I WILL UPDATE AFTER THE DEBATE IS REBROADCAST IN FULL ON AMERICAN TV
Stay informed about the French elections in detail.
Two socialists duking it out, setting the stage for November in this country.
Knockdown drag out debate- almost three hours. No notes, no TOTUS. Moderators were just timekeepers.
This is the way debates should be. I cannot imagine American candidates debating like this. Only Sarah might meet the test?
From what I’ve seen so far, Hollande is evasive, and Sarko clear.
Especially on immigration and taxes, on French national identity, and Islam.
In reading news reports , please keep in mind that most newspapers are very leftist in Europe, just like here.
I’m trying to watch and give you as objective a view as possible. Hollande is a socialist, Sarko is definitely not. I’m translating as fast as I can, and have to tell you, reading the transcripts and commentaries and watching the actual debate as the French voters actually watched it are very different.
STAY TUNED!
Please feel free to pose questions and comments.
À bientôt!
It sounds like France wanted a tough guy, a gutpuncher, thinking he'd solve their problems, but as time went on they decided they wanted a fall guy, somebody to pin all those insoluble problems on. As in some marriages, it was the little things that drove them crazy, the way Sarko was, not any thing major he may have done or failed to do.
Maybe this whole DSK thing didn't help. Speculation that Sarkozy may have been involved could have dragged his campaign down and the country started looking for someone cleaner. I'm not folloing this closely, but it could be France is going to get its Jimmy Carter, the guy who doesn't have the baggage other politicians do, but doesn't have much in the way of other advantages. Sarko would have been better off trying his luck against Strauss-Kahn.
I WILL UPDATE AGAIN TOMORROW WHEN THE NEW POLLS COME OUT
After watching the entire debate, and trying to maintain some level of objectivity, these are my conclusions.
In the first half hour, maybe even hour, Hollande seemed competent. His months of debate coaching and prep helped him.
After the first hour, I think things fell apart, and Hollande was in over his head, and resorted to platitudes, attacks, and avoidance.
Sarkozy is definitely the smarter of the two, the most experienced, and a natural debater.
The weakest areas for Hollande were on immigration, refusing to deal with the issue straight on, seemingly looking to the FN voters, and on the issue of nuclear energy on which he was totally incoherent.
Sarkozy was very strong on not giving the right to vote to immigrants, and the danger that the huge influx of Muslims who refuse to integrate into French society and the rise of radical Islam present. This has changed the nature of French society.
Even though Sarkozy was extremely strong, I don't think the debate, which lasted three hours, will change much.
I hope I'm wrong. A socialist in power in France would be a catastrophe for France, which is the fifth largest economy in the world.
Here is a very good description and summary of the French Presidential debate. Fairly accurate, and not particularly partisan.
Sarkozy and Hollande trade barbs in heated TV debate
Click here to read the article:
http://www.france24.com/en/node/5320244
I WILL UPDATE AFTER THE DEBATE IS REBROADCAST IN FULL ON AMERICAN TV
According to the latest Ifop poll data for today, May 4, the numbers have moved some in Sarko's favor, continuing the trend since the first round. HOLLANDE 52% SARKOZY 48%
Neither the endorsement of centrist François, (a first: no centrist has ever aligned with the Socialists) nor the debate has moved the numbers.
Because of French law, election campaigning must end at midnight tonight (6pm EST)
Hollande, who is in way over his head, and actually yawned during the debate, is angry about Obama's apparent support for Sarko.
Sources close to the WH, say the Obama administration is very concerned about a possible socialist victory. we all know Obama has only one thing in his mind, his own re-election, and being forced to deal with a socialist, and be photographed with a socialist is the last thing his campaign wants. Especially since Hollande is completely unknown in the US. Obama doesn't even know Hollande, has never met him. Sarkozy, OTOH, has a huge personal following in the US, and received the overwhelming majority of votes of French citizens living in the US in the first round.
With a media blackout after tonight, there will be no news.
If anything comes up, I'll keep you all posted.
A win is still possible, and if the numbers continue to tighten, it would make it difficult, if not impossible, for a socialist government to form a strong majority, and implement their policies. The legislative elections are in June.
I WILL UPDATE AS MORE INFO IS AVAILABLE
LATEST POLL FROM IFOP 52-48 This narrowing continues the trend that began after the first round which Sarko list by 1.5%
From a senior analysts and specialist on polling: “Watch Friday’s polls closely,” said Dominique Reynie, a senior research at Paris’s Institute of Political Studies. “If they show another narrowing, then Sarko has a chance. There’s no reason why the trend wouldn’t continue through the weekend.”
Also: From the FT via Drudge: Wealthy French eye move across the Channel Fear of 75% tax rate prompts many to look at London, Brussels, Singapore and NY to escape the 75% confiscatory tax on income of high wage earners.
Of course they will take not only their money with them, but their businesses, jobs, and purchasing power.
Socialism stinks, and they all fear it.