Emmanuel Macron: New French President

[Quetzal]

Emmanuel Macron: French president-elect to fight 'forces of division' - BBC News

Despite the polarizing rhetoric of the far right, France has elected Macron over Le Pen by a wide margin. Glad to see that France did not fall into the same trap American voters did.

Emmanuel Macron has vowed to fight "the forces of division that undermine France" after easily winning the run-off election for the French presidency.

The centrist candidate, 39, defeated the far right's Marine Le Pen, winning 66.1% of the vote to her 33.9%.

Acknowledging his victory, Mr Macron told supporters he wanted to ensure Le Pen voters "no longer have a reason to vote for an extremist position".

 

[Revoltingest]

At least we didn't elect a cheese eating surrender monkey!


Oh, quit the eye roll'n....you knew this was come'n.

 

[YmirGF]

No real surprise here. Le Pen was a long shot, at best.

 

[Quetzal]

Even if they had the EC, it would have been no help:

 

[Quetzal]

At least we didn't elect a cheese eating surrender monkey!


Oh, quit the eye roll'n....you knew this was come'n.

You had me at cheese!

 

[Stevicus]

Emmanuel Macron: French president-elect to fight 'forces of division' - BBC News

Despite the polarizing rhetoric of the far right, France has elected Macron over Le Pen by a wide margin. Glad to see that France did not fall into the same trap American voters did.

It appears that, to avoid that trap, they did some things differently. For one thing, Macron started a new political party, while Americans still cling desperately to either the Democrats or Republicans. Also:

Acknowledging his victory, Mr Macron told supporters he wanted to ensure Le Pen voters "no longer have a reason to vote for an extremist position".

Here's a guy who gets it. He understands why some people voted for Le Pen and appears willing to make reforms intended to shift the politics of the country away from extremist elements. Unlike US Democrats lately, he doesn't blame the country's political situation on evil spirits, Russian conspiracies, internet trolls, or Wikileaks.

 

[Quetzal]

Unlike US Democrats lately, he doesn't blame the country's political situation on evil spirits, Russian conspiracies, internet trolls, or Wikileaks.

He has that luxury because he was successful. To say those things had no effect on the US election is not correct. Needless to say, the Democrats hold the lions share of responsibility.

 

[Altfish]

Unlike US Democrats lately, he doesn't blame the country's political situation on evil spirits, Russian conspiracies, internet trolls, or Wikileaks.

Other people are doing though...
Macron hackers linked to Russian-affiliated group behind US attack
...he might have won by more if they weren't interfering.

 

[metis]

Glad to see that France did not fall into the same trap American voters did.

I know that what I say next will go over really well here , but the average French citizen is considerably more "up" on national and international news than the average American, so I had not much doubt that LePen would lose. And the Soviet-- er, I mean, Russian-- document dump I pretty much knew would backfire there, and yet it didn't bother that many when it was done here.

 

[Yerda]

I feel like Le Pen was trying to be a moderate between alt-right folks and what was formerly considered moderate.

I wonder if Macron's understanding of socialism will manifest into anything.

What is his understanding of socialism?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I feel like Le Pen was trying to be a moderate between alt-right folks and what was formerly considered moderate.

You may well be the only person in the world that wonders such a thing.

Others might be interested in: France elections: What makes Le Pen far right?

 

[Stevicus]

He has that luxury because he was successful. To say those things had no effect on the US election is not correct. Needless to say, the Democrats hold the lions share of responsibility.

You're right, although the key point is that Macron acknowledged that the disaffected and cynical had a reason for voting as they did. He recognized the problems in his country and was not so out of touch as to not know why. He was successful because he KNEW what was happening in his own country. The Democrats did not, and that's the main difference.

 

[Quetzal]

He recognized the problems in his country and was not so out of touch as to not know why. He was successful because he KNEW what was happening in his own country. The Democrats did not, and that's the main difference.

You can be critical of the Democrats, but we also need to look at the Trump administration and their inability/unwillingness to do what you are discussing. In fact, they are only furthering the polarizing rhetoric and divisive speeches. It's too bad.

 

[Stevicus]

Other people are doing though...
Macron hackers linked to Russian-affiliated group behind US attack
...he might have won by more if they weren't interfering.

The article only pointed out the release of emails, so if all they did was air out dirty laundry, then that's still on those who dirtied their laundry. Unless there is outright fraud or intimidation or screwing with the vote tabulation, I can't see it as true interference.

 

[Stevicus]

You can be critical of the Democrats, but we also need to look at the Trump administration and their inability/unwillingness to do what you are discussing. In fact, they are only furthering the polarizing rhetoric and divisive speeches. It's too bad.

And none of that would have happened if the Democrats had been willing to LISTEN to people instead of constantly talking at people and relying too heavily on polls. I'm reminded of a clip from the Bill Maher show in which he was chastising the audience. He said the audience is supposed to sit there and listen since he apparently believed his own opinions are so much more important. It's that kind of arrogant superior attitude that give liberals a bad name. Perhaps a bit more of the Dale Carnegie approach would work better.

 

[metis]

If Bernie had won the Democratic nomination, polls taken just after the election indicate that he would have beaten Trump handily-- by around 20%, if my memory is correct.

 

[Quetzal]

I mean... the Trump administration talked about WAY more issues than the Clinton campaign.

We are talking about different things. Sorry I wasn't clear.

I am referring to the Trump admin not addressing Democratic voters in a way that is constructive and welcoming.

 

[Quetzal]

And none of that would have happened if the Democrats had been willing to LISTEN to people instead of constantly talking at people and relying too heavily on polls.

You are changing the topic but I think we are in agreement anyway.

 

[Debater Slayer]

With few exceptions, I have massive respect for Europe and its culture. Congratulations to France for upholding its usual majesty.

 

[Stevicus]

You are changing the topic but I think we are in agreement anyway.

Yeah, although my main point was that Macron seemed a bit more understanding and in touch with his own people, clearly succeeding where the Democrats failed. So, congrats to Emmanuel Macron.