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Making sense of the DNC for France

Posted: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 4:15 PM
Filed Under:

By David Friedman, msnbc.com photojournalist

Waiting in a hot security line, Nicole Devilaine, a journalist covering the DNC for France 2 television, explains the challenge of reporting on the convention for her French audience.

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Comments

This is an important election for not only Americans, but the rest of the world as well. The French and many other Europeans are looking forward to a new face, as are many in the USA.
The thing that surprises me is the coverage of the election in France- the election is mentioned nightly on the national news, but it is 99% Obama and 1% McCain. I can't help but feel that if Obama cannot pull this off that the weariness and confusion about American politics of the French will lose ground that has been gained in the post-Chirac years.

Ryan Hansen, Bordeaux, France (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:37 AM)

So what if the French are "weary" of US Politics. This is an American election, not a parlamentary system. We do not vote to help the French understand our politics.

Duane Lashbrook, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:47 AM)

Well if that's true, talk about bias towards one candidate.  As long as we remember that we're not electing a president of europe, or of the world even though it does affect the world.  We're electing an American president.

Me (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:45 AM)

It's apparent that the French media, as well as the rest of the world media, has come to the reality that Mr. Obama is what we need to fix the problems of the previous administrations deceitful policies.
99% Obama and 1% McCain sounds great to me.  The 1% dedication is a waist of time as well.

Don Victorian, Baton Rouge, La. (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:00 AM)

Well, of course it's "99% Obama and 1% McCain".  Wait till next week when the GOP has their convention -- then it should be the other way around.

Josh Levin, Marlton, NJ (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:34 AM)

I travel to Europe frequently, and I am extremely impressed with the amount of interest that the people of Europe have with our political process. I get many questions about our political process. I am also impressed by how many Europeans strongly like Barack Obama, and are very vocal about how much they hope we will put Obama in charge. The Europeans are also equally opinionated when the say that McCann seems to be just like Bush in so many ways.

Kyle Terry (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:44 AM)

If after all those meaningful and powerful statements well articulated and delivered by Hillary, Bill, Kerry, Biden and son are not enough explicit and convincible for the rebel democrats, they are not democrats.
By listening to bill Clinton pronouncing his speech last night makes me withdraw as a conclusion:
Human being is born perfect, but the society corrupts him.
No matter of what Bill clinton did wrong during the primaries, his last night's speech has proved that because he wnated his wife to win, he said anything.
That was a contest, as much as Hillary said: don't worry about the heavy fight between Barrack and I, whomever becoming the nominee will support each other.
The media has recorded, but never pointed out. Instead, only negatives staments by Bill and Hillary they point out by forgetting that was a contest where everybody wants to win!
I do believe that a lot of comprhensible democrats knows about  that habil strtagem
orchestrated  by the media in order to create a divisive system between democrats and democrats, which its goal is to give a free passage to the republican party for 4 more years of desaster everywhere.

nicolas Ismael (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:51 AM)

Being an American that lived in France for 3 years,we as Americans need to understand that their coverage will probably be 15 minutes for each newcast and that they will have more knowledge of this election than most of our citizens.Their election system is much different and in a much shorter time.

Sharon Phelps, Ormond Beach Fla (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:52 AM)

I really do not understand all the hype about Obama. Hardly anyone I know is for him. I do know that the media is very biased in his favor. I also know that the media is usally biased in favor of things I am against. I am for freedom,the Constitution and the Bill of Rights along with the environment.
The only amendment that needs changing is the part of the 14th that makes anyone born in the U. S. a citizen. You should only become a citizen if one of your parents is an American citizen or here legally. You should not become an American citizen if your parents are here illegally.
For someone who stated somthing on the order about the United States being the greatest country in the history of the world and wanting us to join him in changing it, he has gone a long way.

Ellet Wilson, Lompoc Calif. (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:11 AM)

Of course  many in the rest of the world consider this election important.  MANY people I know consider the posibility of further Republican control of the white house to be the extinction ticket for the Human Race.. and I'm not sure that I don't agree with them.  Unfortuantely, both are a possibility.

