Most of the signs in the French election seem to indicate that Nicolas Sarkozy is going to win the French election over Segolene Royal. I would almost say it’s a sure thing to bet that some conservative blogger, columnist, or pundit of some sort will appoint himself a keen observer of French politics and claim that France is moving in a conservative position. The truth of the matter is, while Sarkozy is more conservative than maybe what the French are used to, even a cursory look at French and European politics shows us time and time again that what they consider conservative we here in America would see as considerably to the left. Heck, the Democratic party that cons usually accuse of being nothing more than a front for Fidel Castro would be considered at best a center-right party in most of Europe (and I am definitely in favor of being to the right of Europe).
I mostly only speak about U.S. politics because that’s what I know, and on occasion I can comment on Jamaican politics because I lived there and my mom is really involved in it as an activist, but I don’t pretend to be an expert on the rest of the world - and most liberal bloggers don’t. But the cons? They act as if they know everything.
It does look like Sarkozy’s going to win, which is a damn shame, but there you go.
It would hardly be France “moving to the right” in any case. They haven’t been significantly to the left since Mitterand, and besides, they’ve always been quite right-wing in some respects. Although kudos on the rejection of the Thatcher model of economics.
But yeah, you guys really have no idea what “left wing” means.
In fact he just did win. Fuck it.
Oliver you’re way late with his one:
“I would almost say it’s a sure thing to bet that some conservative blogger, columnist, or pundit of some sort will appoint himself a keen observer of French politics and claim that France is moving in a conservative position.”
Faux News was running a graphic this morning along the lines, “US gains new ally in Europe”
Did you catch Bill Maher’s rule regrading Conservatives vs. France?
I think the general attitude of most of our leadership is summed up in this installment of Get Your War On.
The cons (think of the French usage of the word) don’t do nuance - probably because the origin of the word.
I do appreciate the “nuance” with which the French Left — however you describe it — is graciously accepting defeat /sarcasm
What sarcasm?
NG : I meant my sarcasm — In case you haven’t been watching the telly, they’re rioting in France right now.
It seems some folks are a tad upset over the conservative victory. If, as you say, conservatives are too dumb to read an International Herald Tribune, or read an online AFP or Reuters, we can always watch the satellite TV video of flying molotov cocktails tossed by people who I would assume are not conservatives heady with triumph.
The IHT says I may be wrong:
“not significantly different from most weekends”
Don’t you love ‘em?
I know you meant your sarcasm, but I was pointing out that there was nothing to be sarcastic about, they really did conceade with good grace, dumbass.
There was the odd clash with angry protesting extremists, but those guys aren’t “The French Left”.
Of course they aren’t. /sarcasm
I mostly only speak about U.S. politics because that’s what I know, and on occasion I can comment on Jamaican politics because I lived there and my mom is really involved in it as an activist, but I don’t pretend to be an expert on the rest of the world
OW - Except when you comment about the trends of politics moving leftward (see Venezuela, Peru, Boliva, etc).
And, while Sarkozy certainly cannot be compared to a US conservative, there are major distinctions between him and Sergo. And, while policy issues in France are different than policy issues in the US (becuase it’s France), on the major questions Sarko is promoting policy positions which would be counter to the US Dem party’s.
That the Leftist candidate lost - after moving to the center - cannot be portrayed by you & your comrades as a non-victory for the right.
Regards,
St Wendeler
Another Rovian Conspiracy
Rioting in France? Nothing more than usual, I would say. From a very biased Agence-France Press article:
Warnings that a Sarkozy victory would trigger large-scale violence in the high-immigration suburbs were not borne out, though there was sporadic trouble across the country and some 360 cars were burned.
Of course, if Royal had won, Ollie would be trumpeting the victory as a rousing repudiation of U.S. foreign policy.
What it really is, Ollie, is a rousing repudiation of the nanny state policies that have brought France to economic stagnation, many of which those on the left would just love to implement here, given half the chance.
Actually, a short while back I read an article in one of those journals that dare not mention its name (around here, anyway) that suggested that sooner or later, the Europeans were going to show some backbone…
There were other issues, as well
Other people are not sensing a big swing to the right coming, either.
“Of course, if Royal had won, Ollie would be trumpeting the victory as a rousing repudiation of U.S. foreign policy.”
Of course. When you have a campaign between what would be considered in the U.S. to be a slightly right of center candidate and massively to the left of center candidate, there’s really no way for the Right here to claim victory.
The fact that Sarkozy is even considered a conservative in France says a lot about how far out of the mainstread American conservatives are.
Dick Morris makes a strange connection between Royale’s loss and Sen. Clinton’s run
“Dick Morris makes a strange connection between Royale’s loss and Sen. Clinton’s run”
That’s an interesting theory, but I doubt there’s much evidence to back it up.