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From The Times
May 1, 2007
The demonisation of Sarkozy
Ségolène Royal intensified a desperate final effort yesterday to tar Nicolas Sarkozy, her presidential opponent, as a dangerous tyrant whose election would threaten the peace of France.
Ms Royal, the left-wing candidate who is about four points behind the conservative Mr Sarkozy in polls, denounced her opponent for the “great violence” and “brutality” of a campaign that she maintained was frightening away voters.
She will use a critical television debate with her opponent tomorrow to contrast her “France at peace with itself” with Mr Sarkozy’s “France of the hard Right”.
Ms Royal’s line of attack, five days before the country goes to the polls, was amplified yesterday by aides and supporters. In the latest torrent of anti-Sarko vitriol, 100 stars of the arts and sciences declared that “Sarkozy embodies a hard radicalised Right . . . with all its fears and hates. Entrusting the presidency to a demagogue like this means real danger.”
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For the Left, vilifying Mr Sarkozy offers a last hope of breaking his march to the Elysée Palace on Sunday. Ms Royal’s aim is to stir anti-Sarkozy fears among those who voted for the centrist candidate, François Bayrou, who was eliminated with 18 per cent of the vote on April 22.
After attacking Mr Bayrou as a stealth Sarkozyite in the first phase of the campaign, Ms Royal has reversed course over the past week and waged a charm offensive towards him and his voters. In another gesture yesterday, she suggested that, if elected, she would appoint as prime minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a Socialist rival who is popular with the pro-Bayrou centre.
Fomenting the TSS factor (Tout sauf Sarkozy — anyone but Sarkozy) became inevitable when he emerged from the first-round vote with much greater credibility than Ms Royal but little popularity.
A CSA poll on Sunday found that 65 per cent of French people think Mr Sarkozy “solid” compared with only 24 per cent for the Socialist. Yet only 29 per cent find him likeable, compared with a 57 per cent rating for Ms Royal.
The Socialists set out to demonise Mr Sarkozy months ago, according to Eric Besson, a senior campaign official who defected after falling out with Ms Royal. “Since we had a weak candidate, it was the best path to take,” he said.
As a tough Interior Minister until last month, the ambitious Mr Sarkozy earned the dislike of many young people — especially those from the immigrant ghettos. His doctrines of radical economic reform and individual responsibility — never before aired by a senior French politician — have been welcomed by many as a revolution, but cast by opponents as divisive, cruel and unFrench.
Mr Sarkozy has offered opponents new ammunition over the past month by breaching politically correct taboos on immigration and national identity and successfully wooing supporters of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the far-right candidate.
With his character increasingly a campaign issue, Mr Sarkozy mused at the weekend over the antipathy that he stirs: “Why so much hate? Maybe it is because I say out loud what everyone thinks to themselves.”
He proceeded to spur fresh fury among the left-wing Establishment by blaming the “generation of 1968” for the moral crisis of France. The Socialist party elders and many top civil servants and academics were students in that year of revolt.
Pro-Royal campaigners have called him a “French Berlusconi”, a new Bonaparte and a “French George W. Bush”.
Marianne, a low-circulation magazine, has sold out 300,000 copies of a cover story on “The True Sarkozy”. This called him insane. “His is the kind of madness that has stoked a fair number of apprentice dictators in the past,” it said.
The 100 artists and intellectuals called for a Royal vote yesterday: “To vote against Nicolas Sarkozy is to avoid the danger of a France at war with itself, in conflict and in crisis, divided and torn apart,” said the group, which included the actress Jeanne Moreau, the film directors François Ozon and Constantin Costa-Gavras and the singer Georges Moustaki.
Many of the signatories are to join Ms Royal, along with pop singers and other celebrities, at a rally tonight at the Charlety Stadium in Paris.
Also on hand will be Lilian Thuram, the Caribbean-born football star and member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning team, who said yesterday: “Mr Sarkozy stirs the latent racism in people.” Thuram, who now plays for Barcelona, has been one of Mr Sarkozy’s most vocal critics.
The demonisation of the favourite is one of the most striking phenomena of the 2007 campaign, academics and historians say. Max Gallo, an historian who served as spokesman for the late President Mitterrand, said: “Putting aside Jean-Marie Le Pen, I cannot think if any other case of a politician being execrated like this since the hatred of opponents of de Gaulle.”
Political mudslinging: the smear campaigns
— Lyndon Johnson nuked Barry Goldwater’s US presidential campaign with adverts implying his election would bring atomic war. A child picking daisies was overshadowed by a mushroom cloud while Johnson intoned “we must either love each other or die”
— The Advertising Standards Authority ruled that the Tories’ 1996 “Demon Eyes” depiction of Tony Blair was offensive. It won an award for campaign of the year
— Pauline Hanson of Australia’s far right One Nation party was imprisoned after political opponents helped to fund an electoral fraud case against her. The verdict was later overturned
— Felipe Calderón won the Mexican presidency last year after adverts labelling his opponent “a danger to the country” were banned
Sources: University of Delaware; brandrepublic.com; australianpolitics.com
Sarkozy is authoritain in disguse, and french goverment should let business make money, fire workers, and let people compete on merit. In addtion, probadly privitize some of the companies owned by the state too. The question of 35 hour work week? They want to keep working 35 hours that not a big deal, but let companies fire and hire workers at will. Sweden has good ideas for the French if they want to keep welfare state intact. Crap workers on the dole is peferrable than having useless workers create more deadweight on the economy. Anglo or Scandivian style captialism is better than French style corporatism.
Joe, Chan, MN
I watched the debate last night, but reading the French newspapers this morning I must have been watching a different show. They are of the opinion that Royal at least held her own. To me Sarkozy had the answers perfectly prepped and costed, Royal had nothing to offer except vague promises of future discussions. Although my job attracting inward investment to Wales from France would be a doddle were Royal to win, I desperately hope for France's sake that Sarko gets the nod.