Lapinoid Leland (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:13 AM)

My great grandfather came from France, he made the lucky choice. That doesn't change my mind about how the French feel for America.  It really is about true American values, not the popular thought of Europe.
The French should never forget what we paid for with our lives during WWI and WWII.  We are still the very same people.

kerry kirby, Broomfield Colo. (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:20 AM)

What you should be concerned about is the 99% and 1% coverage that indicates a totally biased press.

L.A.Ward (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:22 AM)

the American electoral system is the most complicated in the world. Many Americans don't understand it, so don't expect other nations to understand it.

Perhaps we could change to something like the Canadian or French system. Both are much cheaper and faster than the American system.

Lionel Issen (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:31 AM)

Carefully read some of the comments previously posted and it's easy to see why our society is in jeopardy.  We live in a GLOBAL environment and the narrow-mindedness of many of our citizens will only accelerate the downward spiral of American dominance of the past 50+ years.  Open your eyes and learn about the world.  Other countries have and that is how they have managed to succeed in so many areas.
True, our system is the best, given the alterantives and I am proud to be an American.  But ours is not now and never will be the only way.  So let's not take a holier than though attitude here.  There is always room for improvement.

Alice G Melrose, MA (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:28 PM)

Because all of us "Americans" really do own this piece of land and we get to decide who gets to live here or not, right Ellet? You seem to have forgotten that the Native Americans lived here way before any of our ancestors arrived on this, according to you, exclusive piece of land.

Let's not be selfish and try to hoard and give names to plots of land, here and there. We're all just flesh and bones trying to live out our lives on this piece of rock.

David, New York, New York (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:51 PM)

As a French journalist, I keep an eye on USA elections, as the American foreign options deeply impact the whole world. Many French people didn't forget the part of American failures in international conflicts (Iraq, Afghanistan, Grenade, Iran, Somalia, etc.) and the price that the rest of the world has paied for them : someone said here that "The French should never forget what we paid for with our lives during WWI and WWII.  We are still the very same people." Maybe USA should not forget Europa has paid most of the bill of the Cold War and terrorism a long time before WTC crisis.
From France, and even Europa, US elections are a hope to see another style of leadership : not an imperial domination (and ignorance) of the world, but a less autistic way of life...

Marc C-, Toulouse, France (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:53 PM)

My family came from France. I know, from first hand account, that bashing America is a popular sport in Europe. The old world resents the achievements of the new world. French politics tend to be very liberal which naturally attract most french to the American Left. Mon grand-pere (my grandfather)was deeply interested in political dichotomies and its interesting to note that this election, like the one's before, is all about a battle of 2 philosophies by 2 politcal parties. My grandfather once said: "those on the left tend to be prima donna's and those on the right tend to be red-neckish" Where do independent thinking people like me fall? I am nervous of more of the same from the right, but i am just as nervous about the quabbaling and inexperience on the left. I do feel Obama recieves an uncanny anount of favorable coverage from the media. They dont ask him the real tough questions. They gave him hollywood status; but in the end, we as discerning Americans need to educate ourselves appropriately and elect accordingly. Democracy will prevail no matter who wins and the French will just have to live with that. Besides, no one candidate will directly affect or guarantee our own personal joi de vivre.

E. DuBois (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:08 PM)

I SINCERELY BELIEVE IF BARRACK WAS CAUCASIAN THE ELECTION WOULD BE A LANDSLIDE. HOW CAN A GREAT COUNTRY LIKE OURS GOING INTO THE ABYSS UNDER A POLITICAL PARTY AND PEOPLE STILL WANTS TO RE-ELECT THAT PARTY.IF YOU DON'T LIKE BARRACK VOTE BOB BARR PLEASE TRY SOMETHING NEW.

SOLITO DEPEINE parkland florida (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:29 PM)

It is so bizarre that anytime anyone speaks of French/American politics they always bring up the same tired argument of WWII and how the French OWE us. Let me just remind people of a little cause called the American Revolution and how France was bankrupted partially because of their tireless efforts to come to our country's aid in our time of need. Tit for tat- it's what allied nations do.
The attitude of "we don't give a rip what the French think" is plain ignorance and only serves to give the global impression of the Ugly American more fuel.

