The White House Was In On It

The White House has confirmed that it was aware that Sarkozy was going to record and broadcast the first few minutes of their video conference. Hence we have to assume that President Obama willingly lent his support to Nicolas Sarkozy. I would like to know why, especially since Sarkozy in semi-private settings has not always been terribly complimentary of "mon ami Barak." Incumbents know the injustice of incumbency, I suppose.