November 05, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Nov. 5, 2004 - George W. Bush's re-election is regarded as a negative incident in France, according to a poll by CSA. 65 per cent of respondents believe the Republican incumbent's victory in the Nov. 2 presidential election is a "bad thing."

(CPOD) Nov. 5, 2004 - George W. Bush's re-election is regarded as a negative incident in France, according to a poll by CSA. 65 per cent of respondents believe the Republican incumbent's victory in the Nov. 2 presidential election is a "bad thing."

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. On Nov. 3, Democratic nominee John Kerry conceded defeat after Bush secured at least 274 electoral votes from 29 states.

Bilateral relations between the French and American administrations have been strained over disagreements regarding the war in Iraq. Last year, the government of France refused to back the U.S.-led coalition effort. 74 per cent of respondents expect no change in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Asked to comment on the U.S. election this week, French president Jacques Chirac said, "Bush's re-election will be a chance for the reinforcement of France-U.S. friendship. The France-U.S. partnership should continue within the framework of dialogue and mutual respect."

Polling Data

Would you say the re-election of U.S. president George W. Bush is a good thing, or a bad thing?

Good thing	23%
Bad thing	65%

Do you expect bilateral relations between France and the U.S. to get better, get worse, or remain the same?

Get better	12%
Remain the same	74%
Get worse	7%

Source: CSA
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 780 French residents—ages 15 and up—conducted on Nov. 3, 2004. No margin of error was provided.