Marie Antionette, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:49 PM)

I am curious as to why, if this is the greatest nation on earth, we have any need to change it???

Maude (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:53 PM)

It is difficult to care about what the French do.  Yes they claim to be our ally -- but they have surely done many things that raise questions aboyut their commitment to us, their partner.  I think the French do not like an American president or administration that questions things they do not, or those who refuse to accept brutality-terrorism-other abnormal, inhumane things that the French are willing to accept. They may be an ally -- but I really question whether they are friends of honor.  

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:36 PM)

What I don't understand is how so many Americans, either out of ignorance, fear, stupidity or a combination of the three, elected a complete buffoon not once but twice. Not only that, this buffoon claims to understand the needs of average working folk. This comes from a man who has never worked for anything in his life. And, McCain is the same in many respects. This is the guy who doesn't know who many houses he owns, yet is supposed to understand how people are having trouble paying one mortgage?

Tucker Carville (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 3:03 PM)

Most American's don't get why Europe is interested in our election because we're only interested in what happens in our country . . . and most are not truly interested in more than what happens outside of our backyards. The truth is that the decisions we make here affect the rest of the world; that's why they're interested. And it's not just Europe that's interested and concerned - my inlaws live in South Africa and they're more up on our elections than most people I know here.

Also, the extreme bias of the reporting in France only shows the bias of the French media, not the US's. If you happen to channel surf around to the different cable news channels, you'll see there's a wide variety of reporting and analysis by the US media. Those wishing to learn about the issues and candidate platforms only need to make a small effort to do so.

Nikki, Spring Hill, Florida (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 3:04 PM)

I wasn't aware that electing an American president required the approval of any other nation. Where in the Constitution is that stated?

Seriously, we really should be more concerned that our free press be more centered in their reporting. If the news we get all has "spin", then is it really news or is it just opinion?

John Havens Jr., Olympia, WA (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 4:19 PM)

the president is a figurehead and literally has no power. let us not forget that there has been a democrat congress for the last two years and you can see that they have done nothing to make the situation better. way to go dems            al st. joseph, mo.

Al Simonis St. Joseph, Mo. (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:10 PM)

Who really cares what the French think?  Honestly.  They couldn't stop the Germans (twice, WWI and WWII, even with the Maginot Line) and their post-colonialist nonsense in Southeast Asia embroiled the U.S. in Vietnam.  If the French love Obama so much that means all Americans should vote for McCain.  Sure, the French helped us out during the War of Independence and sent us the Statue of Liberty.  But those are old debts and were repaid, with interest in blood, a long, long time ago.  French foreign policy has been on the wrong side of history for nearly a century.  No offense to the generally decent and cultured French people, but they should leave the driving to us.

Franciso Scaramanga (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:13 PM)

Nicolas Ismael,
Human beings are born with the propensity to do evil.  Loving and careful rearing teaches them otherwise.  I guess this is why Muslim countries want to veil their women:  they think they will corrupt them.  Instead, it is the men who lack character and self-control.  If a man cannot control himself, he is lower than an animal.

junebug (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:31 PM)

Duane, your comment unfortunately reflects the stereotypical "Ugly American" attitude towards not only the French people, but anyone not living in this country, that what we do here, stays here.  Not true!  In fact because of America's historic role as a world leader, what we do here very much affects the rest of the world and in return, affects us. Maybe we don't have to explain ourselves, but the fact that many outside the U.S. are interested in what goes on here should serve as a wakeup call that a huge part of the rest of the world will be very much affected by whoever is elected president this time around.  The world is much too small not to think globally.

Pat (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:40 PM)

Obama is being treated by the media as the second messiah.
I feel he is a nice person, articulate, and worth listening to but, not the right person for the presidency at this time.
I don't think we need a president who will learn the job after he/she is elected.
That(lack of experience) might have worked one hundred fifty years ago but this is a very complicated world today.  NObama.

