Marco, Napoli, Italy

I ask excuse for American people for the nonsense said by the Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi, he doesn't speak in my name . I ask whoever has the possibilities comes to free us from this dictator. come to bring us true democracy!!!!!!!!!

Daniele, roma, italy

He reflects a kind of person, arrogant and rich...
who vote and estimate M, Berlusconi, now have to be happy!
I'm so sorry...

federico, Madrid, Spain

I’m sicilian and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is not speaking in my name!!!!!! W Obama "Hurricane" president elect of U.S.A.!! Everything is possible in America, but unfortunately in italy too. I'm so sorry Mr. Obama!!!! Good night and good luck!

Leonardo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Sorry for our Prime Minister...he's the real IMBECILE of our country!!!

Stefano, Padova, Italy

I'm italian, i didn't vote Berlusconi and i don't really like him. In Italy we have stupid and no-intelligent politicans.....we have a lot of problems: they spend our money, dignity and the most important thing they really don't care of the italian population.

laura, udine,

Berlusconi represents all italians, we elected him and we're all responsible, even who did not vote for him. Last government cannot be blamed, we did nothing to avoid this situation, we only wait for someone to do something for us. Looks like we're not ready for democracy.

Danilo, Poggibonsi, Italy

Mr Obama - I am SO sorry. Please trust me, not all Italians are like mr Berlusconi.

marco salerno, milano, Italy

Like Obama pays attention to what Berlusconi says... With his track record, hair transplant and political views, no sensible person on earth listens to a word this man says. Italians, don't worry, everyone knows that Berlusconi is himself a joke. More fool the people who voted for him

Davey, London, UK

sorry so much U.S.A and all the world....unfortunately this man doesn't represent this country....i haven't voted him but he has been elected because the last government has made nothing for us....we are in a bad situation now like always....sorry us again....

riccardo, naples, Italy

Mr. b. is keeping us alive with these comments, so that, while considering his mindless words, we miss the real point: he is implementing the massonic plan discovered years ago in Italy. We'll slowly slip into mild rightist dictatorship, we have all the signs but neglect to read them and to react

alessandra ferrari, cava dei tirreni-salerno, italy

This comment is coming from Kansas. I can't see Obama taking any offense from this remark. It was probably meant to be a joke, and it is not important. As an American, I appreciate the apologies, but they are unnecessary. I am glad that Americans can start to look like members of the world again.

Bill, Overland Park, KS, USA

I'm delighted to find out that Italian leftists who fiercely oppose Silvio Berlusconi have discovered the importance of political correctness.
So far they have addressed the object of their hatred as a "bald dwarf", neglecting the risk of offending millions of people with the same characteristics.

Beppe, Roma, Italy

i must apologize sorry i'm italian but i didn't vote berlusconi!

LAURA, genoa, italy

I couldn't believe it when I heard it... he really personifies in a way what would happen if David Brent took over as PM of a country...with Fini as Gareth Keenan and Bossi as Vinchey!
He really should resign.
He should have stepped down already over the Carfagna affair, if anyone heard of it.

Max, Reading, Berkshire,

I'm Italian and all I want to say is:
I'm so so so sorry to everyone in the world for the Italians that are commenting and writing in this moment.

Christian, Rome, Italy

From Italy:Sorry for the inqualificable berlusconi's words.Congratulation Mr. President Obama from Italy!Your election is a good news for world's future!I'm italian and berlusconi is not my president!Help us to get free from berlusconi...Help!help!

stefano, roma, italia

Mr Obama - I am SO sorry. Please trust me, not all Italians are like mr Berlusconi.

silvia, piossasco, italy

i'm so sorry about our pm ignorant speeches.you are giving an important change to your country,but it is not the same for us,we already have the same clown, mr berlusconi. sorry again.

sondra, rome, italy

Berlusconi's problems are to think that all the world is like Italy and official meetings are like when you meet all your friends at the pub! the real problem in not about the suntanned but"I'll give him some advices...".Berlusconi risks to go to the jail, which advices he think to give to Obama?

Marco Re, novara, italy

brainwash a whole country for 15 years, with tv channel owned and controlled by one man, and that's the result: what you actually don't know is that 53% of the italian think this is an innocent "joke", we don't have the basis to understand the racism hidden within , well, not anymore.

alex, roma, italy

We join ourselves to the huge number of italians who had apologized until now. We beg you to support us: sooner or later, our Country will be able to change, because The History will knock to our door, as it happened to you. That day a lot of will be ready to answer "Yes, we can!" too.

