washington u.s. president barack obama welcome italian prime minister matteo renzi white house tuesday use pomp formal state visit highlight link sluggish european economy populist discontent continent spotlight come opportune time renzi seek boost ahead constitutional referendum dec. could determine political future even renzi admit u.s. presidential election nov. loom large feel think rightly american friends little interest november italian vote constitutional reform might add renzi say draw laughter rise garden press conference obama slam republican presidential candidate donald trump whine u.s. election rig praise renzi propose economic reform say support attempt modernize political institutions referendum would help accelerate economic change believe connection stagnation less constructive populist impulses rise obama say say job need create europe young generation second time year obama weigh domestic political battle face european ally april visit london support former prime minister david cameron unsuccessful efforts persuade britain vote remain european union tuesday say expect renzi stay office time fight cause reform know stand believe italy world continue benefit leadership many years come obama say toast state dinner leaders discuss fight islamic state battle take iraqi city mosul militant group something obama call key milestone obama insist u.s.-led coalition extensive strategy deal could heart-breaking humanitarian consequences fight state dinner last schedule obama leave office january notable guests include former race driver mario andretti designer giorgio armani actor roberto benigni celebrity chef mario batali help plan cook meal rocky politics slow growth loom obama italy 's renzi meet