Jim Peters, Basehor, Kansas (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:53 PM)

It's not only "wonderful" that France has an interest in our politics and especially this election....it is important.  It is important that every country take an interest in every other countries' politics because the "powers that be" make decisions that affect not only their respective countries, but influence what happens in the world:  Border disputes, environmental concerns, power struggles within countries, world healthcare and disease, conflicts between nations, foreign policy, issues related to oil, economic trade, etc. affect us all directly or indirectly.  Many (not all) U.S. citizens don't inform themselves about world issues and then don't understand why gas prices are so high, why their son/daughter is being sent to Iraq or elsewhere, how trade affects the prices of food, clothing and other necessities.  It is your duty to learn about your country and it is your duty to inform yourself about other countries too.  If we don't, we risk losing our low cost of living, our influence in the world and the power to control our destiny -- or have we already?!

Ricardo Torres, Esq - Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 5:54 PM)

Who cares about what France or Europe care about anything...really. As an American, I must say the Founding Fathers did not care too much about what they think so why should we now or ever again for that matter? Our ancestors made the great choice to tough it out and move to America from Old Europe. It is not normal as Americans historically speaking then, since we as well sovled so many of their conflicts and wars for them in the 20th Century, to have any real close alliance with them today. It is a mistake to think they are our friends and allies when these cowards will not even send enough troops to help us fight in Afghanistan currently. Considering all that we have done for Europe and France in the past, they only disgrace themselves from not helping us more in Afghanistan and even in unpopular Iraq also. I have been all through Europe three times and have lived there as well. I am sick of the Europeans as an American citizen. They should focus more on their own improvement and progression and quit worrying about America so much. They are just envious of our power and status in the world, that is all. God Bless America---always and forever.
Dan/USA

Dan, Portland, Oregon (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 6:08 PM)

If only Obama would win, so that America will be weak and inconsequential and Europe will again have reason to feel superior to the rest of the world. Perhaps then, Europeans will pay less attention to the American electoral process, because America won't matter.

And and there will be no more war, because Europe will be unable or unwilling to put up a fight when bullies like Russia and/or Islamo-fascist terrorists roll over Europe uncontested, since America won't be willing or able to intervene.

Won't they love us then?

Friends, there's nothing wrong with being significant or influential. It would be unethical for people who desire to be good to also desire to be uninfluential. And, fretting about what other contries will think of our vote is one of the worst factors to consider in choosing a cadnidate.

JKB, Temecula, CA (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 6:08 PM)

Some in Europe are hoping that Obama will win US elections and save America from pending ruin, others that McCain will win and finalize its destruction.

Brad Walshowitz (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 6:40 PM)

My husband and I have lived outside the country for 18 months of the last three years.  We have found that the Europeans are intensely interested in and are well informed about our politics. They are interested because of the US role in world affairs. Despite the feelings of many American about the French, we found them to be open, friendly and especially the older people to be greatful for our assistance.  They feel, however that the Bush administration does not represent the best of America.  They were amazed that Bush beat Kerry and now they hope Obama wins because they understand John McCain to be a repeat of George Bush.  

Paula Oppermann, Seattle Washington (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 6:43 PM)

I'm not at all surprised by how interested Europeans and the rest of the World are in American politics given how us Americans force our policies, (good and bad) down the throats of every living, breathing thing on this planet.  Under the current administration, we have quickly changed from our status of respected World leader to the unrespected World dominator and if we wish to stay that way... maybe its time we allow ALL people from EVERY nation have a vote for our President... we think we already rule the World anyway.

Rich Sourbrine, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:13 PM)

I really don't care about the opinions french or the rest of europe have about our future President, whoever that may be. We're often accused by europe of putting our nose into someone else's business. Why don't they follow their own advice and stay out of ours.

I don't sleep well at night under the protection provided by the french but by the protection provided by an American. The rest of the world expects us to provide that security as well (like Georgia). I'm going to vote for the person that can handle the duties of that office from day one. We can't afford the president to have on the job training. Sorry Obama, I admire you but your resume' is a little light.

P. Baker, Lihue Hawaii (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:22 PM)

Ellet Wilson--

Obviously you have a very small circle of acquaintances.  Most of my friends and relatives are for Obama, but I also have a number of acquaintances who are for McCain.