John Rees, Paris,
I have always been right-of-centre and have long watched with dismay as France (well, most of Europe actually) gets swamped by uncontrolled Muslim immigration. However, I have to say that I am simply astounded by the hypocrisy of the posts being made by ultra-right Drudge Report readers where they repeatedly claim that liberals/socialists/lefties have no ideas and always resort to ad hominem attacks when challenged.
Are you folks kidding? Do you really see the Bush administration with such rose-coloured glasses? Is there anything – and I mean anything – that Karl Rove and his henchmen wouldn’t do to an opponent (on either side of the aisle) in order to further their agendas? Socialism is indeed a failed idea whose time has long gone, but please stop pretending that the right wing (especially in America) has ANY claim to the high road. Truly beyond disingenuous; the hypocrisy is actually nauseating.
Joe, Ontario, Canada
<<< Isn't it typical of left wing politicians to use fear tactics to sway voters opinions? >>>
It's REALLY scary how short the memories are of the Right Thinking Americans posting here
Don't you remember the demonisation of Americans who served their country by the Friends of the Draft Dodgers?
Like John Kerry & Swift Boats in 2004 or John McCain during the 2000 primaries or Max Cleland during the 2002 elections
Alan, Edinburgh,
Once again it is strange how people think that a woman can't or isn't capable of running a country as a President, or a Prime Minister such as Margaret Thatcher. People Forget Persons Like The Great Golda Meir, and Corazon Aquino. So Why Not Segolene Royal? Not another Bully like the Sarkozy element. I hope She wins. I would also like to see another Woman Prime Minister in England. again. I hope that Hillary Wins in My Country 'Tis of tthee Torn To Shreds.
Ronald Baro, New York, NY
Lets get this straight. France needs to swallow the bitter pill of neo-liberalism NOW. The question is could anyone of the two CAN administer it?
France - the father of the Modern Republic (sorry republique :-), laissez-faire & marche-libre is now the OPPOSITE. And will continue to be the opposite unless radical changes take place.
France: Bring back the Third Republic, revive YOUR Bastiats and Says - Go and become great again...
Siddhartha Sen, San Jose, California
What a breath of fresh air reading all your comments. I feel you people form abroad have more common sense than my fellow countrymen. Royal is probably as you say the best President for France if we want to join the long list of Third World Countries. But what would you do if someone in your country told you that you needed to work less to earn as much as you do today, that the State will help you without asking any return, and so on. You want that ? please invite Royal to your country, we'd be more than happy to dispose of her. It's incredible to see that in France and in Europe, how being right winged is instantly associated to brutallity and evil. You'd be suprized to know that the most intolerant narrow minded and rigid of the two is not Sarkozy... I'm ready to undergo strikes, riots in order for our country to heal and get back on the tracks, let's just hope that Royal does not win the election otherwise we'll head right out to edge of the cliff...
Philippe, Paris, France
It strikes me that the Friends of Sarkozy are that because he isn't Royal. Why are they so scared of her?
As for Sarkozy - remember this is the political love child of Chirac who thinks highly of both Bush & Blair.
Voting for Sarkozy is like deciding to be executed by lethal injection because it doesn't hurt as much as hanging
Sarkozy will put French interests first - just like every other French President - so it's unlikely they'll be ANY change in the attitude to the rest of the world
alan, edinburgh, uk
"I wondered if the French would have the guts to elect a person who has a foreign sounding name.
mary, Cleveland, OH"
yes mary!, they will...as early as next sunday!
thierry,Paris,France
thierry, Paris, France
Mr Sarkozy is probably the first politician to take such a strong commitment. The country needs reforms and changes. The french left is still nurturing the same old recipes of procrastination, vague directions to take, promises of lavish layers of ointment wherever it hurts, and above all immobility. The ship is sinking, and we need a captain courageous. Mr. Sarkozy is surely one of them.
Michel LE QUANG, Vic la Gardiole, FRANCE
We just desperately need Sarkosy to get rid of socialism. Miterrand was a galoping socialist who exhausted France economicaly. Chirac was a creeping socialist who just betrayed his own camp.
Royal would just drive France in another 5 years stalemate, increasing unemployment, fostering economic imbalances and uncontroled immigration. Contrary to more modern left in Germany and Britain, french left has never and is not ripe to sever links with a kind of marxist rethoric. In particular they still view corporation as a source of exploitation and inequality in stead of a source of whealth creation. Like most of leftists auto-asserted intellectuals she has never set a foot in a factory, prefering to stay at the door to stir-up strike-squads.
But times are changing a bit: more and more workers victims of the overflow of illegal immigrants don't buy that propaganda anymore.
Now let's hope Sarkosy will instill new policies based on values of work and responsability.
Bruno, Paris, France
"I wondered if the French would have the guts to elect a person who has a foreign sounding name.
mary, Cleveland, OH"
yes mary, they will...as early as next sunday!
thierry, Paris, France
Phil from New York says, "I find it somewhat troubling that so much vitriol is directed at a left that has not been in power for a dozen years".
Don't forget, Phil, that this is France we are talking about, where the left has a very effective 'street treatment' that they use to beat back the government every time it tries reform.
And if the mainstream street trreatment doesn't work, the kids in the banlieus have further refined it to the 'car-burning treatment', where up to 900 cars a night may be in flames.
All these treatments tend to tie the government's hands somewhat, and to give more power to the left than would appear by simply looking at the election results.
Maggie, Nice, France,
France needs to change its mind. We've to go back to work,
to stop complaining, to stop going on strike. We must realize we are in big debt, and that we've to stop giving allowances to all those who are living lazily off those who are really working !!!
Vive la France, vive Sarko
Bernard, Foulayronnes, FRANCE
It's funny to see how America is trying to make believe to itself that such a childish (biblical) conception of reality, that is morality, or fight between Good and Evil would come from Evil (France), and consider itself again as the savior of the world.
France is too mature and adult to have a teenage under-culture that only represent Mickey against Darth vador 24/24h, between commercials, and I'm afraid to say that a war against Evil is only possible in America or in fanatical countries (it's maybe the same). France hasn't lost his honour in an unworthy war against a poor country, only for greed. You people need a good France-bashing to stay innocent. France forgive children's behaviour.
