It is still the Presidential elections in France and last night was the great debate, which I didn’t find so great, but I did find rather fun to watch. French political debates are very different from my memories of US Presidential debates. Instead of standing officially at lecterns, each candidate is comfortably seated, with their notes. They face each other, not the voters, which helps tensions rise and makes for some great tv moments. As does the fact that the candidates do not have a set time limit for each answer. From an anglo-saxon perspective, this is not a debate, but a moderated argument, that turns into an intellectual free for all.
If I had any doubts as to the tone of the debate, I had only to look at the stage set, which closely resembled an electrified, post-modern gladiator arena from the days when Astérix and Obelisk were tormenting their Roman landlords in a Paris that was known as Lutèce.
Two journalist join the candidates at a table that, in keeping with the ancient roman theme, resembles a gladiator’s shield when seen from above. Their official role is to ask the questions, balance each candidate’s speaking time and try to keep the debate moving forward. Their unofficial role is to prevent it from coming to blows.
In true forum style, candidates quickly go beyond the gallic shrug and show their latin roots as they pound fists on the table, point fingers and throw insults at one another. And what never ceases to amuse my anglo upbringing is that they interrupt each other. Loudly and for an extended period of time, so that voters, hoping to be more informed, and perhaps make a decision based on some facts, never actually hear any facts.
Foll
owing another anglo tradition, my New Zealander friend Koko has an important note for the socialist party’s candidate; your party’s colors are red, not blue, red. Change the glasses, get a new tie and for heaven’s sake man, show some pride in your team! Nobody, but nobody in the French press has mentioned this little faux pas, so my best guess is that in France, this is not a faux pas. Red is simply not ‘in’ this year and no matter what your political allegiance may be, this is Paris… fashion first!
After talking to Koko, I made a point of noticing that the two journalists on the set. They were both clad in a judicial, neutral black. Très chic…
Are those numbers below each moderator for keeping track of each candidate’s speaking time? If so, did they have to even the numbers up by the end of the debate?
Yes, they are, and the journalists tried very hard not to let one candidate get more than 2 minutes ahead of the other.
And, yes, the numbers had to be even at the end of the debate. The cameras always had to be on the candidate who was speaking, to ensure equal screen time, as well.
That was a wonderful description of the so-called presidential debate. I only stood it for 1/2 hour, I’m afraid. The way they talk over each other, proving that they have absolutely no intention of listening to the other side, annoys me more than anything. I like Koko’s observations about the colours. The French (well, Parisians really) are only into black, grey and taupe (mole) these days. Maybe they’re the colours the Socialists should adopt!
Interesting observations. The stage set really does look like a gladiator arena!
It is funny to note the cultural differences between French and U.S. politics. Presidential debates here definitely seem more cordial and staid, though not necessarily more productive. And female politicians and journalists are often bold and colorful in their wardrobe choices. They give fashionistas something to talk about. 🙂
Pingback: Chateau de Chambord – Metro Maze in Paris – The Presidential Debate | Aussie in France