Rossella Marsala, Leila Mattioli, Franco Coppol, Bologna, Italy

I live in Pisa, ITALY:

Sorry President Obama and thank you.

Shame on Berlusconi, he is NOT my president.

Vincenzo, Pisa, Italy

as an italian i'd like to apologise for the senseless words spoken by a person who happens to be my prime minister. Maybe this could finally help italian people open their eyes on whom they've repeatedly and guiltly chosen to be their pm for three times.

Francesco, naples, italy

I just feel sorry for him and for all the people who voted him and trust him......

SILVIO BERLUSCONI IS NOT MY PRIME MINISTER!!!!

Laura, Genova, Italy

A joke can be racist. Look how humor has been used by white supremacists in minstrel shows and film. Berlusconi reflects a long history of racism in Italy. I don't understand why anyone would try to defend such a remark as not being racist. It's easy to target him alone, ignoring larger issues.

Clara, Los Angeles,

the time for bush
berlucosni
barroso the best friend of bush in europe
finish
adios
adeus
good by

jjlouro, lisbon, portugal

sorry sorry mr.Obama congratulation

teodora, Bari, Italy

sorry sorry mr.Obama

Teodora, Bari, Italy

forgive us, that old mad man doesn't represent us, we are so sorry

Mario, Napoli, Italy

I'm Italian and proud of it, but I ashemed for berlusconi behavior, just because italian people are not like him. I don't think berlusconi can represent our country. I apologize for his unfortunate statements. Please forgive him because he just can't understand who he really is and his position.

GAle, Napoli, Italy

We should not be ashamed of being Italian, our country is not only made of people like Berlusconi. We all know that he just wanted to joke and that what he said is not racist ( real racism is different), but again he should avoid comments like these.

Giulia, Pavia, Italy

I want to say that Italy is not Berlusconi... I'm so sorry for the words of Silvio... I believe in Obama and for me he is the right man... Sivio is nothing in comparison of Obama

lucia, rimini,

Sorry for this gaffe, as an Italian I apologize to all American people and black ones for this. I love my country, I'm proud to be Italian, but there's someone always giving a bad shot of our country, always with stupid behaviours. Just want you to know we're not all the same!

Carlo, Monza, Italy

the words of Berlusconi are foolish indeed, Italians excuse him for their prime minister!

Guido, Pratola P, Italy

Hope Berlusconi will learn to keep his mouth shut... or it's just envy??...
Seriously, Obama is hope, Italian politicians are our doom!

Dani, Forli', Italy

Sorry for him....sorry for people who voted him, happy for Mr.Obama,happy for USA deeply sorry for my beloved country that doesn't deserve Berlusconi!!!!

Martina, Siena, Italy

As italian I feel utterly ashamed to have as prime minister someone affected from senile dementia,that's the reason I left Italy just after has been elected we new the showman from years before and all it's stupid jokes
President Obama accept the apologies and forgive if you can

rosy.morello, london, uk

sorry people!

teo, milano,

Please... believe us.
We, Italian people, are not all for Berlusconi !
He is only a jester...

Paola, vicenza,

I would love to hear Obama's thoughts on this.....I dont see it as an intended insult at all I think that that is just his way of saying things...a bit tongue in cheek of course but i cannot for one minute believe that Obama will see this as a racist insult at all...good luck to the new president!

lisa moore, wolverhampton, england

Please remove berlusconi from our leadership. we are lobotomized by his television. we can’t :((((

US free italian people HELP HELP!!

Thank you

Paolo, Torino, Italy

That's a storm in a teacup! It was just a joke. I would never say something like that but that's just a joke.......

Giovanni, Italy,

I would say "much ado about nothing".
Although it might have sounded a bit "politically incorrect",Berlusconi's joke was not racist, I think. As for my compatriots who feel ashamed and need to apologize (I do not), well, they are for sure those who always disliked and hated him, no surprise at all.

Andrea Maitan, Mantova, Italy

Once again.. here we are.. italians ashamed asking sorry to some world country because of our PM's words... this time we have to add a sorry for some minister's talking too...
I really am ashamed. Im proud to say im part of that Italy that DIDNT VOTE FOR HIM. He doesnt represent me.

SORRY!!!!