"Demonization", Mr Bremner, is defenitely irrelevant here. Try to find something else to rub your conservative audiance and do not exaggerate. Sarko is said dangerous, not demonized here. There's no Evil for French, nor Angels, or Supermen, or Heroes. That's only your pro-Sarko perception.
Mathieu, Lyon, France
Look, everything being said about Royal's 'fuzzy' and 'vague' policies is true but i think we have to cut the socialists - and the fench population - some slack here. About 90% of the people writing on this board are american or canadian, and so i presume that the vast majority have not been there for the 2005 riots in the banlieu or the recent gare du nord debacle, or, for that matter, have not seen the police doing their daily patrols with truncheons and machine guns. france is a scary place at the moment, and, sarkozy hasnt helped that. beleive it or not, social policy is important to people too.
Nemira, Paris , Frabce
Isn't it typical of left wing politicians to use fear tactics to sway voters opinions? Being an american citizen, I am reminded of one of our own left wing politicians who whined and cried like a little baby when he lost the election fair and square with George Bush, his name is Al Gore. Left wingers are like little children who behave badly when they see they aren't going to get there way. Shameful.
Andy, Templeton, MA USA
The left screams about hate and intolerance, yet once again they are the main practitioners of both. Sarkosy is like a glass of cold water in the face, and that's exactly what France needs. Long live Sarkosy.
david , Alexandria, Virginia, USA
In France, as in America, England and elsewhere, one need only examine carefully what (or who) the left wing artists, entertainers, and socialists advocate to know the most likely best course (the opposite). Good Luck to the middle class French!
Steve, Baton Rouge, usa/La.
A vote for Royal will continue the world view of France: Beret wearing Surrender Monkeys... Or just COWARDS!
I prefer France to be ruled by someone who will actually help to change France and improve relations with the U.S.
Hector, San Juan, Puerto Rico
It is interesting to see the number of American posters who have decried the vitriolic tactic of the left. You would think Mr Bush or Mr Rove had never attacked an opponent.
Patrick, London, UK
Would someone please expalin to me why it is necessary to have such a transparenty biased article in a British newspaper? Mr Bremner, you cannot influence the French voters, thank God! You may be paid to live in France but you, obviously, do not understand the French.
Many of the French are genuinely frightened of a Sarkozy victory, because the French do not like turmoil. You need to read, and understand, the words of your colleague, Matthew Parris. I disagree with much of what he says but he does understand the situation, whilst you are an Englishman in Paris; but NEVER a Frenchman.
Please, give more respect to the French and keep your ill-informed opinions to yourself!
Marc, St. Barthelemy, France
Sarkozy is Europe’s last hope. In fact , if the West hopes to survive the slogan should be: Sarkozy 2007, Giuliani 2008, Bibi NOW
Mladen Andrijasevic , Be'er Sheva , Israel
The artists say that if you don't vote their way, France could be at war with itself.......hmmm.....Maybe they wouldn't surrender so fast in that war...then they could elevate their terrorist warning level from "run" to "hide"!!!
steve rushton, clemson, s.c. united states
I'm not for the "left" or the "right", but I’ll say this, we aren't reading about Sarkozy demonizing Royal. Nor did you see Bush demonizing Kerry or Gore. But you did see both Kerry and Gore denouncing Bush. Currently, everyone is out to get him; for both right and wrong reasons. It seems to me the left’s main arsenal of attack in every country from Venezuela to France is character attacks and sky is falling tactics. God help us but Bill O'Reilly might be right, the hard left is full of character assassins.
Sameer Mohan, Dallas, Texas/USA
At least someone from 'Old Europe' is even aware that France is NOT at peace. Maybe if the French got up on their own feet after someone knocked them down, they could regain their self-respect.
As for polls saying that Sarkozy is "solid" (65%) but only 29% find him "likable". Sounds like a patriot who is more interested in his country than if he hurts his opponents' feelings. Also seems to me that Mr Sarkozy and the French are tired of being pushed.
It is about time!
Troy, Miami, FL
I always smile when i hear a leftist smearing a conservative with the 'hard-right' label.
What a brilliant ploy. First, the left puts Hitler into power (they did, over 60 percent of Hitler's support came from Socialists) then after world conservatism puts him down like the rabid dog he was, the left proceeds to brand every conservative politician over the next 100 years as 'hard right'.
It was not the 'hard right' that killed 6 million jews, it was the 'hard left'.
Sarkozky is simply a conservative.
Mike Kuzelka - Prague, Prague, Czech
socialism has a track record,written in the blood of the tens of millions killed by stalin and mao. no guns,no freedom.
gary, conneaut lake, pa,usa
Is France still a sovereign nation? THE EU tells Europe what to do anyway, so why do these elections matter? France is quickly becoming nothing more than the New Jersey of Europe. Good luck with your new overlords. I will make sure that my children include France in their studies of past societies.
thomas, New York, NY, USA
Let's go Ségolène Royal! A win for her will be another step backwards for France. Electing someone more conservative, such as Sarkozy, will only buy France more time and put them on a better track towards prosperity. Vote for Royal, everything will be free now! Pass the buck to your children.
steve, philadelphia, pa, usa
Someone who believes that suicide could be genetic and who wants to created a Department of identidy and immigration ...Someone who has connections with most of the main media 's owners...and who puts pressure on journalists, someone like that, could be dangerous...
So, talking about "The demonisation of Nicolas Sarkozy", why not...but the facts are here : this man sometimes looks like a little tyrant !
Boc, Paris, France
I've a woman French friend here in the USA who wants to vote for Royal "because my family wants me to, and besides, she is a woman..." When pressed further about which candidate is better, she gets angry and just repeats things like "he is dangerous" but can't give details. I hope the French, who pride themselves on being "intellectuals", will see how something like an election needs to be done intelligently, and they should not vote for a woman just because she has curves. Face it: FRANCE IS IN TROUBLE. Your irresponsible, socialist policies have given you an artificially good quality of life that is unsustainable. You are good natured and want to make up for centuries of colonialism, this is nice, but throwing open the doors to uncontrolled immigration will destroy your culture, your heritage, and your future. Please, create a strong France! THAT is what Americans want, a strong, bully ally, and not a nation of pansies.
