Yes, I remember that discussion. I think we were discussing the problems that the N. Africans in Paris were having at the time.

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Boy - have a we come a long way. Now we're discussing who might be the next US President.

Yes, I remember that discussion. I think we were discussing the problems that the N. Africans in Paris were having at the time.

No question that the French are more color blind (means you dont use color as a factor) than in the US. It was only a couple of years ago we had this discussion on BP and though the French are color blind socially in comparison to the US blacks in France while accepted in one way are very short of acceptance in the business world and even making it to the middle class as in the US.

"The French are more color blind than people in the US."

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Stacy -- be still my heart. The French are so much LESS color blind than so many Americans. I should never type without having imbibed 22 cups of coffee.

Mea Culpa and thank you for the catch.

"The French are more color blind than people in the US."

I beg to differ on this. It may be true regarding leaders of other nations--and the French seem to like the thought of a black man being able to become president of the US--but I think it will be a very, very long time before France has a president who's part of a racial minority. Even in Sarkozy's case, it was often noted that he was the son of Eastern European immigrant parents. The French overall seem still very conscious of who is "français de souche" and who has non-French origins.

Really, I was surprised that I was asked so often and a few of the askers really kind of stopped dead and wanted to chat about it...

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The French are more than curious and amazed that a campaign could take so long. Remember, French presidential candidates are not permitted to buy air-time. As for the French having a favorite candidate, Obama seems to be their favorite. The French are more color blind than people in the US. That's my take. How about hearing those of others?

You know, when I was in Paris recently (9/08) for all of one week -- I was very surprised that several times -- 5 or 6 times, upon noticing my American accent, I was asked about the election, whom I favored, etc. It seemed like a hot topic. Of the several who asked me about it, all seemed to favor Obama. Really, I was surprised that I was asked so often and a few of the askers really kind of stopped dead and wanted to chat about it...

To those of you living in France, how much are you hearing and reading about the presidential campaign? It's incessant here - enough, already! Do the French have a favorite candidate?