Giovanna, Roma, Italy

Sorry Sorry and sorry again. Berlusconi is a poor man, he is unable to govern a country. I am ashamed to be italian in this moment.

federica , Prato , Italy

I think that Obama will be a good President.
I hope that Italy too will have a better President than Berlusconi...he's so stupid!
Some italians think that he's funny and "free thinker", but they forget that he'd be our example of political and civil life and a mirror of our lives for the world.

Barbara, Cologno Monzese - Milano, Italy

No words for the behaviour of our Prime Minister, especially in this occasion! What will the whole world think about Italy ??
I am really worried by the fact he was elected by a large share of italian people.

Igor, Belluno, Italy

'Abbronzato" is not derogatory in Italian, it usually signifies a healthy appearance , and was far more accurate in a description of Barak Obama than that used by the media in referring to his race or colour. Obama is half white and half black and Berlusconi was ironizing on the media's take.

Sheila Dalton, Brisbane, Australia

Most of comments are of italian "ashamed" people. The few american people who comment say... "it was not a joke", "it was not racist".
Berlusconi talks too much but he's not a racist, and I am sure that he will have a good feeling with Obama and that USA will go on having Italy as a good ally.

Gionata, Rome, Italy

The Berlusconi’s word is only a joke, in Italia "suntanned" is not a racist expression, but is a good physical condition sign!
much of the Italian that write here is a left oriented / comunist.
god bless the democracy also in the word.

Giampiero, Casale Monferrato, Italia

please belive us: today, we're ashamed of beeing italians. Ashamed of what he said, and, above all, ashamed of having such a PM.....
Congratulations for all the Americans, they made the right choice : ) good job!

Anna, Benevento, Italy

I'm italian.... sorry for the words of our P.M. berlusconi.... this "men" don't rapresent me.
Good luck Mr President Obama
Thank you

anna margherita, milano,

I'm Italian too and I feel shame for that Berlusconi said. I ask sorry for that!!!
However the most italian people are really happy for Obama's victory: In one day he gave back hope to wide world. All the world has need hope and in particular my Country.

Congratulation Mr. President.

Oscar, Milan, Italy

Poor Italy,
Unfortunately we have a PM who has already demonstrated to be unfit to run Italy. His remarks about Mr. Obama is an insult not only for the President elected of USA but also for the dignity of our country. Berlusconi ought to be ashamed of himself! Sorry, on behalf of many Italians.

Giuseppe, Cologno Monzese MI, Italy

Maybe it was better to shut up but Berlusconi was actually trying to praise Obama to the Russian president and the government in Italy is doing good things, compared to the previous government that lasted 2 years and was lead by people unable to face reality. So I still support Berlusconi

Gianfranco, Rome, Italy

This is just another episode underlining Berlusconi's provincialism. What he said offends all Americans not only President-elect Barack Obama and is another undeserved embarassment for all Italians. For what is worth, please accept my apologies. Let's vote him out of office next time.

Gian Aliprandi, New Canaan, CT, USA

probably he really thinks to be a nice guy. be patient. he's just 72. when he'll get older will realize.

Flavio, firenze,

I always feel uncomfortable when Mr Berlusconi is abroad.
He's used to have a lot of courtiers, used to laugh at his jokes
even though they aren't really funny. So, he thinks he's a good
comedian, and that's the result. As an Italian, I feel ashamed of him.
Best regards

Roberto Canton, Legnano Mi, Italy

I hope that America does not think that all the Italians have the same intelligence of Mr. Berlusconi. Even if it is certainly not understable for Americans how this person was chosen for representing Italy abroad.

Silvio, Milano, Italy

Berlusconi unlike other politicians is a free thinker and an upholder of free speech. People are criticising a man for complimenting Obama by saying he is goodlooking and suntanned? He also added afterwards that he thought he was very competent. Of course, this is not mentioned here!

Salvatore, Rome, IT

Sorry,sorry,sorry.Every nation deserves the prime minister that it happen to be given. I shame to be an Italian sorry sorry

Ilario, Imola, Italy

Lighten up! He was not at all being offensive!

Sonia, Florence, Italt

I am Italian.I apologize me for the "cute thing" that Berlusconi has said. He isn't a great political man as a lot of people consider him.I'm very happy about the election of Obama and I hope that you aren't angry whit us because I love America and I hope that you can forgive us!

luisa, Messina, Italia

I'm italian and I'm ashamed about what Berlusconi says everyday. I'm sorry.
I'm very worried about the future of our nation. In Italy we have a cancer in the political-economical-social range. Berlusconi is the Lord and Master of this cancer.
I'm sorry ...