Curtis, Tampa, USA
Seems the left does a much better job of demonising its opposition than the right. The left probably feel that they have monoploy on ideas, compassion and integrity. Different ideas or approaches are simply a heresy or substandard and must not be argued, debated discussed but crushed. As we soon learn, this is all just spin and the left is just as guilty of substandard thinking and execution as any one else. However making your enemy a demon draws attention from your own weakness. The great and maybe the only success of Labour over the past 12 years has been its ability to demonise the Tories and attempt to demonise Mrs Thatcher. Probable with their attempt to demonise her was that she was usually right, and Labour incorporated a lot of Thatcherism in their policies. Also one suspects Mr Blair enjoyed be referred to as the true son of Thatcher. Thatcher's problem was that she was not nearly as gifted at spin politics as Blair and Co!
Jim L , Surrey,
"Marianne" is not "a low-circulation magazine" but a serious and great weekly of center, and it has sold 500,000 copies (about them).
Baptiste, Toulon, France
France needs Sarkozy so badly that I'm afraid the fickle Gauls might choose hiding their heads in the sand for six more years rather than face the music of reality.
daveinboca, Boca Raton, FL USA
Sadly, it appears that Right-wing Conservatism is alive and well in France.
Malcolm Guidry, Lafayette, La., USA
You always see the true colors of liberals when theyr'e backs are against the wall! They are NOT tolerant, they are NOT open minded and they are NOT accepting of others!
Joe, henderson, USA
It's detente. The socialists don't want to do what it takes to stop the slide, while Sarkozy may have the desire, he'll most likely end up like Chirac, frozen by protest the minute he tries to change anything.
So is there an upside to the sad state of French politics? Sure… just not for France. I work with 5 young French engineers. France paid for their education but their taxes and productivity are (gratefully) enriching Canada.
Moral: If the people of France don't want to help themselves, help yourself to the French people.
Scott, Ottawa, Canada
Royal's typically leftist tactic politics of personal destruction is quite tame, wait until Hillary gets ahold of the republican candidate in 2008.
Rich, Lake Geneva, WI/USA
100 Artists? I hope the French ignore their pompous, babbling leftist celebrities as much as we do.
Kyle, Houston,
And here I thought over 80% of those eligible to vote actually voted. Who was scared again? Oh right, no one, but the party of no ideas wants the electorate to now think that.
John, Alexandria, VA
"I find it wonderfully refreshing to see just how similar the European Leftists are, to our own Hollywood Hippies in America!"
Hollywood Hippies? Hollywood is a cornerstone of our national (and global) economy, whereas redder than red states such as Alabama and Mississippi are mooches off the federal government (taking more in our tax money than they contribute) year after year.
Remember that before you bash Hollywood.
JFK, Los Angeles, United States
Sarkozy must be firmly rejected by the French People. His election would mean a return to a Vichy France type atmosphere.
Jay Warshaw, Boca Raton, FL USA
It's disturbing that like in the U.S., 'celebrities' are used in France to woo voters. While I support the arts, I don't equate 'artists' to be very keen on knowing what's best for a country in a very dangerous world.
robin , greensboro, USA/NC
You are English and american so you can't understand the french people. We don't want "our" ronald reagan because we hate liberalism and capitalism. America will fall
Loic, grenoble, france
France who?
France hasn't been relevant since the eary decades of the 20th century. Simple as that.
Dominico, Verona, Italy
France is weak because it is Socialist. If France frees itself from its self-imposed limitations France would awaken to a rebirth. France looks at wealth like a piece of pie and then it carves out the contents to the people. Capitalist countries look at that pie and say it is not big enough, makes it larger and allows people to compete. The later increases a nations standard of living, spirit of competition and energy. Hard work is a great medicine for social ills. Free yourself and elect someone with economic reform on their minds. I do not think France is capable of choosing such a path. They like their museums of the past.
NavyDog, Atlanta, USA/GA
To Mike in Kiitery. Why do you think that only conservatives love and want to defend their country? I am a liberal and would fight to defend this country. I love this country, but reserve the right as prescribed in the constitution to criticize the politicians who have been elected by the populace. If you are calling for blind allegiance, I can't go there and would argue that you can't be a patriot if you never take a critical look at your government. I have heard this canard for the past six years and it fails when looked at logically. If I felt this country was directly threatened, I would fight side by side with you. Please take a closer look at your attitude. It is based on truism and conjecture and devisiveness. One can love one's country and at the same time criticize the political stances the politicians might take. It makes sense to me.
mark, chicago, usa
I see a lot of demonizing of the left on this thread, and of the current state of France, but no recognition that it has effectively been in right-wing hands since 1995. Jacques Chirac was responsible for oil deals with Iraq, propping up the Hussein regime. He was also responsible for the liberalisation of the French economy, overseeing the sell-off and privatisation of government assets during his stint as PM in the 80s, in much the same way as Thatcher did for the UK.
Given that background, then, which is clearly conservative, and the current state of France, morally, economically and poltically, I find it somewhat troubling that so much vitriol is directed at a left that has not been in power for a dozen years. If anything, that approach smacks of exactly the sort of demonising dogma the left is being accused of.
Phil, New York,
100 artists and intellectuals...you mean unemployed people looking for a hand out want a vote for the socialist.
simon, southampton, uk
A typical Euro-Bolshevik, there is virtually no difference between Ségolène Royal and supreme failure Jacques Chirac. She personifies everything that is wrong with European politics and if elected by the French people, they will continue to reap the consequences of their historically poor decision making.
Mark, Red Bank,
I wish you luck France.
