Controversy has followed him throughout his career. His media empire has given him whole access to a nationwide audience. His support for war in Iraq has made him a lightning-rod throughout Europe and his high profile lifestyle and savvy media sense has made him nearly a celebrity.
"Italy is the country I love. Here I have my roots, my hopes, my horizons. Here I have learned, from my father and from life, how to be an entrepreneur. Here I have also acquired the passion for liberty. I have chosen to enter the field and become a public servant because I do not want to live in an illiberal country, ruled by immature forces and by people who are well and truly bound to a past that proved both a political and economic failure — Silvio Berlusconi, discourse on Entering the field ("la discesa in campo")"
I like your use of the word "lightning rod". He is definitely an interesting character!
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