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French Politics – A Royale Encore
The Medium is the Massage
Most Americans will recognize the phrase “No. 2 tries harder” as the advertising blah -blah of that countries second most popular rental car company.
The Queen To Be Dethroned
It could also be an apt mantra for Segolene Royale, failed French presidental candidate in the 2007 elections. In that campaign there was, for the first time in french politics, a genuine “a-ha” moment. The seemingly real possibility that (to paraphrase Popeye) “a woman of the opposite sex” might smash the political “glass ceiling.”
Alas, tho’ no. 2 did try harder, the power of the Sarko bulldozer was unstoppable. Undaunted(or if daunted, faking it well) Segolene kept on keeping on. Even after Martine Aubry was elected to replace Segolene as First Secretary of the Parti Socialist.
Return Of The Queen To Be
And now, to no one’s suprise, “No. 2 is back.” The big question is: WHY?(other than hubris, bien sur) Although his popularity(that infaillable indicator of accomplishment) is in the toilet, Sarko and his bulldozer have lost none of their power. They scooped Segolene off the road last time. What makes her think second time will be the charm?
The Road To The Palace
Is there enough genuine dissatisfaction(ie – the “I’ll vote against” kind) to ensure Ms. Royale becomes politically Royal?
Is her message, and more importantly – her charisma potent enough to place her in the frontal lobe of froggie voters?
Don’t include her out. But remember, last time, although, granted, there were other candidates, it was basically a two horse race. Segolene and Sarko . Now wake up and smell today’s coffee.
The Competition:
Segolene will also be up against:
1. Martine Aubry, from her own party.
2.(potentially)Francois Holland. Her ex-husband. Also from her own party.
3. Nicolas Hulot. Profiled earlier HERE.
4. Marine LePen. Profiled earlier HERE.
The Plus Side:
Like Nicolas Hulot, Segolene is a Nationally known name/face. Regardless of whether or not her politics rock your boat. To paraphrase my father’s advice about money – “Popularity isn’t everything. But it’s not nothing either.”
For obvious reasons, Segolene should capture the majority of the female vote.
And, hey – if she believes in miracles – and can transmit that belief to the masses – Sarko had better start packing.
Getting a better grasp on all this now?
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
French Impressionist Lion
As I detailed in THIS PREVIOUS POST, the “lion”, the “main man”, the “Big Kahuna” of French Impressionism was, of course Claude Monet.
Virtually the only one of the impressionists to enjoy in his lifetime the two things all artists seek. But rarely attain. Fame and Fortune. Claude had ’em both. While the majority of the others were begging each other to buy a landscape to pay the rent.
But, as they say here, c’est la vie. That’s the life. Some get cream in their coffee, some get powdered milk.
But unlike some pathetic losers who regularly enjoy their cream, Monet deserved every ounce of his considerable fame. He changed the preception of his art form. And left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire. Particularly, and naturally, those who follow in his brush strokes.
And since his garden at Giverny, the continuing inspiration for much of his life is now riotessly in bloom(and isn’t that the best way?) I thought you might enjoy a few images from my previous visits there.
THROW ME A BONE HERE, PEOPLE!
What are ya thinkin’?
French Country Life
Life in France, especially French Country Life, revolves around the family. Not just the immediate one. But the extended family. All the Uncles, Aunts, and cousins you never knew you had. Until that one special day that brought the whole clan together.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to just such a special event, that began a day in advance, and continued for twenty plus hours, two roasted lambs and seventy litres of rosé.
Here’s a tiny taste:
