However, they can be challenged. This isn't the States 3-4 years ago. Royal has attacked the big media for belonging to big money and being against her (correct). François Bayrou makes a lot of noise fighting TF1, which he's quite right to do. It's being more widely said that the owners of the publishing, press, and TV world in France are all close buddies of Sarkozy -- who also owns a piece of the State's hold on public broadcasting.

I believe it's possible to force the media on to the back foot. The main thing is to introduce some doubt into as many minds as possible as to what the pundits are telling them is the truth. I also believe Royal is working with themes that are genuinely closer to people's concerns. "Progress" and "respect" are immensely well-chosen words. OK, slogans matter for less than twenty-five years ago, but big words still make their way...

On the French political blogos, I don't know enough about it yet. I spend all my time on this funny Scoop blog called ET... ;)

I am personally quite impressed with the attempt to generate ideas for policy in much more participative manner. We all know the left everywhere has lost some cohesion due to historical/cultural shifts.

I like this a lot, intersting how this mirrors the "Energise america" netroot led initiative that seems to be gaining traction in significant circles.

However, knowing the left and its masochistic ability to demand purity before influence, I worry that this may generate hopes of influence unlikely to gain fruition, leading to disenchantment on the part of those who need to be energised.

Still, that's a worry for the future. Go Segeolene

keep to the Fen Causeway