TODAY'S WORD: Laisser le champ libre à quelqu'un
: to leave the field free for someone (to step in…)
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FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTARY
by Jean-Marc Espinasse
In 2012, when his popularity rating was bad, Nicolas Sakorzy decided to run for the presidential election. It is true that after the affair of Dominique Strauss-Kahn (who was hitherto given favorite of the election), he thought maybe nobody else could win it. But he lost to Francois Hollande, not because the French voted for Holland but because they voted against Sarkozy. And if Fillon, the natural candidate had presented himself, it is certain that he would have been elected.
In 2017, a similar situation occurred. François Fillon was given largely winning but business tarnished his image. Instead of leaving his place to Alain Juppé, who would surely have won the election, he clung, like Sarkozy in 2012 (and maybe by rancor) and he left the field open to Emmanuel Macron who , Against Le Pen, had no difficulty gaining because all the classic political parties called to vote against Le Pen.
Holland and Macron have, in my opinion, won the last two elections by default, meaning that the people actually voted against Sarkozy and Fillon. Holland was very quickly persona non grata and ended up very unpopular. I'm afraid this will happen again with Macron. But the worst part of all this is that, in the end, it is the extremes that are reinforced by the fault of these politicians who claim to fight populism but only make it stronger by their selfishness.
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You can respond to Jean-Marc's commentary – see the comments link at the end of this post
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO JEAN-MARC READ HIS COMMENTARY IN FRENCH:
En 2012, alors que sa cote de popularité était mauvaise, Nicolas Sakorzy a décidé de se représenter à l'élection Présidentielle. Il est vrai qu'après l'affaire de Dominique Strauss-Kahn (qui était jusqu'alors donné favori de l'élection), il pensait peut être que personne d'autre pourrait le gagner. Mais il a perdu contre François Hollande, non pas parce que les Français ont voté pour Hollande mais parce qu'ils ont voté contre Sarkozy. Et si Fillon, le candidat naturel s'était présenté, il est certain qu'il aurait été élu.
FRENCH VOCABULARY
Increase your vocabulary with this list. More tools here.
la cote = ratings, popularity ratings
gagner = to win
perdu (perdre) = to lose
élu (élire) = to elect
terni (ternir) = to tarnish, damage
laisser la place = to give up one's seat
accroché (accrocher) = to hang on
rancoeur = bitterness, resentment
laisser le champ libre = leave the field free (exposed, unprotected)
remporté (remporter) = to win
crains (craindre) = to fear
selon moi = in my opinion
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Dear Nancie,
You have most probably misunderstood my analysis. When I say that the egoism of Fillon has eventually benefited Macron against Le Pen and that it will UNFORTUNATELY benefit Le Pen in the next election (like the egoism of Sarkozy did with Holland) I am everything but happy about this sad individualism behavior. I am not and will never support Le Pen who is a devil.
Hope this clarifies things.
Entre la peste et la colera, non? I think the right choice was made.
As my mother always told me and Linus so aptly paraphrased, “There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people…religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.” (Peanuts by Charles Schulz, Oct. 25, 1961)
Wonderful analogy…Well said…Only here in the States…the bully won by default….
Thanks for your commentary on the past French election. I followed the French election with much interest and very much would agree with your analysis.
I do disagree with the commentary from a commentator , the Americans did figure it out! They revolted against the past eight years, not everyone liked the past president .
The choices for Americans
were tragic , a maverick was chosen .
Let it be. Anyone who survives an election deserves their time to be the President .
Hopefully Macron will surprise France .
Excellent !!!!
I too live in California and understand exactly what you are saying. Like I said before, I gave him 100 days and he has done nothing but divide the country more. We are one nation and we better start believing it soon or things will get worse. I see hope in Macron and France no matter which manner people think he won. I wish them well. Je leur souhaite bien.
Merci. I understood what you had said, but obviously some did not. I hope he does well, and maybe take some insight from Trudeau.
could not have said it better.
A rather negative view…….glass half empty rather than half full?
I think there is a chance here for a new order in french politics. Macron will need the support of all
the french to succeed. It is not constructive to doubt him before he even started.
The French National anthem was played….
Agree totally with you, Jeanne Gouvert
Sorry Susan but no, the European anthem (Ode to Joy) played while he was walking towards the podium for his acceptance speech. Alain
Well we can all agree on one thing….we enjoy Kristi’s blog…
Merci du commentaire au sujet des elections francaises. Quoique c’est vrai que Hollande et probablement Macron ont gagne parce que les Francais n’aimaient pas les autres candidats, c’est quand meme bon pour la France et pour l’Europe. Le Pen est trop semblable a Trump, et un leader de cette sorte est deja trop. J’espere que M. Macron reussira a garder le milieu, et avec son experience economique, aidera au pays de retrouver la vigueur economique.
I agree Jeanne. Macron’s programme is solid, it’s worth reading I find.
Fillon is a stodgy conservative (women in the kitchen type) who lets his Catholic beliefs influence his politics. He (appears to be) a criminal refusing to own up up to his mistakes. MLP does not need elaboration. So why is Macron a bad choice? I’ve never heard an actual reason from anyone and find that he truly was the best of the lot. Time will tell, of course, but I think he’s a awesome. True intellect, not just a cookie-cutter product of the ENA. He understands the plight of small businesses and the ridiculous social charges they must pay from day one. He understands that France must implement reforms or go the way of Greece. Speaks good English. Looks across the borders. Wants to save Europe and stands up to Putin and May.
Now we have to hope that the other parties will let him implement his reforms. Maybe they’ll block him, as happened with Obama. Then they can blame him for their obstructions, just to stroke their egos. And then Le Pen will be elected the next time. I’d say EnMarche!!
You are absolutely right, but after the speech it was the anthem…
Ditto Marianne rankin!!!!
Err…she was his drama teacher FYI.
I never understood why so many Americans didn’t embrace Obama, who was thoughtful, intelligent, eloquent, poised, caring, and had a great sense of humour. Though I was very critical of the escalation of the cruel and barbaric drones under his tenure.
I supported Macron all along. Don’t consider him an extremist in any sense of the word, though granted he did appear on the scene very suddenly. Very relieved to have him as my President, rather than the dangerous nutter on the other side of the pond. (Am also a US citizen.)
You really prefer what is happening in America now to what might be going on under President Sanders! You must either have a lot of money, or be one of Mr Trump’s diehard supporters.
Shame and terror are appropriate responses to Trump’s shenanigans, madame.
Hear hear!
Please tell me what you like about Mr Trump. I cannot think of one single reason to admire him. Seriously.
I think whether Trump won legitimately is very much a moot point at this stage. Let’s see what comes from the Intelligence investigation…
A familiar and frustrating story. 🙁
thank you Jean Marc for your commentary and for getting more involved in French word a day. As a French learner, it helps to hear you read in French. Loved your letter to your son and to follow your journey.
Please excuse Connie, she doesn’t speak for the majority of Americans. Most of us have the common sense and decency to be mortified Trump is our president and embarrassed every time he opens his disgusting mouth.
I promise we are not all crazy, gullible, hateful, senile xenophobes!