Tom, plainfield, nj
Yes the fellow from Canada nailed it. The only thing that can sustain the intellectually / morally bankrupt left, the only thing that can continue to force air into its dying lungs is the mainstream media. The more their bias and corruption (Dan Rather - NY Times - BBC - et.al.) becomes obvious, the more they resort to distortion and disinformation. What a pathetic end to what used to be a noble (and necessary) profession.
Mike, Babylon, NY
Hello - Chirac who's not socialist has been in power for 12 years. What socialist country are we talking about? Plus I invite some people who commented here to come visit to see that we haven't lost control of our streets (a slight exaggeration! - maybe you watch fox news too much?)...And if we have, it would be Sarkozy's fault since he's been in charge of the police for the last 4 years (ministre de l'intérieur to be exact)...
And France is a very nice country to live in, a little bit declining maybe but hey, what do we care, we got great food and wine and time to enjoy it (as it is well know we are a lazy socialist country) ; ). Thank you all for your concern...
Severine, Paris,
As goes France, so goes the US in 2008. This is the path we are all on.
John, Ardmore, TN
I was born and raised in Corsica, spent my teenage years in southern France and as a young adult I realized what a shit hole it was. Like many independent and freedom loving people over there, I left this country behind and became a proud US citizen. I don't vote for the french election, I'm a US citizen. But maybe if people over there are willing to change this shit hole to the great country it could become, then maybe good people will stop fleeing france for better places in the world.
It's up to yall, folks.
John, California, USA
I'm french, so excuse my president.
Jem, Bruxelles, Belgium
We have the same problem here in the United States. With an ex-felon George Soros paying for the loonie-leftists to lie and smear our leaders. Oh thats right it was France where he was convicted hmmmmmmm.
Darryl, Houston, united States,Texas
Because Royal's proposed socialistic programs have already worn their historical course resulting in abject failure, her and her ilk are, like the American Democrats, left with little except the use of the media with which to bash their rivals.
Lynough, Elmira, Elmira, NY
Under the leadership of the Left and it's 'intellectuals", the West has been on a steady march toward suicidal oblivion. Sarkozy sounds like he may be the kind of leader that France & other nations of the west need if they are to have a future.
MJ Gentry, Raleigh, USA
This is a typical tactic of the Left. No matter what country, a conservative "right-wing" candidate is demonized. The caricature painted by artists and a mainstream media biased towards liberals is to paint as scary a picture of a conservative as possible. Liberal politics have failed France. Sarkozy's ideas have captured the attention of the French. The Left, fearful of losing their "birthright" of political power get scared and coordinate the most horrific personal attacks. Sarkozy loves his country. Why can't his ideas be given a chance for once? France's socialist policies have made the country's GDP go from 7th in the world to 21st over the last 15 years.
Tom Galvin, New York, N.Y.
Getting rid of France's protectionist labor policies might be scary, but if you ask me, having a 25 percent youth unemployment rate is scarier. Go Sarko.
Nathan, Indiana, USA
Elect Segolene and let her hasten the inevitable - and continuing - decline of France. La Belle France is now old in the tooth, her clothes are tattered and she has nothing but memories of what once was a glorious past....
Rick Roses, washington, dc
Funny isn't it? The left talking about the right Sarkosy appealing to "fears and hates" when the hate venom being spewed in the attempted demonization of Sarkosy can only be understood when viewed as a fresh manifestation of "the fanatical bigotry of the left".
Viva la France!
John
New York
John Junkins, New York, New York
The vilification of Sarkozy merely highlights the failure of the left, who have been unable to win the policy argument because the french are finally realising what the british twigged in 1979 - that socialism doesn't work. Sarkozy's proposals are modest by any "anglo-saxon" standards. For France's sake, let's hope he wins resoundingly.
David Inglesfield, Dubai,
France is like Spain. Royal will win out of population fear.
Lee, Mayhill, NM, USA
I am praying that Sarkozy will win the election on Sunday. Royal may have the younger generation's vote but her fuzzy non-policies, especially her "consultation" ideas, will find France in a mire of opposing opinions & demonstrating interest groups in a matter of weeks with catastrophic results. The Times correspondent who recommended electing Royal in order that the French experience just how bad things can get & vote sensibly at the next Presidentials has a point - but I just hope we don't have to do it. After the self-interested in some respects frankly illegal behaviour of Chirac, strong direction & experience is what the French need; & Sarko is the man for the job. Call me reactionary! My 4 French children do!
Deborah Whittaker, Paris, France
The Left shows yet again how they manipulate the public with the politics of fear.
This French election has almost identical themes with an election for mayor of New York City years ago between liberal David Dinkins and conservative Rudy Giuliani. The Dinkins camp assailed Giuliani's plans for civic revitalization and darkly hinted at riots in the streets if their candidate lost. Today Mr. Dinkins is an embarrassing footnote to history while Mr. Giuliani is a Republican presidential candidate.
France should see through the ugly smear campaign of the hard Left and vote for sanity.
Marshall Petain, New York, USA
You give a lot of attention today to the demonisation of Mr Sarkozy including the participation of showbiz and football celebrities. One can argue that demonisation hardly ever works - it is so obviously partisan. Think of the re-election of George Bush. Moreover, throughout this campaign you have identified a rejection in the country of the Parisian elite, political and in the media. It is surely worth noting that after the interviews of both candidates by Arlette Chabot (and yourself) and the discussion between professor Bayrou and his charming but wayward pupil, the polls have hardly moved from 52-54 percent for M Sarkozy. Maybe the electors have made up their minds. Coud you mention then odds in your next article?
Stephen Bull, fontes, france
As far as the decline of the West, France is only the tip of the arrow. Italy, Spain and Portugal have yet to figure out that future Europeans will not enjoy the heritage and freedoms given to them by previous generations. Unless Great Britain, Germany and maybe France recover from this obvious decline, Europe as we know it, will be the new Byzantine Empire, only a footnote in the history books. America, keep an eye on the decline of Europe. Our country may experience the same fate.
aalex1, San Francisco, CA
Hey socialists; art costs money, museums cost money, schools cost money, healthcare costs money, roads cost money, trains cost money, get the picture yet? Who will pay the costs? Welcome to the 21st century France.
