Image: aeneastudioLast night was the night of the great debate, the televised duel between he who is president and he who would be.
First, we had the build-up to the build-up. Then we had the build-up. And then we had the classic goalless draw that so often follows excessive build-up.
Image: Vectorportal
Nicolas Sarkozy was more aggressive; one commentator I heard on France-Info this morning used the word arrogant. François Hollande interrupted more. But balance was meticulously observed, each speaking for precisely 72 minutes and 17 seconds and I was unaware of any killer blow.
Hollande's parting shots were effective: the choice, he declared, was between continung with a project that has failed and opting for change. And Sarkozy impressed with his emphasis on the tough role circumstances had forced on him - his message to those who voted far right and centrist, and those who abstained, in the first round being ''I have taken my responsibilities''.
Not everyone agrees with my 0-0 scoreline. Some think Hollande gave an admirable account of himself in the face of a man considered a stronger orator.
I am sure Sarko's faithful will feel his incessant needling of a rival for his lack of experience made the desired impact. And plenty feel the debate was not only long, but somewhat too long.
Here is a selection of highlights as identified by French pundits:
Christophe Barbier, managing editor, L'Express
Sarkozy: "You want less rich, I want less poor." Hollande: "And there are more poor and the rich richer!" Here, Hollande scored a point.
Françoise Fressoz, Le Monde
We can talk of a tie. But as Mr Hollande began in the position of favourite, we can say that he remains the favourite. Mr Sarkozy failed to destabilise it and that really was his goal.
Nicolas Demorand, Libération
Hollande scored many points against Nicolas Sarkozy ... the incumbent president was pugnacious, aggressive, constantly fighting. On the offensive but also often on the defensive. Hollande was much calmer, did not shirk combat, never hesitating to raise the pressure and attack him too.
Dély Renaud, Le Nouvel Observateur managing editor
The Socialist candidate dominated a TV duel in which Nicolas Sarkozy seemed weighed down by the weight of his balance sheet.
Matthew Deprieck (L'Express Online)
The anaphora "Moi, President of the Republic" of Francois Hollande. He kept the floor for nearly two minutes, but it seemed twice as long. He stuck to his programme for the moralisation of public life, citing hollow Sarkozy gaps and errors and already settling into the chair of the Elysée.
Eric Mettout (editorial director of L'Express Online)
"We'll leave you the keys, gentlemen," said David Pujadas (co-presenter). That tells you all about the spontaneity of debate, calibrated, tested, no slippage ... no real surprise.
My headline is an adaptation of a thread I began at a Linkedin discussion group, French Connections and which I called "What would be worse: five years of Hollande or five more of Sarkozy?"
I did think of summarising the ensuing bilingual debate here but - like last night's debate - it has simply been been too long. If you belong to Linkedin, you can see for yourself at this link: http://www.linkedin.com/
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