The world is riveted by thepresidential election in France, which seems to be at the epicenter of clashing ideological forces vying to shape the future of Western democracy. All we know for sureafter Sunday's first round of voting is that the May 7 winner will not be a Socialist. For the first time in 59 years, France chose two candidates outside the mainstream parties to advance to the final run-off in May.
There's a lot at stake. France's next president will be either Marine Le Pen, a right-wing Nationalist who opposes the European Union and wants to promote "France First" policies that restrict immigration and promote French industry, or Emmanuel Macron, a well-educated economist who has worked for two presidents and created his own pro-European Union party that seeks to unite France. Sound familiar?
Also this hour: We talk about the upcoming budget battle and the future of the Democratic Party.
GUESTS:
- Eric Levitz - Writes for New York Magazine’s Daily Intelligencer
- Roger Cohen - Op-ed columnist for the International New York Times, writing about international affairs and diplomacy
- Jean Marie-Pottier- Editor at large for Slate.fr
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Colin McEnroe and Chion Wolf contributed to this show.
