Sarkozy & France Poll

**Ironduke** · 11-07-2007, 19:01 PM

I've found that I really like Sarkozy... I admire his policies and my opinion on France has definitely improved since his election this summer. He gave a speech in Congress, receiving a standing ovation, and met with Bush at Mt. Vernon today. Some key points (not exhaustive):

Sarkozy wants France to re-integrate into the NATO military command
We're on the same page concerning Iran's nuclear program
"Let me tell you solemnly today, France will remain engaged in Afghanistan as long as it takes, because what's at stake in that country is the future of our values and that of the Atlantic alliance."

I'm kind of shocked that his visit hasn't been given closer attention in the media -- it's on the front page of the BBC news site but is nowhere on the CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC news sites.

What is your opinion on Sarkozy? Has your perception of France improved since his election?

Quote:

Bush and Sarkozy declare Iran aim

US President George W Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have said they will work jointly to convince Iran to give up its nuclear programme.

After talks at Mount Vernon, near Washington, Mr Bush praised his French counterpart as "a partner in peace".

Mr Sarkozy earlier received a standing ovation during the first address in more than a decade by a French leader to a joint session of Congress.

He pledged to US lawmakers that France would support the US in Afghanistan.

But he also urged Americans to do more in the fight against global warming and complained that the Bush administration had allowed the dollar to plummet against the euro.

'Unacceptable'

In a press conference later following talks at Mount Vernon, the historic home of inaugural US president George Washington, Mr Bush said the pair had agreed to "work jointly to convince the Iranian regime to give up their nuclear ambitions for the sake of peace".

Mr Sarkozy told reporters: "It is unacceptable that Iran should have a nuclear weapon but Iran is entitled to civilian nuclear energy."

The US believes Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons but Tehran insists its programme is for energy purposes.

The BBC's Justin Webb, in Washington, says Mr Sarkozy has taken on the mantle of the former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in the affections of the US.

It is a stark contrast to the frosty relations under Mr Sarkozy's predecessor, Jacques Chirac, he adds.

'Family'

At Congress earlier, the current resident of the Elysee Palace was cheered for more than three minutes before he even began his 45-minute address.

He delighted his audience by saying: "Let me tell you solemnly today, France will remain engaged in Afghanistan as long as it takes, because what's at stake in that country is the future of our values and that of the Atlantic alliance."

Mr Sarkozy, 52, who was elected in May, said he wanted France to "resume its full role" in Nato's military command structure after several decades outside it.

He also urged Americans to "stand alongside Europe in leading the fight against global warming".

And he raised concerns over the dollar's fall against the euro, warning "monetary disarray could morph into economic war" and "we would all be its victims".

Mr Sarkozy devoted much of his speech to expressing gratitude for US heroism on French battlefields in World War II, and to praising American values, spirit and culture.

"America liberated us. This is an eternal debt," he said, adding: "I want to tell you that whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France.

"I think of them, and I am sad, as one is sad to lose a member of one's family."

'L'Americain'

Mr Sarkozy had pledged to "reconquer America's heart" as he began his warmly-received visit on Tuesday.

Analysts say he has revived relations between the two countries, which were strained when France opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

At a White House dinner with Mr Bush on Tuesday, Mr Sarkozy said differences over Iraq should not weaken their alliance and Mr Bush agreed.

The French leader, who spent the afternoon with Mr Bush while on holiday in New England in August, is widely known back in France as "l'Americain" for transatlantic leanings.

In 1996, many US lawmakers boycotted an appearance by Mr Chirac at the US Congress to protest against France's nuclear testing in the South Pacific.

Source: BBC NEWS | Americas | Bush and Sarkozy declare Iran aim

gunnut · 11-07-2007, 19:10 PM

It would be even better if he can reverse, or just slow down France's progress toward socialism. Take the hard line against public employees unions. Right now France's economy stops about once a year because all the unions go on strike to demand more money.

glyn · 11-07-2007, 19:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnut

It would be even better if he can reverse, or just slow down France's progress toward socialism. Take the hard line against public employees unions. Right now France's economy stops about once a year because all the unions go on strike to demand more money.

If it can be done, he is the man to do it.

wkllaw · 11-07-2007, 19:29 PM

He definitely improved my image of France, I used to think there won't be anyone in France that will make a serious effort to clean up this whole socialist mess.

crooks · 11-07-2007, 19:46 PM

I find him a refreshing change, and he might bring new life to tired old France, when I was there in August the people were certainly optimistic - his policies are quite good, and I particularly agree with his stance on Turkish entry to the EU - which is, they shouldn't.

dalem · 11-07-2007, 21:52 PM

Sarkozy certainly has my respect and is a refreshing leadership change, but I still don't know if France itself can change.

I hope so.

-dale

JAD_333 · 11-07-2007, 22:28 PM

It's good to see a French leader who isn't reflexively antagonistic to the US. I might even begin admitting I was born a Frenchman.

orthocat · 11-08-2007, 01:04 AM

He's a cool

dude (except for that Global Warming BS). I especially admire his allegiance to France though himself an immigrants' son.

RustyBattleship · 11-08-2007, 02:42 AM

I don't know enough about the new French President to have an opinion. But then most French Presidents never really caught my attention anyway.

I have read in today's paper though that he is very fond of the United States and is getting along great with Bush. It's nice that they are talking about the "maybe" nuclear problem in Iran.

I don't give a rat's bung hole about Iran. If the new French President likes us so much, send in a Brigade of Legionaires to Baghdad and give some of our men a break.