If you are really for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, you should be for Obama, too.  It is not the Democrats who have been making a mockery of the Constitution and American ideals of freedom by ignoring people's constitutional rights over the past eight years--that would be Senator McCain's party. And I have a hard time understanding your notion of freedom and the Constitution when you want to deny their benefits to those who are born here but whose parents came from somewhere else.  We are all, except the Native Americans, descended from someone whose parents came from somewhere else.

"All the hype" about Obama is because he is the embodiment of what America is all about: working hard to get a good education, giving back to your community, yes, and loving your country while working to CHANGE the things that keep it from being even better.  The two are not mutually exclusive.  

M. Lyman (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:36 PM)

I came to America as a refugee thirty years ago.  I am now an American citizen.  I will vote to elect an American President.  I don't listen and do not care what the French said.  I believe that Mr. Obama is not ready to lead The USA.  The democrats/liberal, the Hollywood people and the media are all bias.  They always sound so anti everything about The USA.

Simon (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:48 PM)

I have dear friends in France who often delicately ask what I think about the election. Too often, their media portrays the Republicans as war mongering capitalists, and the Democrats as dove-like social change artists. Unfortunately, they are both somewhere in the middle of those extremes. They also are very aware of the sacrifice made by WWII vets from the U.S. My father was in WWII Normandy and spent a great deal of time in heavy combat, then in a German POW camp. While in France, a few years ago, I spent an evening with a dear French man whose uncle had been very high up in the French resistance. He tearfully looked at me and said, "Tell your father thank you from the French people with all my heart." Our media often portrays the French as American-hating ungrateful people. Nothing could be further from the truth. We need to remember that the media tends to not be so neutral as we would like to think, on either side of the ocean.

Robin Borchers, Lewistown, Ohio (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:01 PM)

As an american living abroad now i find that not only the French media but other countries media give daily coverage to the US election as well. There is loads if interest in this election.  Around the world there seems to be a feeling that Obama's leadership is possibly the ray of light and that the US and the world need to change our path from the norrow minded  deceiptful policies of the one of the worst leaders in our history.  In the eyes of those outside of the US,  McCain just seems more like of the same and unlikely to be the innovative leader at his stage in life.

Jack Thomas Playa del Carmen, Mexico (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:12 PM)

 How people forget WHO John McCain is. I'm not talking about his milatary record either. He is a rare "Politician" who is actually a Public Servant. So Is Joe Bidden and Joe Leiberman. McCain isn't dogmatic about the Republican agenda, He is a moderate, He has been willing to cooperate with Democrats even when it wasn't popular, to keep OUR government working.That's a good thing.

 Obama on the Other hand is a Far left radical (which in Europe is probably a middle of the road Moderate). He also has been Hyped by a left biased Media. He's poor at debating, which is sad considering he is a lawyer by trade. He reads a pre-made speech well, as long as no one blocks the teller-prompter or asks any hard questions.He is as Partisan as they come , just look at his voting record.

 He is , in fact, an empty suit, with a great PR department. He was anointed by the Media and Farleft "elites", and is Polling lousy for such a "populist". His resume is very thin and Bidden on the ticket isn't going to help him.

  If Obama pulls it off and gets elected,you'll see just how ineffective he will be on all stages(which should please Europeans to no end , i'm sure).

  Moderates in charge are good for the USA, far-left or Far right  just cause a lot of problems and tend to be ineffective leaders as they are unable to get +40% of the Population behind them.

 


Joshua ,Brockton ,MASS (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:19 PM)

Gas is $10/gallon in France.  Let's follow their lead.

Rich Johnson, Rapid City, SD (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:33 PM)

Last night,
Bill Clinton told an audience of millions that he was considered too inexperienced to run for President--and that inspite of that, he'd done a good job----just like the claims against Obama, now.  Nods of blind agreement were rampant.  Not one word was offered to explain that,at this point of their lives,Obama has served 143
DAYS as a senator,and Clinton had served twelve YEARS as Govenor of his State.  Most of Obama's votes were "present", instead of "yes" or "no". Decisions were apparently above his "pay grade" then, too.  He's stated that America is the greatest country in History--and he's going to change it. The speaches were eloquent but the second level of reality was not discussed, nor will it be, until it's too late.

bernell roundy phoenix, arizona (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:25 PM)

"the American electoral system is the most complicated in the world. Many Americans don't understand it, so don't expect other nations to understand it."

