Posted on 05/02/2012 4:57:32 PM PDT by Cincinna
Nicolas Sarkozy needed a miracle last night to head off a defeat that looks increasingly inevitable. A marathon, at times violent debate with Francois Hollande was his chance to knock the challenger off his increasingly confident stride. But despite some brutal exchanges, he failed to produce a killer blow.
Twenty million people were expected to tune in for a contest that lasted nearly three hours and was broadcast on all networks. It was a real debate, the presenters reduced to mute timekeepers as the candidates knocked spots off each other.
There was no quarter given. Mr Sarkozy called his opponent a liar and suggested he should have known about fellow socialist Dominique Strauss Kahn’s varied sex life; Mr Hollande described him as arrogant and tried to smear him back by raising a corruption scandal.
On Europe, taxes, immigration and above all what the character of a president should be, they argued over detail – often to impenetrable depth - and levelled charges of dishonesty and bad faith against each other. They even dredged up decades-old accusations of political double dealing.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
I shudder to think about that - it's bad enough what's going on here in the US with our own home-grown socialist.
Thanks so much for your updates, Cincinna... I haven't had much time to keep up with the campaigns in France. I appreciate your comments.
Thanks Cincinna. Sarko swung the election back his way with his rousing speech the other night and now this debate performance. Holland’s going to wind up wetting his pants, then falling down and breaking both legs.
I WILL UPDATE AFTER THE DEBATE IS REBROADCAST IN FULL ON AMERICAN TV
What an insane world of politics here and overseas....but then they are fighting for positions in the world order coming and the "Power Tease" for those positions can be beyond tantalizing!
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.
Thanks, Cincinna. It’s been so helpful to have your info and updates. Fingers are crossed that when they step in the booth the French will vote to stay with Sarko. Even IF he and BHO have been saying nice things about each other lately.
Don't know the different polling agencies, so I have no idea what Ifop is.
Sunday will be interesting.
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.
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