If some 527 were to run some ads with quotes from this story, would Kerry benefit, or Bush?

“There is no question the Bush administration is unpopular in France, as it is across Europe,” said the director of the French Center on the United States, Guillaume Parmentier.“Bush himself is deeply unpopular. He is perceived as being non-presidential; even his demeanor makes Europeans uneasy...”

..."On the streets of Paris, his candidacy is being welcomed with open arms.

“He is very much admired in France,” said a municipal office worker, Patrick Forestier, as he strolled with his lunch through the Latin Quarter. “It seems like he will be more sympathetic to Europe… .And of course anyone who is opposed to Bush will be popular with us.”

A shop worker on Boulevard St-Germain, Dominique Van Oudenhove, said Mr. Kerry seems the perfect antidote to four years of Mr. Bush.

“It is so important to have a president who knows Europe, whose spirit is open to its people and culture. Bush is so closed to the world.With Kerry there is a hope that we can start getting along with the United States again,” she said.

Mrs. Borde said the French see in Mr. Kerry the kind of leader they are more accustomed to.

“He is the closest thing that you will have to a French politician, with a certain diplomacy, a certain elegance,” she said.“He is more like a leader would be in Europe,” Mr. Parmentier said. Asked in what way, he laughed and replied: “Well, he doesn’t look Texan.”

Instead, he looks like the kind of American the French have always appreciated — urbane, well traveled, and sophisticated.

Fortunately, they don't get any votes.

Fortunately, they don't get any votes.

But all the expatriate Americans living there do, thanks to absentee balloting. Google the phrases "Democrats Abroad", for example.

Yes, the French like Kerry. The French and much of Europe did so well in the last century, we should pay attention to who they want as our President in this one. When are people going to realize European style politics led to 2 count 'em 2 world wars, several police actions and regional battles, not to mention the mess in Israel and some of the most protectionist, tax raising politicians the world has ever seen.

Ere men knew our tongues apart, our one task was known-
Each to mould the other's fate as he wrought his own.

Some months ago - probably just after Kerry became the effective primary winner - the Times had an article on Kerry's cousin, a rather likable town mayor in Normandy (or was it Brittany? That part of the world) who'd been the Environment (?) minister there a couple of years before, and saying the expected platitudes, how wonderful it was that this guy who the village knew, &c &c &c. "Local boy does good", in an odd way.

I do recall wondering at the time when "Kerry: He's, like, pretty damn French" would appear as a derogatory talking point ;-)

That said, I can't help remember reading Private Eye in about December 2000, which was commenting that Blair's people were very worried about the new US president, since they'd blatantly been rooting for the other guy, campaign advisors &c, and they didn't think this would do relations much good...

...and the difference to that, now, is notable.

“Well, he doesn’t look Texan.”

Dang! And here I just bought me some new boots and matching belt for my fall wardrobe. I'm gonna look like some kind of COWBOY. I surely hope that doesn't offend the sensibilities of my Francophilic students...here in San Antonio at the University of Texas.

he doesn’t look Texan.

He says that like it's a good thing.

Yes you can always spot the native Texan by his distinctive slopped forehead, large brow line, peculiar bow legged walk, and Mesquite Champonship Rodeo belt buckle. Beware: Some texans will attempt to conceal their true identity by leaving their chaps and six shooters at home. Nonetheless, their attempts at concealment are often betrayed by the smell of crude oil oozing from their greasy pores.

Hey slimedog. THE University of Texas is in Austin. All others are just acronyms: UTSA, UTA, UTD, etc.

Hefty, I've found your criteria more useful for spotting New Yorkers or other out-of-staters trying to "blend."