Obama: Choosing between France, Britain like choosing between daughters

 

President Obama suggested at a news conference with French President Francois Hollande Tuesday that France is now about as much of a U.S. ally as Britain.

Asked whether France has become Britain's equal in the eyes of the United States, Obama compared the two countries to his two daughters.

"I have two daughters, and they are both gorgeous and wonderful, and I would never choose between them," Obama said. "And that's how I feel about my outstanding European partners. All of them are wonderful in their own ways."

Britain has long been considered the United States' top ally in Europe.

A 2013 Fox News poll showed 91 percent of Americans consider Britain an ally, while 85 percent said the same of France.

Hollande later said that his country "isn't trying to be anyone’s favorite."

"There are historic links, and we share common values," Hollande said. "It’s not about hierarchy; it’s just about being useful to the world."