Didn't we have an up-and-down relationship w/ DeGaulle? Point being, the French have never been our ideal allies. I'd rather have an occassional ally or fair weather one than none at all. One can never have too many. So, if they're looking to tone down the rhetoric, let's do so, and eye them warily. BTW, the language here is devolving to Democrat Party stuff. I thought we were better than them?
DeGaulle was DeGaulle. The allies played along with his massive ego, and let him be the hero of France. But the guy had France at the top of his priority list for the remainder of his life, after WW 2. The relationship with the US chilled quickly in the early 50s and by early 60s...we were the bad guys in the French heart (the Republican 50s might have had a hand in this bad relationship, and of course Ike).
When you look at the current round of problems....its more of a comic story. Chirac apparently had terrific relations with George 1. And when GW walked into the White House...Chirac actually called George Sr, and wanted him to be the middle guy between Chirac and GW. GW got ballastic when this occurred and told France to get real. Chirac couldn't understand this view...and then in the first real meeting between the two...he kept mentioning George 1 in the conversation....and GW told him to eventually "shut up"...which Chirac finally took a negative view of the administration. Personality-wise...GW doesn't mix well with any world leader....he's the kinda guy you'd want as a neighbor (have a beer with and watch football). Most of us appreciate that simple personality and prefer a guy like GW in charge of things.
I wouldn't. It's much easier to deal with a predictable enemy than an unpredictable "friend" who will sometimes turn enemy.