FRENCH OPINION AGAINST CHIRAC THIRD TERM

We suspect there are some disasters that do not escape even the blinded franchouille or that clutter of seagulls scavenging among the political class. To wit:

More than half of French people (56 percent) say that President Jacques Chirac should not run in 2007 for an unprecedented third term in office, according to the results of an opinion poll released Tuesday.

In response to the question, "Do you want Jacques Chirac to be a candidate" in 2007, 35 percent said "not at all", 21 percent said "no, not really", 23 percent said "yes, I suppose" and nine percent said "yes, totally".

For purposes of symmetry and force we prefer a "No, totally" option.

Of those opposed to a third term for Chirac, 43 percent said a change was needed among the country's top political figures, 32 percent said they did not back Chirac's ideas and 27 percent said the 72-year-old was indeed too old.

Those supportive of a Chirac bid said he represents France well (62 percent) [Well, that speaks to the sad state of the French nation.], has a good record as president (22 percent) or that they believe in his policies (17 percent).

M. Sarkozy, Jack's puckish nemesis-in-waiting, obliquely commenting on his challenge, displayed the sort of subtlety of intellect that would guide his administration:

"If there are several candidates, one will have to be chosen," he told Le Figaro newspaper in an interview published Monday.

Brillant ! À cet homme le bicorne !

Actually, Sarkozy's comment meant something! He was referring to "several candidates" coming from the same political party. Thus, to chose one means a primary within the party. It's more like a slap for Chirac, Sarkozy being confident enough to think Chirac wouldn't be chosen by his own party (i.e the one he created!)