I'm on vacation at the moment so I'm not sure I'll bee able to watch the debate between Nicolas Sarkozy and Ségolène Royal that is taking place tonight (on Wednesday evening) on the French television. According to polls, this debate will be watched by at least 20 million people, which is one of the highest ratings for French TV (only soccer can beat that!). Needless to say that the stake is very very high, as polls show that either candidate could win...
PS: I am currently on vacation so I cannot reply to your comments. I'll read them when I return, on May 7.
I wonder if TV5 will show the debate here. I would like to see that. The last speech I saw from Sarkozy I understood almost 100%!!! He spoke so doucement he made it much easier to understand french. Now why don't all you french guys speak nice and slow like that?!
ReplyDeleteWhat, you can't have someone Tivo it for you? ;)
ReplyDeleteWell, Monica, that is how WE speak French n'est-ce pas !!
ReplyDeletePerhaps we could deliver their speeches for them and then YOU may be the first female Madame Président
de la République.
M.Benaut, I think you'd be the only one to vote for me!
ReplyDeleteI hear you Monica and I concur ;-) Although I enjoy when M.Chirac speaks - he pronounces each syllable...
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to watch the debates on FRANCE 24 en direct.
I've looked in before this, but this is my first comment. May the best 'man' win! Excellent to see a female contender. I try to look beyond 'personality politics' (not that this is all this debate is about)enjoy the break!
ReplyDeletegood one, catching the theme back home still from turkey!!
ReplyDeleteWe are getting a lot of TV coverage of your elections over here on the other side of the world. I think because you have a woman who may end up as your new president?? You conduct your elections in such a different way - hmmmm very interesting!!!
ReplyDeleteMay the best man/woman win!!!!
I agree Monica, i'd vote for him just on that; so that i could understand the politics!
ReplyDeleteI'd vote for you Mon'... :)
This tv debate should be fascinating. I don't have a hope in hell of watching it, i don't have SKY tv and i doubt very much it will be covered on terrestrial. Perhaps you will catch it at a Turkish bar, Eric? In the hotel? I'm thinking of you right now lazing around on a beach, or ... maybe that's not you. Sitting down with maps and itineraries planning which site to visit first perhaps over a tiny little cup of dark, dark coffee. Which is right, dear Eric? Give us a small glimpse into your holiday, do.
You are right, this is a BIGGIE! And they are saying that it could easily go either way. Le Pen, the far right guy is saying don't vote for anyone to his bunch, so will the centrish person get his people to vote for the left or the right?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it's sure that the world spotlight is on France at the moment and this image Eric is typical of the MASSIVE tv coverage we've had, especially of these two candidates, for the last 6 months.
Quite frankly, I can't wait for it to be over, but it's exciting seeing what happens!
Well, I hope S. Royal wins the debate. I just think it is past time for the ladies to take charge in this world.
ReplyDeleteAbraham Lincoln - Ted Turner once said (on Letterman, I believe) that all male heads of state should be removed and replaced by women, and that, this way, the world would finally be at peace, and definitely a better place to live. Not sure that he's right.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Québecois singer Garou also wrote (in "Les Filles"):
"Les filles rendent les hommes meilleurs
Et plus elles font d' la politique
Plus not' monde est pacifique."
I asked my French teacher why I was able to understand by a little bit better, the French spoken by the politicians, since I noticed it was spoken slower and pronounce FOR ME ,clearer. She said it might be because they graduate from a special college or university that pumps out politicians.
ReplyDeleteMy vote should go to Ségolène Royal and this is not so secret. However I literaly LOVE debates, so, not thinking to be able to catch it by any satellite channels does anyone know if they will stream it on the net too?
ReplyDeletePHX-CDG...Lynn ...M.Benaut, you know how smart politicians are, I´m sure this is part of their strategy. The way they speak during their speeches, the tone of their voices, the way they address the people, that´s all very important to get the people to trust them. It´s like Lynn said, I´m not even french and just because of his speech, I was almost voting for him!