The American system of government is only complicated if one slept through civics lessons in middle or high school.  Many Americans don't understand it because they didn't care enough at that point in their lives to learn it.

"Perhaps we could change to something like the Canadian or French system. Both are much cheaper and faster than the American system."

They also have fewer checks and balances in them than the American system of government.  Read the Federalist Papers and you will understand why our  system was deliberately made inefficient.  As for the expense, we could start with a repeal of the 17th amendment and restore one of the original checks on the federal government that the progressives eliminated at the beginning of the 20th century.

Ronny (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:49 PM)

I currently live in Italy, though I am an American.  I do not mean to sound as if I am speaking down to some of the Americans who have posted here, but please grow out of your anti-Europe dialogue that consists of "We're American, not European. What they think doesn't matter."  Too often do we harbor a false suspicion of European disdain when in fact it primarily our own without actual provocation.  Italians (in particular) love Americans are almost obsessed at times with American politics - Italians were also supporters of the Iraq War and have close diplomatic ties obviously with the US.  What Europeans (and others as well) think should matter because the choice of the next president could greatly affect many European lives.  Not that Americans should necessarily make a judgment on those thoughts, only that we should not belittle or  scoff at their interest or admiration of our country.

Sean Anthony Rega (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:53 PM)

"By listening to bill Clinton pronouncing his speech last night makes me withdraw as a conclusion:
Human being is born perfect, but the society corrupts him."

In other words, he was channeling the political theories of French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau?  If so, that would be another reason for me to think ill of Clinton.  The idea of the perfectibility of humanity behind such a theory negatively sees society as a corrupting influence upon the individual, thus perpetuating the politics of victimhood.  The flip side of it is to posit that government can salvificly restore individuals to their primordial, perfect state, which sets the stage for the eventual development of the nanny state at best -- and something more sinisterly totalitarian at worst.

Ronny (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:58 PM)

I don't really care what the French think about Obama.  This is not their election.  It will affect them, but it will affect us more.  I cannot believe the number of people who have fallen for his antics.  He has absolutely no credentials.  If you really listen to what he is saying about change, the change he wants is for us to become a socialist society.  I don't want that, do you?  He is very close friends with many US terrorists.  He seems to really like the ways of communism.  Why would we want to vote him into the presidency?

MomInTx (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:05 PM)

The French should never forget what we paid for with our lives during WWI and WWII.  

Yes and the american people shopuld never forget that thousands of French soldiers fought for the American Revolution, which if I am correct, did happen prior to WWI and WWII. Here is a quote from E. Wayne Carp
Pacific Lutheran University:
"It is probably not going too far to say that America owes its independence to foreign intervention and aid, especially from France. The French monarchy sent arms, clothing, and ammunition to America; it also sent soldiers and the French Navy. Most importantly, the French kept the United States government solvent by lending it the money to keep the Revolution alive. The magnitude of French support of the American Revolution can be glimpsed at the battle of Yorktown. There, the majority of George Washington's 15,000 man Continental Army were French soldiers. Washington's men were clothed by the French, the rifles they used were French, and French gold paid their wages. Nor must we forget that it was the French Navy that trapped Cornwallis's soldiers at Yorktown by preventing English ships sent from New York from rescuing the British army." etc....

In 1780, Rochambeau was given the rank of Lieutenant General in command of 5,000 French troops and sent to join the Continental army, under George Washington fighting the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War...etc....

So Mr. Kirby rehashing the WW1 & II everytime someone talk about the French expressing interest or an opinion about us sounds like John Mc Cain rehashing his POW's experience when he cdannot respond intelligently.

Jean Renoux, Sarasota, Florida (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:34 PM)

How do we Forget if it was not for the French we would have the queen of England Here and we would not have statue of Liberty or some thing Good to Eat and Drink and have Heard of La Salle and His Army France went Bancrapt Because of Amarica !

antonio Screwbello (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:16 PM)

Clearly Stated Above,This is Americas election:No one else.

Walter D. Owens (Sent Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:17 PM)



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