ExNavyAmerican · 11-08-2007, 04:19 AM

I have a good perception of Sarkozy, and France is an ally again -for the moment. The "for the moment part" is exactly why my overall perception remains unchanged.

Maybe if France as a nation is open to turn away from Socialism, and prevailant anti-Americanism, more people's perceptions will be changed.

ExNavyAmerican · 11-08-2007, 04:32 AM

JAD 333

Quote:

I might even begin admitting I was born a Frenchman.

Well, now we'll have to ban you.

Adux · 11-08-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyBattleship

I don't know enough about the new French President to have an opinion. But then most French Presidents never really caught my attention anyway.

I have read in today's paper though that he is very fond of the United States and is getting along great with Bush. It's nice that they are talking about the "maybe" nuclear problem in Iran.

I don't give a rat's bung hole about Iran. If the new French President likes us so much, send in a Brigade of Legionaires to Baghdad and give some of our men a break.

He wont be able to do that.
But he can certainly send more troops to Afghanistan, and help relieve American troops.

Adux · 11-08-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExNavyAmerican

I have a good perception of Sarkozy, and France is an ally again -for the moment. The "for the moment part" is exactly why my overall perception remains unchanged.

As a future Ally, I will not want my country to toe the US line all the time. It is harmful to my national interest.

astralis · 11-08-2007, 09:56 AM

he talks the talk, but does he walk the walk?

Bluesman · 11-08-2007, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astralis

he talks the talk, but does he walk the walk?

For a start, I'll take the talk. Because before HE got here, it was relenlessly negative, and so duplicitous, it make Democratic backstabbing seem like a fraternity prank.

The SoB that came before him and his greasy Eurotrash foreign mnister made me hate the country so much, I swore I'd NEVR go there, unless it was as part of an invading army, licensed to kill.

As it is, enough Frenchmen, even realizing that Sarkozy is not hostile to the US (he was even smeared by the opposition as the first American President of France), voted the man into office, thereby demonstrating a political realism that hasn't been seen in that country since before de Gaulle.

He - and the people that voted for him - have DEFINITELY improved my image of France. Although I still think they're not equal to the problems facing them, at least they're somewhat awake now to the fact that they're doomed.

View Poll Results: Has Sarkozy improved your perception of France
Yes	38	73.08%
No	14	26.92%
Voters: 52. You may not vote on this poll

11-07-2007, 19:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
gunnut *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 01-27-06 Location: DPRK, Democratik People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 9,143 Country:	It would be even better if he can reverse, or just slow down France's progress toward socialism. Take the hard line against public employees unions. Right now France's economy stops about once a year because all the unions go on strike to demand more money. __________________ "Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.

11-07-2007, 19:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
wkllaw Contributor Join Date: 03-07-07 Location: New York City or Hainan, China Posts: 579 Country:	He definitely improved my image of France, I used to think there won't be anyone in France that will make a serious effort to clean up this whole socialist mess. __________________ Those who can't change become extinct.

11-07-2007, 19:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
crooks Green, White 'n Orange *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 10-17-06 Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland Posts: 1,291 Country:	I find him a refreshing change, and he might bring new life to tired old France, when I was there in August the people were certainly optimistic - his policies are quite good, and I particularly agree with his stance on Turkish entry to the EU - which is, they shouldn't. __________________ 'Liberty - it is newly strung and shall be heard.' - Motto of the United Irishmen.

11-07-2007, 22:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
JAD_333 *Defense Professional* Join Date: 04-15-07 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,614 Country:	It's good to see a French leader who isn't reflexively antagonistic to the US. I might even begin admitting I was born a Frenchman. __________________ To be Truly ignorant, Man requires an Education. (Plato)

11-07-2007, 21:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
dalem Lord High Hullabalooster *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 11-23-04 Location: Columbia Heights, MN Posts: 8,185 Country:	Sarkozy certainly has my respect and is a refreshing leadership change, but I still don't know if France itself can change. I hope so. -dale

11-08-2007, 01:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
orthocat New Member Join Date: 03-01-05 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 5 Country:	Sarkozy He's a cool dude (except for that Global Warming BS). I especially admire his allegiance to France though himself an immigrants' son.

11-08-2007, 02:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
RustyBattleship *Defense Professional* Join Date: 01-12-06 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 2,683	I don't know enough about the new French President to have an opinion. But then most French Presidents never really caught my attention anyway. I have read in today's paper though that he is very fond of the United States and is getting along great with Bush. It's nice that they are talking about the "maybe" nuclear problem in Iran. I don't give a rat's bung hole about Iran. If the new French President likes us so much, send in a Brigade of Legionaires to Baghdad and give some of our men a break. __________________ Able to leap tall tales in a single groan.

11-08-2007, 04:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
ExNavyAmerican *Military Professional* Join Date: 03-02-07 Location: Ningbo, China Posts: 827 Country:	I have a good perception of Sarkozy, and France is an ally again -for the moment. The "for the moment part" is exactly why my overall perception remains unchanged. Maybe if France as a nation is open to turn away from Socialism, and prevailant anti-Americanism, more people's perceptions will be changed. __________________ "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson Last edited by ExNavyAmerican : 11-08-2007 at 04:48 AM.

11-08-2007, 09:56 AM	#14 (permalink)
astralis Lei Feng Protege *Foreign Service* Join Date: 08-23-05 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 2,885 Country:	he talks the talk, but does he walk the walk? __________________ Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

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