ReplyDeleteLynn, you were wondering where Michael is, I´m guessing he´s out of town, propably on a business trip. Now, with E and M gone, how are we gonna make it without our heroes?!?!
ReplyDeleteYes the lady strikes me as being a bit too desperate. Also she was bleating about being bullied in one of her tv appearances. Whether she was or wasn't, it's not conducive to a strong image to be complaining about the big bully boys. As the first woman president, she'd need to get over that in her first half-hour meeting i feel.
ReplyDeleteI know i complain about big bully boys but i'm not running for a presidency and anyway i'm just a little girl really i've no wish to be out there politicising with the grown-ups.
I don't know, Monica, they've left us coping here in Paree. When are they coming home? ;( They didn't even leave us any chocolate. I've looked in the cupboards and there's only beer and cheese.
ReplyDeleteI'll take the cheese. You can have the beer. I'm not much of a beer person. Now if there's a stash of JD in there it's on.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, I think you're right. The world definately wonldn't become a peaceful place just because women are all heads of state. It may become somewhat more peaceful, but there are plenty of women out there who would go to war just as easily as the men who are currently running things. If I was president I can tell you the US would never go to war because I am just so totally non-confrontational, but that's not necessarily a good thing. Whether it's a good thing or not, some ideals you just have to fight for.
hmm... Soosh.. hang on. Let me... have another look in that fridge. Just...squeeze by the .. ah here we are. Nope, cheese, beer - Monica can have that i'm not into beer either - oh here's some old tomatoes at the back. Bit squishy, Eric must have forgotten those. Tub of chocolate spread at the top! Oh, it's empty. Bof! as they say here in France. Don't they...? Some sort of sausage thing half opened, nah looks a bit dodgy. Oooh! Nearly fell off Eric's chair then! There's some crusty old bread here. In the door there's half a bottle of red. Must be someone else's; Eric doesn't drink. Bet Michael brought it round. Okay let's split the petit pain, the cheese and the wine and say "cheers" to Eric and "come home!" Oh, get the door would you Soosh, it's Monica! Yay.
ReplyDeleteHi all...have been very very busy lately sorry. Plus of course, we had another holiday here and well you know, when in Rome...do as the Parisians do!
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I don't like to talk politics here, but I hope Sarkozy kicks her butt....(oops, did I say that?)
Girls I hate beer too!
ReplyDeleteSeems that M is around but he didn´t notice us going through his fridge..!
ReplyDeleteWe are in a democratoc blog. I'll vote for Royal. Michael is right, Sarkozy is a very good speaker and Mrs Royal will have a hard time in front of him ! I think he will be elected but .. but ... allez Ségo ! come on !My best wishes to everybody here. Eric : je suis un fidèle lecteur de ton blog , je le trouve très sympa. En plus, toutes ces Dames ici, sont aussi charmantes les unes que les autres. Heureux homme !
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Monica, he hasn't spotted us! He's sitting right over there reading the paper and here we are rifling through his and Eric's fridge (now we have them down as housemates. This is too much fun!)
ReplyDeleteMichael it is disappointing that you hope that Sarkozy kicks her butt. I think she will be a better and more honest president than Sarkozy can ever be and, with all due respect, the liar talks like he is of the people when his plans seem totally different.
ReplyDeleteDear young Monica and Lynn chocolate is not everything unless it is dark chocolate.
I have a "bad feeling" about this election.
ReplyDeleteLynn, the debate will be on France24 also, see Eric's link on April 22nd. They will translate for those of us not fluent in French. Meet you at the debates!
ReplyDeleteAside: me too, Tomate.
Did Eric take this photo of the TV while in Turkey?? If so, what unparalleled dedication! The election is getting some press in the U.S., but I haven't seen anything on TV. I don't think I get the channel that broadcasts French television over here.
ReplyDeleteOh Lynn, you are such a creative writer - reading your frigo posts reminds me of your virtual birthday party - what fun it was!
