Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard likes to joke with President Obama about how tough the two have it, being minority heads of state and all.
The Washington Post reports:
"I’m good mates with Barack Obama," Gillard was quoted as saying at the 40-table dinner attended by most of her ministers, business leaders and representatives of interest groups.
"I tell him, ‘You think it’s tough being African-American? Try being me. Try being an atheist, childless, single woman as prime minister.’"
She often makes the joke with Obama when they meet and discuss the prejudices they experience, the newspaper said.
One of the dinner guests, government minister Chris Evans, confirmed that the comments were made "in jest."