Daniele, Tempio Pausania, Italy

I'm an italian girl. Just one word: SORRY.

Silvia, Milano, Italy

Please believe there are many polite persons.

Nicolò, milano, italy

I'm ashamed for what Berlusconi thinks to be good humor.
Forgive him, he is just an old man who had more success than he deserved.

Sandro, Vicenza, Italy

Sorry, Barack, for Berlusconi’s stupid words.

from Italy

Claudio, MILAN, italy

sorry, sorry, sorry. I don't know english language, but this ciarlatan is not my PM

filippo, milano, italy

i wish to remind everyone that the words were spoken in an official situation... Mr Berlusconi should not forget that such "wine shop behaviour" is not appropriate in that situations

Gionata, Carrara, Italia

As Italian I apologize for what our clown and - unfortunately - our Prime Minister said. Fortunately, in Italy we are not all therefore.

Giuseppe Sarcinelli, Lecce, Italia

I do not think Mr. Berlusconi intended to be racist. It's just his stupid arrogance.

Rosario Composto, Houston, TX., USA

I am not of African origin, so perhaps my say doesn't count like some of the others. But I am an American, and I saw the remarks, and being familiar with Berlusconi & his, shall we say, "style," I was by no means offended. Berlusconi, I believe, harbored no ill-will in his remarks.

Eric Colwell, Ann Arbor, USA

As a future mother of a "suntanned" baby I am really worried about the situation down here. These kind of so called "jokes" by our PM and his "gang" are becoming common expressions in our every day and commonly unpolite language. Berlusconi jokes about everything but he'd often better shut up.

Sara, Milano, Italy

I am italian - this poor little man who sadly is our prime minister does not have the intelligence and the courage to admit telling a disgusting joke and to apologise, so here I am apolgising on his behalf even if I did not vote him - sorry and god bless America and Obama.

Pietro, Venice, Italy

I'm Italian, I live in the United States.
I feel so ashamed. Mr. Obama, please accept my apologies.
Italians used to be more open minded and respectful.
It is time that change hits our nation too and we, the people, get rid of this puppet.

Antonio Adessi, Panama City, US

All italians polite are indignant for this poor figure.
Hide your head, silvio.

sorry Obama

Nicolò, milano, italy

Been sincerely sorry for the words said by the "Premier" berlusconi, hopes also in a change in Italy.
Sorry for my English.

Giuseppe, Marsala, Italy

Our prime minister believes that he's a clown. He often misses that, first of all, he's a politician and he represents our nation! But, unfortunately, Italians voted for him...we deserve this! I feel ashamed for him! Sorry!

Ilaria, Napoli, Italy

I'm Italian and I personally apologize, not only with Mr.Obama, but with the entire world for this "missed clown" who, I regret, represent such beautiful and open minded country.

stefano, torino, Italia

Silvio Berlusconi is wonderful. It seems only the Italians do not like him but then they have had so many Prime Ministers they do not like any of them. I agree, Obama has a great tan. This political correctness is so stupid.

Lloyd, London,

The way Berlusconi expressed his commendation to Obama was clearly amiss. Unfortunately this is in character of Berlusconi. I am sure he did not mean to offend Obama nevertheless as an Italian I really feel embarrassed and I really apologize to Obama and USA on behalf of our prime minister.
Also, I wish all the best and good luck to the great Barack Obama.
God bless America!
Long live Obama!
Michele

Michele, Rome, Italy

Berlusconi had said nothing wrong. What he said was a compliment to Obama.

As usual the Leftie want to undermine what Berlusconi says with the anti-racism rubbish they always talk about.

PROUD TO BE ITALIAN MORE THAN EVER!

Valerio, London,

I understand that a single person, even if it's the prime minister, doesn't represent the opinion of a whole country but who the heck voted for this guy ? Obviously he has no idea how to behave himself... I feel sorry for all the nice Italians out there...

Stefan, Leipzig, Germany

I'm a sixteen-year boy. I would rember that in Italy the centre-right government is composed by the "Northern League", a party that wants not to recognise Rome as the Capital and that wants to cut the "great and brave" North from the "dirty" South.
Unfortunately this is our truth. Sorry a lot.