Huh, Michael and Eric are housemates now? Alright! That's a 2fer right there. Yell ya what, I'll bring over my own bottle of JD and we can share it after the wine is gone. Some Coke too, because as much as I like straight shots of JD, I really should go slow with a good Jack and Coke. Hope there's plenty of cheese, I might as well be a mouse with as much as I love the stuff!
ReplyDeleteClo, I wouldn't really say it's disappointing that Michael would rather see Sarkozy win. He's allowed to have his own opinions!
Speaking of...ugh! Now that I'm living in my dad's house again I have to hear him and my brother constantly bash democrats and Gore's attempts at making the planet healthier and all sorts of other hating on anything non-Republican and it's driving me mad. If I dare say anything against Republicans I'll get my arse chewed out. It wouldn't even matter if I'm a Dem, independant, or even a republican that disagrees with something Bush says. *headdesk of frustration*
Sorry guys, didn't mean to rant there.
The debate began a few minutes ago, and it's live on France24 (in French !)
ReplyDeleteHave a good night !
Now now Soosha. Take it easy. Actually, now you know how I feel about Sarkozy. He is the equivalent to Republicans except in France. O.K. he is not Bush he is the closest thing to Bush in France, and that is horribly worrisome. All-right I won't rant anymore.
ReplyDeleteSo besides your dad and brother hailing Bush, how are things in Kentucky Soosha?
Tomate. What kind of bad feeling are you talking about? Share please.
ReplyDeleteTomate. What kind of bad feeling are you talking about? Share please.
ReplyDeleteTomate. What kind of bad feeling are you talking about? Share please.
ReplyDeleteThe debate has started?! too bad I won´t be able to see it, I´m still at work. Can´t practise my french..
ReplyDeleteAfter about ten minutes of watching and listening to the debate (in English), Sarkozy is coming off as an arrogant a__hole. Very much like the Republicans in USA: just be rude and bullying, and that apparently impresses a lot of people. Yuck. I'll keep listening to see if there is any substance to either candidate.
ReplyDeleteWell, I watched some of the debate and will return to my recording of it to view the rest. Guess what! As I viewed it, I thought what a wonderful team they would make if they both worked together as a presidential team. Wow! Together they could fix almost all the problems in France. Meanwhile, we have more problems than ever with Bush at bat.
ReplyDeleteOf course, debates are theater, with little substance that actually arises, and how people judge the debates often is difficult to understand. When Kerry debated Bush, Bush came off as an absolute idiot (which is understandable)and Kerry as an intelligent, informed statesman. Nonetheless, the Bush supporters believed he won.
ReplyDeleteI am not French, and I am not informed on the issues you face. Also, there are stylistic differences between French and American culture,language and communication.
That being said, from the view of this American, listening for almost an hour, Sarkozy is a jerk with little substance, who has done nothing but utilize personal, patronizing attack throughout the debate. I would never vote for him. Royal has class, style, and presents intelligent views. Whether her views on French issues are accurate is beyond my knowledge, as I said.
Sorry, Michael, we do not need more arrogant egos running important nations.
Thanks Pont Girl very much! he he the party was such fun wasn't it. Actually come on over, Mon', Soosh and i are still here emptying the fridge and there's a glass left...
ReplyDeleteI am watching the debate! I can understand about 60% of their french.
ReplyDeleteMy french teacher, (she's from Rouen), is so excited about the possibility of Ségoléne winning. Whether she's the best candidate or not I'm not in a position of having a strong opinion cause I don't know much about french politics. But I guess if she wins it will have a strong impact on France, right?
I wish i was. All i get is little bits on the news :(
ReplyDeleteJeff. I agree with you. I got to listen a little bit to the debate and Sarkozy came off not only as arrogant, but also interrupted and insulted Royal. She did some iterrupting herself and I am glad she did so, it shows she can stand up for herself. She definitely looked more presidential than he did.
