Socialist President Hollande jokes about backing Mitt Romney

France’s Socialist President François Hollande joked Tuesday that he “should endorse” Republican US presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, while refusing to be drawn into outright support of incumbent President Barack Obama.

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Hollande told reporters at the UN General Assembly in New York that he would not back either candidate for fear that his leftwing credentials would damage their chances.

“Are you aware that Mitt Romney never stops attacking socialist Europe at his campaign rallies?” he said when asked who he was endorsing.

“So I’ll be careful not to say anything because, as you’d imagine, if a socialist supported one of these candidates, it would cost him dear.”

“I suppose I should endorse Mitt Romney,” said Hollande, who has a reputation for cracking jokes. “But I won’t.”

Later, Hollande said at a meeting with members of the New York’s French community that he shared “common goals” with Obama.

“I’m not saying that to get embroiled in the American electoral debate,” he added. “But it’s true that between President Obama and what I’m representing here today, France, there are common goals.”

(FRANCE 24 with wires)