Jim, Florida, USA
You can't go by what the media says in the USA. Even our Entertainment industry is trying to put Americans as evil doers. Look at all the movies that make it to the oscars. Only movies that makes America look bad, or shows us in a bad way, will receive an award. If a movie is up for a oscar anymore, then that is my best reason not to watch it. When hollywood thinks a movie like "American Beauty" should be best picture, then that tells me Hollywood is a hater of America. Hollywood, I want a movie that entertains me, not BRAIN-WASHES me. Also, and I know I'm not the only one, be careful what actors and actresses you put in your movies. I will never watch a movie with Sean Penn, George Clooney, Jane Fonda, Rosie O'Donnell, Susan S. and her idiot husband, Tim Robbins, and all the other hollywood haters. Never!!!!!! NBC,CBS, and ABC you need to wake up, and see Americans are tired of watching the degrading shows you're putting out. France, vote for a proud strong country.
Emma, Greenwood, USA
I will make a safe bet that few of these commentators speak french and therefore do not have an accurate picture of Sarkozy, his remarks and his abrasive personality. Or perhaps, they just have an affinity for political strongmen.
European Socialism desperately needs a swift kick in the pants and France needs to spurn the Communists, but a potential move to the center trumps a megolomaniac anytime, lest European history bears repeating.
All the commentators are from the USA or Australia, countries where thankfully the economic class system is not as entrenched. The distrust Sarkozy fosters in France is palpable, which can hardly be healthy for any country that needs to adapt.
American, Washington DC,
An elected Royal, will provide the world with lots of comedy and entertainment,as France continues her decline.
Jimmy, Montreal, Quebec Canada
A socialist is offended by brutality and violence? If history is to be believed brutality and violence follow socialism like ducklings behind their mother.
Mark, Manchester, UK
Well, if you were French would you vote for someone who doesn't hate the U.S.? Sarkosy would institute draconian measures like a 40 hour work week, perhaps even a requirement that college graduates eventiually find a job. France would no longer be France.
Bill
Bill Crean, Trinity, Fl.
Hello,
it's a common view of a certain left wing that right parties are fachists and extremists, they called De Gaulle, Chirac and the previous the same, trying to portray them as dangerous people/
Let french voters decide for themselves.
manchette, Toulon, France
Vote for Royal and let them eat cake!
Donnie, Kihei, USA
France has a serious immigration problem, that in turn causes problems for the rest of Europe. The police are afraid to enter some neighborhoods because they come under attack; they have lost control of their own streets. Other than that, once great France has become pointless. Socialism ruined the country, and the rest of the world can see this. Voting in Ségolène Royal is equivalent to voting in Rosie O'Donnell, ether would be bad for France
Floyd Trigger, Renfrow, Oklahoma, USA
I am convinced if France continues on its current Socialist path it will surely accelerate towards attaining a backwater, third rate, Nation status.
You can not continually take from those who produce, then bestow it upon those who are only too happy to accept it.
Eventually, those who produce will either cease producing and join those the Government gives to or they'll leave.
It devolves in to a vicious cycle downward. An inverted Pyramid cannot stand and when it falls, it will fall hard.
Ba-Bye France.
JohnnyG, Knoxville, USA
I hope, the french won't chose the easy way. It's time to change, time to look ahead! Royal is inconsistent, i'll vote for Sarko, yes, he"s frightening but changes are always scaring. France needs a man like him to get over.
Head up now!
mathine, Reims, Fr
It seems that the left has no moral standard and no boundaries. Are they really saying that they will be at war with other French people if they don't get their way? Will the left declare war?
Atlasraging, Houston, USA
Likeable Leaders? We elect leaders to Lead, not tuck us in and read us a bedtime story!
We have the same problem in America, where the Left, read Liberals, want the president to sugar coat everything instead of telling us the Truth.
You can never cut taxes else Government will starve, never fight our enemies as it is that we made them that way.
Don't rely on your own hard work, rely on the Government to bail you out.
More Government, Less Freedom! That is the Leftist Cry!
France needs its own Ronald Reagan!
Victor, bloomfield, USA
This type of ad hominem attack happens in the U.S. whenever the left-wing is loosing. I am always amazed at the pure hatred that is unleashed by those who claim to be the most tolerant among us. It's quite revealing and a glimpse of their true character.
John Smith, San Francisco, California USA
Let me get this straight: to be responsible for one's actions is UNFRENCH!? Sacre bleu! Who's responsible for my actions, then? The government? The "oppressive establishent"? France has forgotten to read its Bible more often: Cain also denied personal responsibility (Satan tempted me...); France, vote Sarkozy! You need him!
Larry, Sacramento, California
Hey! It worked against Israel. It worked against Bush. Why wouldn't they try it in France?
Ben Hur, Manhattan, USA
I like Sarko but rather hope his opponent wins. I don't believe France is ready for serious reform as yet - the pain level must go higher before that can happen. Like Chirac before him Sarko will fail because the popular will for serious reform isn't there. Another 7 years (or 14 years) of paralysis, another generation of France's best and brightest going to the US or the UK (or maybe Poland by then) is what France seems to want. It should get it -0 that's democracy.
Go Sego!-
Don, London, UK
Whomever wins will cower at the feet of the mighty Americans!!!
Steve Palmer, Camp Hill, USA
As a French person living abroad, I see with horror what is happening in France. Next Monday it is very likely that France will have a far right president hidden behind a wall of respectability called classic right and all his hate, racism and paranoia will cause unrest and social trouble for the next 5 years. Some people may think that it is necessary to change and reform the economy. They would be better to remember that the same was said in Germany some 75 years ago.
Valerie, Strathaven, UK,
I hope that Royal wins. A socialist leader of France will set France back 100 years. That country is a shambles now, but wait until the socialists get ahold of it. Expect high unemployment, high inflation, lots of street riots and businesses fleeing France in droves. Goody, goody, goody! It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of folks.
