Sarkozy goes to it
All of the sudden, the French newscasts are interesting:
Even when my French is not-good-at-all, I watch the France 2 news every evening when possible, and am fascinated by Nicholas Sarkozy. Sarkozy is a rarity: a fearless, confrontational politician (he reminds me of the pre-mayoral Rudolph Giuliani -- if my French and my memory serve me right -- NS was also a prosecutor) with a lot of spine.

Sarkozy had a fall-out with Chirac and actually challenged him publicly in the UMP party, so, after the latest cabinet shuffle (caused by the Socialists winning a lot of seats formerly held by the UMP), Chirac named NS as Minister for the Economy, which is, in view of the state of the French economy, possiby the most difficult job in the cabinet. NS however, has ventured on in his inimitable style and, while vigorously attending to his cabinet work, has
1. visited the USA last week to attend a benefit in his honor held by the Jewish Council in DC
2. while here, visited Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice, for a little networking, bien sur.
This week he's criticized the Jospin (Socialist) government's slack attitude towards anti-Semitism on the floor of the National Assembly. All heck broke loose.

Chirac might have placed Sarkozy in the hot seat, but NS's feeling right at home in it.