He Said That?

Italian Politics Turn Ugly

Berlusconi says foe is depressed by own reflection.

Silvio Berlusconi's party is on the ropes as Italy prepares for national elections this weekend. How's he fighting back? As only Berlusconi could, calling the leading opposition candidate, Mercedes Bresso, ugly. "You know why Bresso is always in a bad mood?" Italy's prime minister said. "Because in the morning when she gets up, she looks at herself in the mirror to put her make-up on—and sees herself. And so her day is already ruined." Bresso returned fire. "I'm always in a good mood. And regarding make up, I don't use much; I don't need it as much as Berlusconi. I'm young, in good shape and haven't had a facelift," she said. The P.M. is own to have gone under the knife in the past.