ReplyDeleteSarkozy seems to be making promises that Reagan, Bush and Junior have made to us, and we know where these promises have gone into their garbage bins.
The "show" is now over. The first "professional" comments seem be in slight favour of "Ségo". Actually, what you could notice is that "Sarko", who has the reputation to show his temper, was softer than expected and that "Ségo" was tougher than expected. Of course, we did not really learn anything. Their respective programs are well known and there were hardly any surprises.
ReplyDeleteI live in Paris since some 33 years, but I'm still an immigrant, so I have no right to vote. In any case my choice would probably have been in the middle = a blank vote? Maybe we need to take the best and put them together? (Of course there will be only one president.)
lol Clo! I wouldn't know how things are in Kentucky, and I'm a few states away from there! Although according to the weather channel Aberdeen, Ken looks to be having the same weather as I am. Fort Know, too. Louisville is a bit warmer, but also rainy. Paris, Ken as well.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Pont! I ate all the cheese. Hahaha @ Lynn and Mon! My BFF bought me (and her) some chocolate from Trader Joe's! Wish you could have had some. I was so gonna be good today and not have any junk food, but Monica's ice cream was so tempting and it was the perfect time of the month for both my BFF and I...we just needed it!
BFF?
ReplyDeleteWell finally i got to see some of the famous debate, a day late, on the news. I found it amusing when Sarkosy told Miss Glam to calm down and stop pointing her finger at him. I quite agree. Pointing a finger at someone is considered very rude and a lady doing it, well! One would never find the Baroness doing such things. She replied "i will NOT calm down." To which the wise gentleman pointed out that a President would need to be calm. Quite. Well said. She'd doing a fine job of digging her own professional grave i am afraid, showing an emotional rather than practical attitude. Running the risk of looking out of control and like a silly girl in the middle of a tantrum. Calme-toi, petite fille.
she's not she'd. Apologies...she said calmly.
ReplyDeleteToday's comments about this incident vary. "Ségo" of course repeated that she was perfectly calm, but very angry.
ReplyDeleteTo me, she didn't appear calm, more like a lion about to pounce and devour.
ReplyDeleteI don´t know much about it Lynn, but what I´ve read in the papers is that everybody was acusing Ségoléne of being too "passive", and that´s the reason she showed this ´not so calm´ side of her in the debate.
ReplyDeleteI kinda feel bad for Royal. In a (political) world dominated by men she's trying to be taken siriously. First she gets accused of being to passive and then when she apparently tries to show she's not too passive she gets accused of being too aggressive. It's kind of like a double edged sword here. Sarkozy is coming off arrogant and arsehole like to a lot of people, but because he's a man many with forgive that because that's how men are/can be (not that all men are arrogant aresholes or anything!) Just my opinion, but I'd cut her some slack. It's gonna take a lot more work for a woman to be elected to such a high position then for a man because we just aren't used to it yet, and everything she's doing is gonna be totally scrutinized. Besides, I personally vote based on issues, not how someone appears at a debate. Politicians are still human and everyone deserves a bad day sometimes or a mess up every now and then. Too bad they can't pull out the "Do Over" card! (And I'm rambling again...sorry.)
ReplyDeleteGood point i suppose, but it feel there must be some kind of happy medium between being passive and over-emotional. Above all, a President can't be seen to be losing it when the going gets tough! So i still think Sarky had a point.
ReplyDeleteSorry I don't have time to read all of the comments, but enjoyed what I did read. Ladies, you know it's not my fridge because I would never leave a half bottle of wine unopened.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Sarkozy, Royal etc., I think if you guys realised how Royal thinks she can give everything away, while pleasing the unions, while reducing unemployment, while keeping the current fonctionnaire system, while ignoring the rest of the world, you might see why Sarkozy seems arrogant.
Agree Johnny, shame that often the politicians don't team up and make a winning team...
I agree with you Michael ;) okay we're on our way to your fridge next! Eric hasn't caught up on comments yet! Grr.
ReplyDelete