Marco, Rome, Italy

I am Italian and would like to apoligise to Obama, the USA - the world - for this new irrespectful gaffe by our Prime minister. I am thankful to Int'l media, like The Times and The Economist, to speak the truth about Berlusconi's Italy. Please, keep on doing it. "Mala Tempora", here.

Elena , Capranica, Italy

i'm italian, i'm so sorry about what Berlusconi said. I hope that all american can understand that not all the italian people are like him. I really like Obama and i think that he can change the world, I hope that one day also in Italy we'll have such a great man that lead the nation! yes we can!

fabrizio, milan, italy

I would nicely excuse for our "nice president" and his "nice speech" !! Only half of Italy voted for him... God save Italy from Berlusconi

Vincenzo, Bari, Italy

I am really ashamed for the above comments of Italian people. It was a joke, maybe a bad joke, but nothing really offensive. Please...

Filippo, Florence, Italy

well, quite frankly listening to what he said I don't think it was meant in a negative or racist way. It was a proper joke and it wasn't even that bad. add to this his love for perma-tan... i personbally don't like the guy very much, but, giving his due, this time he wasn't being nasty.

Sara, Lecco, Italy

I apologize for the words of Silvio Berlusconi. Italian people are better than their prime minister (sich!),

mario, bergamo, italy

Just a question: why so many Italian people ashamed for Berlusconi's joke and not a word when the star spangled banner were burned during left driven demonstrations? What's worse?

Ezio, Milan,

A drop in the ocean: no newspaper seems to want to say that the gaffe is one of the "lost in translation" type : in Italy, you say that hacknayed sentence about a perfect man; it's what a woman could say about Prince Charming. The gaffe lies in not realizing that the fawning was untranslateable.

alberto, milano, italy

If Berlusconi's stupid comment was an isolated incident then fair enough but it is endemic of the Italian government's attitude to minority groups. Right-wing senator Gasparri said Obama's victory would make al-Qaeda happy. I can't see where the joke is its an insult.

DCH, Nottingham , UK

Shame on Berlusconi who once again proves to be unfit to lead Italy.

F , Milan, Italy

We can only say to Americans "please forgive him ",because the brain for Mr Silvio is an "optional" not pays so missing...

We know him very well..it's really idiot and not respectful of the others.
sorry again from the Real Italians that are not like our (sorry)prime minister.

graziano, sesto san giovanni, italy

i'm so sorry for what the Berlusconi has said about Obama...I'm so tired of his gaffs and his stupidity, but unfortunatly people here support for him and be sure Christian that he won't bring his apologies. He has just offended all the people who thinks that he had made a mistake saying that words..

Riccardo, macerata, italy

I'm ashamed for all these Italians who are ashamed. A bit less (just a ton or two) stereotyped rhetoric wouldn't be deprecable. As for Berlusconi's joke, hm, this time it wasn't that bad. Not particularly original though. At least he made worse ones. Still, I would leave the matter to Letterman.

Sandro, Dresden,

Europe should stop preaching free speech if a man is not allowed to speak his mind?

Munna , London, UK

sorry american people.berlusconi should to apologize with you. unfortunately italy and italian people give terrible images of them with this president.he always does these beats.not many days ago, he said that to solve job insecurity in italy, we have to marry berlusconi' sons....we're very sorry!!

grillo, perugia, italy

In Italy "abbronzato" is not an offense, it's a compliment. When I am on summer holidays I always try to get "suntanned" as more as I can and if someone calls me "abbronzato" I'm proud of it. In Italy thousand of young men sit under UV lamps to get tanned before summer: to be suntanned is a status!

mauro, Florence, Italy

Today there is a sketch in the front page of Corriere della Sera: Obama, tall, strong, even suntanned, playing basketball with the world as ball. On his side a tiny Berlusconi shouting "pass me, pass me..." This represents well the relevance that our PM has at international level. Sorry to all,folks

marco, Milano,

Berlusconi did it again!!! I'm not surprised at all, it was a matter of time. I believe Berlusconi is in the wrong place, he wanted to be on the world stage of ...comedy not poltics!!! Sometimes life can be cruel!!
Viva l'Italia!!
By the way I apologize to all the Americans and to President Obama.

Andrea, Palermo, Italy

how about 'he's young smart and intelligent, therefore the two will get on well' but Mr.Berluscon sounds raciest, disrespectful and undiplomatic. As a western leader, you don't go to Russia and suggest that the US president elect is young and good looking, therefore he'll simply agrees with Russia

simon, phonix,

Undoubtely a sad and unappropriate lame joke. But I am confident he will clarify and bring his apologies, admitting he was in good faith and did not mean being undelicate or racist. I don't feel ashamed to be italian, just irritated because the image of a whole nation is often damaged by his jokes.

