Isabelle Chiosi is a press officer for Muriel Marland Militello, a deputy of the second constituency of Alpes-Maritimes. This 26-year-old woman is responsible for the image of the candidate running for her own re-election in the upcoming spring legislative elections. She refuses to dismiss the influence of celebrity gossip media on voters. “You have to know how to use the media wisely. Sure, the content is pathetic, but as the saying goes, ‘the weight of words, the impact of photos.’ Private life is of growing interest. Especially since the public needs to relax and feel that politicians are ordinary people. Nicolas Sarkozy is married, he has marital problems, there’s nothing shocking about that being published.” Of course, there are limits not to be crossed. According to Isabelle Chiosi, these limits concern the respect for children and private property. “When you go too far,” she believes, “it can be misinterpreted by the public. There is still respect in France. Unfortunately, the situation tends to deteriorate, following the model of what is published in the United States.”
For Olivier Bettati, deputy mayor and UMP general councilor, the image of a politician stops where his private life begins. “Politics is above all a daily commitment that requires having one’s own secret garden.” The elected official believes that exposing oneself to the public has no impact, whether positive or negative. He believes in the evolution of mindsets. “Analyses predicted that neither gays nor women would reach high positions. They turned out to be wrong.” Votes go to people for their qualities, not for their private lives. Unfortunately, in the presidential campaign, he admits that communicators rule. “Society demands more and more voyeurism, and I regret it.”
“It is only on the ground that our fellow citizens can judge us without artifice,” says Rudy Salles, UDF deputy of Alpes-Maritimes and Regional Councilor of PACA. When he is not in the Assembly, he travels his constituency on a coach as his mobile office. Firm on the boundary between private and public life, he says he is “shocked” by this “staging.” François Bayrou denounced on TF1 the political and financial collusions maintained with the media. The UDF sends back both the left and the right by demanding total transparency. Rudy Salles, for his part, regrets the assimilation of candidates to artists of song, theater, or cinema and the disappearance of ideas. “The upcoming presidential campaign,” he warns, “is not a casting, it’s a trial of strength. If Ségolène Royal doesn’t want to be photographed during her vacations, it is up to her to defend herself.” The deputy predicts the wearing down of the two favorites, worn down by what he calls “the supermarket of ideas.”
The internet seems to be the ideal alternative for any politician seeking transparency. “Yes, it’s essential,” confirms Isabelle Chiosi. Muriel Marland Militello’s blog is updated daily, featuring her stances on key subjects. I estimate 150 daily visitors.” Rudy Salles manages his own web page and blog. He boasts having received more than 14,000 visitors in six months and appreciates emails from around the world. Blogs, visibly, are greatly enjoyed by the political class. True Webmaster gems, they combine texts and images in dynamic layout. Far from the creative ability of a young internet user, yet accustomed to such activity. Interactive (video, forum), open to idea debates and appealing, it proves that the Presidential election will play out online.