Patrick , Irvine, CA
Mr. Sarkozy, GOOD LUCK! May your vision for a better France,come true. Its high time ALL of Europe vote in common sense leaders,and realize socialism doesnt work anywhere anytime!
Mike Stewart, Florence, USA
Vilifying ones opponent is the standard tactic of the Left since they can not use logic or reason to defend their ideas.
Jack, Kentucky, USA
"Marianne" is not a "a low-circulation magazine" (it is a great and serious magazine of center)and sold 500,000 copies, not 300,000.
Baptiste, La Londe les Maures, France
I wondered if the French would have the guts to elect a person who has a foreign sounding name.
mary, Cleveland, OH
I love how the left in every country, in every election has no confidence in their ability to persuade voters to accept socialism, and therefore resort to ad hominum attacks as a means of achieving power. What does that say about the left? What does it say about voters who are persuaded by a campaign of vilification and personal attack?
Jim Silberman, New York, NY USA
As a partisan of neither Sarkozy nor Royal - I find both their economic programs disappointing. I'd like to point out that Sarkozy is - alas - not an economical liberal. Foreigners (or French) who think he's a sort of Thatcher don't know much about the classic French right, of which Sarkozy is an embodiment.
But I do admit that I find his personal character disturbing, as well as some of his temper tantrums. And I'm not left-wing.
As for artists and soccer players... Georges Moustaki having an influence on voters? Hahaha! That one made my day.
Juliet, Paris,
If you're wondering why there are so many rabid right-wingers from the US commenting here, it's because it's linked to on the DrudgeReport. The Cons have been in power in the US since 2000, yet it is liberals who are vilified and accused of not being in reality (a hallmark of the Bush admin.). The fact that some here are cheering on Sarkozy and say they would vote for him is chilling since he has proven to be racist and xenophobic.
Paulie, Ottawa,
Good luck Mr. Sarkozy in your up hill battle with the Socialists et al. It is time for new ideas and a common sense approach France's problems. Maybe this will set the course for Europe's future and other nations to follow your lead.
Joseph Perez Quiles, Tracy, U.S.A.
The actions of Royal and her supporters are the last desperate machinations of a failed ideology that is gasping for its way. The socialism of France is miserable and ghastly; just look at the slums of Paris to see its results. Sarkozy at least approaches the problems of France with a realistic eye.
B. Cauley, New York, USA
I don't think Sarko need worry about 100 Artists !
Surely both young & old French voters must see the sense in voting for him ?
In their hearts they must , it's not like he will have a free hand to birch all who disobey.
I was speaking to a couple of 30 + men recently , I was surprised to hear they were united in their dislike of Sarkozy, both of course were employed in good jobs !
Surely , the young thirty somethings are the very group who should remember that they are voting not for themselves but for their children's future here.
If they vote for the soft touch of Royal, then years down the line, their children will be the ones to suffer hardship & job deprivation, changes which are needed & that should be taking place now. Not when France has been run down even further.
Vote Sarkozy now lads, take the pain & help to get your country back on track.
Maggie Millington, Brittany, France
I find it wonderfully refreshing to see just how similar the European Leftists are, to our own Hollywood Hippies in America!
Predictably staying on message, it always seems to come to this: To vote for a conservative, is to provoke the end of the world, in some sort of apocalyptic disaster. It's almost a bit absurd listening to those that tell us that there is no God, all while listening to their version of revelations......that not surprisingly can only be averted with their help.
Thank goodness for such saviors!
Sarkozy by 7-11 points
Ray Ramirez, Lake Mary, Florida
Should we build proper democracies with politicians then? They're even worse scum than the "intellectuals". And another thing: do footballers have enough brainpower to realize what an election is? I'd much rather build a democracy based on the advice of intellectuals than fooballers, that's for sure!
Sakis, London,
I pray the leftist disease that infects France doesn't destroy Britain, Canada (outside Quebec) and the USA. You watch the media distort things in our nations. In France the media just outright lies. No wonder the formerly great nation has crippled itself.
Eric, Toronto, Canada
It seems leftists the world over all work from the same playbook. In the arena of ideas the left is defenseless, so they must always resort to fear mongering and name calling. Communism and "Communism Light" (Socialism) is a morally bankrupt political philosophy that discounts the greatness of the human spirit, reduces us all to mere animals who must be controlled for our own good. Think about it: the highest goal of socialism is sameness and mediocrity for all. Communism and socialism is failing everywhere that it is enacted.
Matt, Parsburg, Germany
Demonizing your oponent is a great way of campaigning when you have no ideas apart from knee-jerk socialism.
Brent, Washington, DC
The left is at it again. If Segolene wins, the explosion will be that much bigger later on.
Edwin, Chicago,
I hope Royal wins. The last thing we need is a France that starts to gain competence.
Matt, Detroit, Michigan
Sarkosy walked into this himself. Maybe the left are exploiting the situation, but it was Sarko who provided the ammunition.
m, haute savoie, france
Interesting, isn't it, who is doing the "REAL" deamonizing?
Steven, Richardson,
Sarkozy was recently quoted as saying suicide and child molesting is in the genes.
Sarozy was the minister of the interieur next to Chircac. I think its time for a radical change and some new blood. His thirst also for power and racists arrogont attitudes are frighting..
On the other hand Evil lurks in France, Royal is for same sex marriage. She isn't married herself but shacking up and she also condones adoption by homosexual parents... She has a lot of courage. If she is elected Chirac will have been replaced by a woman. Pehaps he will be reading the headlines fromhis jail cell as himself will likely face corruption charges during his term. Vive la France !
Roberts, Pau, france
Cheap ploys and easy insults - is there anyone who expects anything but this from the left?
Jimmy, Houston,
Sarkozy doesn't represent any hope for France except for the kind of weathly of Neuilly, suburb of which he is Mayor. His only interest is in concentrating power. He broke up with long time partner during the campaign, and she later declared she couldn't live with someone so cold and fake. That tells a lot about a man that wants to govern my country. Under his ruling France would be divided, inequalities and poverty increased. The artists and intellectuals are always at the forefront of evolution of a society. And if they are rallying against him, that points the gravity of the treat.
