From Andy Soltis in the New York Post:
There was kissing confusion as President Obama was greeted by France's first lady with an awkward handshake and later had to be coaxed by France's president to plant one on a co-ed admirer.
The first clumsy moment came when Obama and First Lady Michelle were warmly greeted in Strasbourg by France's first couple, President Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.
On a red carpet outside the Rohan Palace, Carla gave Michelle the traditional kiss-kiss on each check, while their spouses patted each other on the back.
When they changed places, Sarkozy also gave Michelle a pair of cheek kisses -- even though at 5-foot-6, he had to stretch to reach her.
Standing next to them, Carla appeared to lean toward Obama's cheek.
But the president stood his ground. Carla, seeming unsure what to do, pulled back and offered her right hand.
So while Sarkozy and Michelle were embracing, Obama and Carla settled for a handshake.
The protocol faux pas occurred as the presidents kicked off a celebration of NATO's 60th anniversary.
Obama also appeared reluctant when he and Sarkozy approached a crowd of ecstatic French well-wishers.
Cecilia Dervogne, a student at the University of Strasbourg, called out to the rock-star president.
"I said in slightly hesitating English . . . 'A kiss for me?' " Dervogne recalled.
Obama diplomatically pointed out to her that they were being watched -- by Michelle and the Secret Service, not to mention the rest of the world.
"He showed me his bodyguards, who were surveying everything. I think there was a security gap we were supposed to keep to," she said.
But the gracious host stepped in to rescue the moment.
"What, you're not going to give her a kiss?" Sarkozy asked Obama with mock shock.
Obama realized that when in France, he had to do what the French do.
"He offered his cheek timidly, and I gave him a kiss," Dervogne said.
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