However, the final spread in 1995 was 0.8 points closer than in 2007 (which is negligible).
So the draw was stronger than the pushback, certainly when we look at the first round.
Now I agree that most of Segolène Royal's tacking to the centre was electorally dumb, but that has to do with larger issues than losing a few voters on the left. Tacking to the centre often involves ceding the argument to your opponent and losing useful contrasts. It's still useful to do some of it, but you have to retain clear contrasts and look to be in control of your own line. Convincing the centre that your line is better is the main goal politicians (in a de facto two party system) have in an election.
To perform "M&M", you have to have very good control of your message machine and your personal responses. To control that, you have to have campaign discipline and unity. paul spencer
Interestingly enough, Sarkozy is also trying "the leftish posturing" mode since the beginning of the financial turmoil. He probably figured this is what would pass best with the French public. Europeans think a hundred miles is a long way. Americans think a hundred years is a long time.