Christian G., Amsterdam,

For all the people that think link me in Italy...sorry Mr. President and sorry to all american people...we dissociate completly from Mr. Berlusconi that don't understand when is possible to joke with the word and when is not possible to do it...sorry again...

Sebastiano, Milano,

Guys, you really need to get over yourselves.
Saying someone is suntanned is in no way racist, how can it be? People try and jump on the racism bandwagon at the drop of a hat. People are just trying to turn the slightest thing into racism at the moment as its the most popular thing to be against.

Nathan Wyatt, Oxford, England

I doubt anybody in America will take offense over this. Obama himself probably found it mildly amusing. I don't think it was a racist comment, and black or mixed race people are usually much more laid back about this sort of thing. it's often white people that panic and get outraged on their behalf.

Jen, Oxford,

Sorry sorry President Of USA,
Mr B is a single person and he doesn't represent Italian people.
He has a "different" idea of democracy and freedom. Probably himself is the democracy and the freedom is his friends (servant).

frank padua, padua, italy

If you're happy to call Obama black - and forget the 50% of him that is white - you should logically be happy to call him suntanned - and forget the 50% of him that is black.

You can't have it both ways. Suntanned has equal validity as black.

Neither are true: he's MIXED RACE.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

Berlusconi is really embarassing. I can't find the words to say how sorry and ashamed I am. He doesn't seem to understand that he has no right to put shame on the Country he should lead. He acts like a child, saying all sorts of stupid things without thinking about it..so embarassing. Sorry!

Romina Fantusi, Rome, Italy

It's true that My Berlusconi is notorious for his unnecessary comments. However, people should not over react to these comments. There are so many terrible and worrying things happening in the whole world! People, politicians and press should focus more on those!
I'm still proud of being Italian!

Sonia, Oxford, UK

As Italian I apologize for what Mr. Berlusconi said.
I'm ashamed too of having him as prime minister. I'm ashamed of living in a country where most people voted for this man.
I'm sorry...

Sandro, Cittadella, Italy

I am proud to be italian and i guys it was just a joke...living abroad maybe make you fell more touchy

giovanna, London, UK

Anybody who speaks Italian will realise that the phrase "giovane, bello e abbronzato" is the equivalent of saying 'tall, dark and handsome'... hardly a 'racist' comment...

C Sette, London, UK

what a shame!!!!!!!!!! I can't understand why italian people vote him. So sorry.

fiorella, napoli, italy

Once again this clown is keeping me away from the country I love and making me ashamed of being Italian a long as he is PM.
Dear Italians going back is still possible in order to give us new hopes to our country that is falling down deeply...
Young people represent our sunrise...

Franco Miazzi, London,

I completely share the message by Serena and Eleonora. Please, believe that there are also civilian persons

Fiorella, Torino, Italy

that's so embarassing..I realize it was just a joke but as a prime minister of a country ( My country) he should mind his words.
I am very happy that Obama is the new president, I wish him all the best

Giulia, Pavia, Italy

I do not feel the Italian but fortunately or unfortunately I am.

Roberto Polillo, Spezzano Piccolo, Cosenza, Italy

"Earlier Mr Berlusconi, 72, had said he would be in a position to offer Mr Obama advice on politics because of his age and experience."
This is how not to run a country..or...
This is how to run you country into the ground...
Right....

Rex Lester, Surbiton, UK

We express our regret about these unacceptable statements!Obviously Mr. Berlusconi's opinion is not representative of whole country. We dissociate ourselves from his "imbecilic" declaration and we claim the dignity of most Italians.Please accept our regrets to have this shameful Prime Minister.

Serena Donnicola-Eleonora Zangrilli, Sendai, Japan

I am not ashamed to be italian. I am ashamed to share my nationality with such a clown. Jokes are (maybe) good for pub chat, not for international press conferences. That's the point.

