INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016 ‘Trudeaumania’ invades the White House Popular Canadian PM visits Obama and co

WASHINGTON: Canadian Prime Minister Justin was not the least bit surprised by the hubbub Trudeau brought “Trudeaumania” to America on over Trudeau; the senator lives about an hour Thursday and the verdict was a resounding away from the border. “He’s a breath of fresh thumbs-up. “Breath of fresh air,” “impressive” air,” said Leahy. and “very impressive” was how some of the The guest list featured a hefty dose of guests at a splashy White House state dinner in Canadian star power from actors Fox, Myers, Oh ’s honor described the country’s new and Ryan Reynolds, along with “Saturday Night leader. Trudeau is the boyish-looking, 44-year- Live” creator Lorne Michaels. Professional sports old son of a former Canadian prime minister. were represented by the US hockey and basket- “He’s cool,” said actor Michael J Fox, who was ball commissioners, along with retired NBA play- born in Edmonton. Fox declared himself a fan of er Grant Hill and his wife, Tamia, a Canadian Trudeau’s father, , whom he singer. Leahy and a few other Democratic sena- described as the “coolest world leader going. He tors were joined by Republicans Susan Collins of seems to be pretty cool, too,” Fox said of the Maine and Orrin Hatch of Utah. younger Trudeau. Like at previous state dinners, political “When I lived in Canada, Pierre Trudeau was donors made the guest list, too. Adam Silver, my prime minister for 14 years and he’s my commissioner of the National Basketball hero,” said actor Mike Myers, who sported a Association, contributed $3,500 to Obama’s head of snow white hair for his first White House 2012 re-election campaign and $2,700 more state dinner, the first for Canada in nearly 20 recently to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential years. “Now I’m thrilled to have his son as my run. prime minister. I think it’s going to be a great Longtime Obama supporter Irwin Jacobs, time for Canada and a great time for Canadian- founder of the Qualcomm tech firm, also attend- WASHINGTON: (From left) Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, US first lady Michelle Obama, US relations.” ed. Jacobs gave more than $2 million to a Canadian Prime Minister and US President Barack Obama pose for a pho- “super” political action committee supporting to before a state dinner at the White House. — AFP New season in politics the president’s re-election. The La Jolla, Calif., More than 170 guests sporting tuxedos and billionaire also gave nearly $23,000 to Obama’s Blake Lively. Mrs Obama sat with Fox. The menu Canadian-born pop star Justin Bieber. designer gowns filed in for dinner in the East campaign and to the Democratic Party. was also designed with spring in mind: halibut Trudeau reciprocated by paying tribute to Room, which was transformed by the addition casserole with spring vegetables; salad with Malia and Sasha, saying he admired them and of cascading arrangements of blooming orchids, Tribute to daughters apricots roasted in ginger, cardamom and White advising them that their remarkable childhood hydrangeas and amaranth in shades of green First lady Michelle Obama turned again to House honey; and herb-crusted Colorado lamb will give them “extraordinary strength and wis- and white intended to evoke the coming of one of her favorite designers, Jason Wu, who drizzled with a Canadian whiskey sauce. dom” for the rest of their lives. Sara Bareilles, a spring - much like Trudeau’s election in October dressed her in a strapless midnight blue floral The dessert cake was made with toasted favorite of Mrs Obama and known for her hit, has ushered in a new season in Canadian poli- jacquard gown with asymmetrical draping. Texas pecans and New England maple syrup, “Love Song,” was headlining the after-dinner tics. Taiwan-born Wu was raised in Canada. and was accompanied by a separate hand-craft- entertainment. “I’m extremely proud of Canada,” said actress Trudeau’s wife wore a bright purple dress with ed sugar sculpture inspired by the Rocky Trudeau took office in November and carries Sandra Oh, formerly of “Grey’s Anatomy,” who coral flower trim by Canadian designer Lucian Mountains and bearing an assortment of petite one of the most famous names in Canadian was born in Ottawa, the Canadian capital. Matis, who immigrated from Romania. pastries with American and Canadian influences. political history. His late father was prime minis- “Obviously, he carries the legacy of one of our Daughters Malia and Sasha attended their Toasting Trudeau, Obama said, “Here in ter for the better part of 16 years, between 1968 greatest prime ministers so I’m extremely excit- first state dinner. Malia, 17, sat with Oh and America, you may well be the most popular and 1984, and remains the rare Canadian politi- ed to meet him.” Sen Patrick Leahy, D-Vt, said he Sasha, 14, sat with Reynolds and his wife, actress Canadian named Justin” - a reference to cian who is recognized in America. — AP