"Le Pen is 1. Not very bright. 2. A holocaust denier and 3. Will get, at most, 25% of the vote. There are other people in Chirac's own party that would do a better job on this issue."
Well, sure. He hates America, too. But how bad does Chirac have to stink before he's cast out with the fish?
If Le Pen ran right now, he'd be in the final election, hands down. Probably he and Chirac or perhaps someone else. But if it's Chirac again and this rioting continues to spread with no abatement, I wouldn't put it beyond the people to demand an iron fist....
I think you're right, but with the way things are going now and the way the French government is responding, well, there's much to be desired.
Le Pen has a different reputation in France than he has with some on this site. Its not just a question of racism and antisemitism. He can also never overcome an image of incompetance and idiocy among the public. Has nothing to do with "iron fists."