The election that might make a difference and is too close to call thread - France

wotsthat

May didn't want to get involved in a televised debate because

(a) she had more to lose than gain
(b) she prefers mantras and catchphrases to thinking on her feet

Being above it all doesn't make it to (c). If she thought it worthwhile she would've done it like a shot.

Thrugelmir

wotsthat wrote: »

(b) she prefers mantras and catchphrases to thinking on her feet

Totally the reverse. She's a measured thinker. When she's ready she'll go full steam. An approach that's much better than being a "celebrity" for 20 seconds.

vivatifosi

Oh dear... Obama has come out in favour of Macron. Just like he did in favour of Remain, oh, and Hillary. Shhhh, just shhh and get back on holiday with a bunch of A listers.

Thrugelmir

vivatifosi wrote: »

Oh dear... Obama has come out in favour of Macron.

Given the choice. Hardly surprising.

wotsthat

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Totally the reverse. She's a measured thinker. When she's ready she'll go full steam. An approach that's much better than being a "celebrity" for 20 seconds.

That might be why she sticks to mantras and catchphrases. It gives her 20 seconds to decide not to answer the question rather than blurting an off-message headline.

Whether May is incapable of thinking on her feet or a measured thinker the TV debate isn't a winning format for her either way and I can see why she avoided it.

Not that I see much value in the TV debate anyway. Might give us an indicator of how people perform under pressure I suppose because a PM won't always have the luxury of focus grouping all decisions.

michaels

Anyone else suspect that this weeks hard line on Brexit from the EU is all to do with the French election?

Thrugelmir

wotsthat wrote: »

Not that I see much value in the TV debate anyway. Might give us an indicator of how people perform under pressure I suppose because a PM won't always have the luxury of focus grouping all decisions.

TV debates are merely a regurgitation of set answers. Often which bear no relevance to the actual question asked. Therefore providing nothing of value. A wise PM will seek counsel with their cabinet and senior civil servants. Then speaking at length in detail.

michaels

Thrugelmir wrote: »

TV debates are merely a regurgitation of set answers. Often which bear no relevance to the actual question asked. Therefore providing nothing of value. A wise PM will seek counsel with their cabinet and senior civil servants. Then speaking at length in detail.

Tony Blair was highly polished Mass Debater, but that doesn't necessarily make a good Prime Minister.

wotsthat

Thrugelmir wrote: »

TV debates are merely a regurgitation of set answers. Often which bear no relevance to the actual question asked. Therefore providing nothing of value. A wise PM will seek counsel with their cabinet and senior civil servants. Then speaking at length in detail.

I doubt either Macron or Le Pen planned to insult each other quite so deeply in their debate. Without the TV debate we wouldn't have seen that loss of control.

Thrugelmir

wotsthat wrote: »

I doubt either Macron or Le Pen planned to insult each other quite so deeply in their debate. Without the TV debate we wouldn't have seen that loss of control.

Isn't that the French for you. An excitable race when they get agitated.