As Macron loses his shine at home, a smooth visit to the US is 'regenerative'

President Emmanuel Macron, struggling with a difficult start to his second term, can return to France buoyed by a warm welcome and unity on the Ukraine.

NEW ORLEANS — Serenaded by a jazz band at the airport, cheered on by crowds as they strolled through the French Quarter, and even tempted a few no dance, President Emmanuel Macron immersed himself in the most French of American cities on Friday, the last tour of his state visit to the United States.

After a state dinner and an intense day of diplomacy in Washington, where President Biden and Mr. Macron found an uncommon unity of purpose on Thursday on the war in Ukraine and the economic challenges arising from it, the visit to New -Orleans seemed to give a tonic to a leader whose second term which began in May proved difficult.

"It's refreshing," said Catherine Colonna, France's foreign minister, as she watched Mr Macron greet people. "Every real politician loves a crowd."

Of course, a crowd can do unexpected things. Mr. Macron immediately had the story that drew him to New Orleans thrown in his face as he strolled down Rue Saint-Pierre, off Jackson Square. sold Louisiana for a pittance! said Esther Dahan, raised in Casablanca and fluent in French, as Mr Macron shook her hand. shaking her head.

Mrs. Dahan was referring to the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 under which a large territory was sold by France to the United States for just over $27 million. The sale, at around 3 cents an acre, nearly doubled the size of the United States and propelled the fledgling country to continental power.

ImageM. Macron with May...