Barack Obama’s election as President of the United States Of America has prompted world leaders to send their congratulations and support, and rightly so.

Unfortunately, the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, chose to make reference to the color of Obama’s skin when talking about the two countries working together.

Berlusconi’s comment was clearly a stupid one to make as it was bound to be ripped apart by his political opponents, but I don’t actually think the guy is racist at all.

In his twisted mind, it was probably a way of complimenting Obama, and finding common ground, as Berlusconi is known for always having a tan.

But that doesn’t make the fact he said it any better as you expect your leaders to know what to say and when, and this was clearly always going to be misread by some.