While many Quebec intellectuals are inspired by French philosophy and high culture, Lévesque favoured the United States. While in London during the Second World War, his admiration for Britons grew when he witnessed their courage in the face of the German bombardments. He was a faithful reader of "The New York Times", and took his vacations in New England every year. He also stated that, if there had to be one role model for him, it would be US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.