Faycal, London, UK
France is a dying nation. The youth are of 2 types the unemployed French and the unwelcome immigrant, both are signs of bad politics and failed social planning. The French will take the easy way choice. They always do. They care only about their comfort and the comfort of those around them. True moral choices are never made based on right and wrong. In the end the muslims will force you all to convert and because it will be the easiest thing to do France will become muslim
dan hoban, worcester, usa
with Sarkozy in power, France will have a duplicate of Bush and a country that will destroy itself.
The only light in the tunnel for France to redeem itself and create a new hope ,in which all the citizens can feel porud and know they have a chance of a good future, is to vote for Royal
marshall, Bern, Switzerland
Close election. Hard ball politics. Waiting to see if Islam loyalists try to manipulate election results ala Spain's Zapatero. If I were a French citizen; I'd be holding my breath.
David, Madison, USA
Europe needs a man like Mr. Sarkozy. I am sick and tired of vilifying people who want to better their country and make people responsible for their own actions. Socialists and Libs are so scared of reality.Common sense eventually must rule the day. Good luck Sarkozy.
American, Texas,
If you lack substance your only recourse is to villify your opponent. Sounds to me like Royal is having a tantrum. I hope the land of my ancestors dont fall for it.
J Gregoire, Bozeman, Montana
Royale worries about the violence and brutality of Sarkozy, yet walks with the 'people who smashed Paris' up 2 years ago. Clearly this woman needs to come back down to earth. There is a right and wrong here. Clearly she is wrong.
I hope the French people have the clarity and wisdom to see the truth, and the integrity of Sarkozy. He is the only person who can save France.
Socialism is a dead philosophy encouraging malaise and laziness.
Craig, Adelaide, Australia
Only in France. Here in the USA Sarkozy would be probably considered a wild lefty liberal. This is proof that no matter what the lefty liberal / socialists / communists get they want more. Why is this ? Because its only by continually ripping at normalcy that they gain power. Its a cloying creeping neurosis that makes my skin crawl. This is the full explanation as to why I prefer Sarkozy now wins. I know nothing else about him.
Fred, Phoenix, arizona usa
The left has always used lies and distortions against those who speak the truth; since they have no real ideas or solutions themselves.
edward II, San Francisco, CA USA
This is what the liberal/socialists do - they will fabricate lies to make their opponent look as bad as they can. And if you tell the same lie often enough, people will begin to believe it. It has been that way in every major election here in the USA for decades. Why do they do it? Because they can't win otherwse. Sad, very very sad what limits they will go to.
Char, Palermo, CA, USA
This man is leading handily in the polls but to read the press in Europe he sounds like Attila at the gates of the city. Try finding a story about Royal that paints a portrait of a trailing candidate desperate to make up lost ground rather than France's last hope embodied in a chanel suit, you'll wear yourself out trying.
Dean Ayer, milford, ct
Whenever extremists gain an increasing amount of the vote over multiple elections such as the National Front (FN) has under Le Pen, it is generally because they are mixing in sensible suggestions along with their madness. One drains the swamp of extremism, both left and right, by having a mainstream candidate appropriate the sensible and leave only the madness to differentiate between the mainstream and the extremist.
Nicholas Sarkozy is sucking the life out of France's FN better than any street march because his way can permanently neuter them. So of course the Left vilifies him. Without the scary FN to rally its activists, they labor under a double disadvantage as the responsible right is enlarged while their favorite whipping boy is diminished to the point of uselessness.
TM Lutas, Munster, IN, USA
Demonization is the tactic of The Left around the world. When, as so often they can't win with argument and logic, they turn to abuse, vitriol, hatred and lies.
Jack Kingston, Melbourne, Australia
Seems the left is the left throughout the world. Don't worry about the facts, just label your opponents, stupid, scary, extreme,racist, and anything else that will scare a portion of the population. Sounds a little facist to me!
P.J. Dinneny, Lakewwod, CA
One can only pray that the seeds of socialism will be spurned in this major European country, so that the future of the EU has at least *some* hope.
Anyone who votes for someone who is described with the adjective "leftist" should only hang their head in shame for contributing to the demise of free enterprise and ambition.
Rest assured in the end, though, the brainy French will vote for whomever looks the nicest on TV and posters.
Carl, San Jose, CA
I'll have to read timesonline more often. This was probably the most intellectually honest political piece I've read in a long while. I've not been a fan of French politics because they have shown no self-respect; a liberal weakness. For France to defend it's right to sovereignly exist would be a beautiful thing. This is the perennial conundrum of the American Conservative; that loving & defending one's country should be reported as evil. Nothing is further from the truth. Best of luck, Sarkozy!
Mike Humiston, Kittery, USA
It would be nice to see France grow a spine. I don't know much about Mr. Sarkozy, but from what I've heard, I'd vote for him.
Phranque, Kansas City, USA
I don't doubt that Sarko's bark is worse than his bite: but he chose to talk tough when he moved to head off Le Pen and the extreme right vote. It seems he cornered the far right vote, judging by Le Pen's relatively modest polling figures in the first round of voting. But this tactic has now bitten him in the derriere, with the Left calling down every name they can think of on his head, such as 'abrasive' and 'confrontational'. He can, indeed, be quirky, hot-headed and inconsistent -- no-one denies that, although equally be is bright, brave and charming. It does him no favours though that the last government, in which he was a prominent player, achieved remarkably little after two terms in office. Some of these 'truths' were bound to catch up with him sooner or later.
Anthony McCall-Judson, London, UK
Sarkozy represents the best hope for France, and the tactics of the left are neither surpising nor honorable. If Sarkozy is defeated, it will mean just more of the same malaise that has plagued France for so many years. What is needed is a fresh, sensible, reformist approach to the French economy, yet the Left wants to keep the country in a death spiral of denial and delusion. Good luck to you, Mr Sarkozy.
Tim, Seattle, USA
That's the way to build a proper democracy! Let's take advice from all the artists and "intellectuals"! God help us.
Mike, Melbourne,