Marco, Bolzano, Italy

i'm sorry for all this...
but on the other side i'm glad Obama won and even if materially we didin't do anything, we really hoped this would happen...please try to forget about a stupid man who has no clue of what he's doing and try to focus on Mr Barack!
We all bless him!

simona, campobasso, italy

I am sorry for the showman we voted once more. He really believes he's on stage every day but it's not his fault, it's ours. We are the ones to be blamed. We had all the advices NOT to vote his political party again, but here we are again.

stefano giraldo, treviso, italy

It seems that general behaviour is to be mind plastered.
When people refused to understand difference betwen a joke, even inconvenient, and serious matter: this is very serious matter...
As Chekhov said: what a great luck to get a great intelligence, it will never lack foolish things to tell

larry, Milan,

If Berlusconi was the Prime Minister was in any other country in the world, He would be asked to resign over his sad racist remarks.
Unfortunately he controls all the media in my country, and nothing will ever change.
I'm ashamed of being Italian.

Silvio Pagliaccio, Arcore, Italy

I like clowns but not as prime minister of a nation.
Especially when it's my nation.
Good times when we was only "pizza e mandolino".
The next will be a joke about the Mohammed mother
and i say you bye bye in advance...

mendel, modena, italy

What else is to expect from Italy' s Super Pinocchio. While racism is growing, this clowns' government is blaming the left for a brawl during the students demonstration in Rome despite the fact that ultrarights were driven in by truck to molest the crowd. The joke reveals some of his true character

Cesare an Italian from, Amersfoort, Netherlands

I feel sorry for those millions of Italians who voted for him... now they are supposed to laugh at every joke he cracks! Where are their comments by the way?

Matteo Scarponi, Southampton, Hants, UK

Berlusconi is just an arrogant man who probably means well but he has to tone it down a bit. He may believe he's being cute by saying these things (you must admit, some of these gaffes are laughable) but when you are the PM of an industrialized nation, you must be more cautious when you speak.

Adrian, Fullerton, CA, USA

To all you Italian bloggers.. You are all too sensitive. It was a joke !!

Angus, Kent,

I'm very embarrassed by the words pronounced by our Prime Minister and I think that all Italians that live abroad have the same embarrass. What I can say…..apologize!

Stefano, Yeovil, United Kingdom

As an American, it is my hope that Barack Obama will "change" America and the world for the better. Thank you to all of those in Italy who support him and share in my same hope for a better future. To all of you who feel shame of the words of your leaders, I have felt that same shame for 8 years.

Rebecca , Manchester, U.S.A

Thank You to all of those in Italy who support Barack Obama. He is our hope for a better future and a better America. To all of those who fell ahamed by their leaders, I too have felt that way for the last 8 years. Thank You for your support to my country.

Rebecca , Manchester, U.S.A

As Italian citizen, I'm feeling very embarassing about what Mr. Berlusconi says everyday, but most of all, I am very worried about the future of our nation, lead by similar (so-called)politicians

Giacomo, Livorno (now in Oxford), Italy

I'm italian and I feel asham for this our "Prime Minister" that doesn't wast time and occasions to show all over the world his ignorance and his poor attitude to represent the good feel and the dignity of our country

gaetano piscopo, San Giovanni in Persiceto , Italy

what a shame to be represented, as italians, by such a flat minded fellow... perhaps we deserve it !

graziano, genova, italy

Folk, this is just a joke! people who don't understand this are really really unhappy for their lives!Pay attention to what politicians do, not to what politicians say! An Italian who supports Obama, doesn't feel offended by Berlusconi's joke and doesn't think to have rights to represent Italy!

Alberto Valente, Milan, Italy

Mr. Berlusconi is too notorius to be worth of any comment .... We as Italians should find a way to make him focus on his problems with justice, instead ...

edoardo, milan, italy

I'm proudly Italian and I think that our Prime Minister is putting shame on Italy and on Italians with his words.
I just would like to say that mostparts of Italians are not as Mr.Berlusconi and that he doesn't represent the real Italy.

Roberto, Italy,

Representing all the italians that hasn't voted this clown, we apologize with all the other civil countries and hope to restart a serious democracy as soon as possible. It's a pity that this man makes me feel ashamed to be italian every time he opens his mouth.

Modì, Livorno, Italy

please English men, free us from this fool!
an italian abroad...

leonardo, Copenhagen,

What an embarassement! I am ashamed to be Italian once again! This shows the complete ignorance of the prime minister berlusconi and his entourage of corrupted politicians. To call the new President Obama suntanned is beyond human ignorance, the worst ever gaffe in the history of political stupidity

sandra casagrande, vittorio veneto, italy

we are really sorry for him. I'm Italian, I'm sorry, I'm ashamed...

Maria, Rome, Italy