Can Dominique Strauss-Kahn salvage a future in French politics? Despite
his legal problems in the U.S., observers say his most optimistic backers are keeping alive
scenarios of their champion somehow extricating himself from the
catastrophic turn in his once-brilliant career. “There’s currently so much
amazement, shock and perplexity over the speed and enormity of DSK’s fall
that — in the minds of many people — any outcome in such a surreal
situation remains possible,” says Denis Muzet, director of the Paris-based
Mediascope opinion-research group.
That scenario, as explicated by Muzet — whose firm analyzes public
reaction to major political, social and economic issues — is one of
redemption. “Supported by a leftist government wanting to use his talents,”
posits Muzet, “Strauss-Kahn could go to the French public, tell his story,
admit his errors and faults, and rebuild his relationship with the French
people and win back their confidence. Despite his disgrace, there’s a
lingering admiration for the leadership qualities that Strauss-Kahn
demonstrated while in office.”
But that’s what may happen with best-case scenarios. Other observers
aren’t so sure that DSK’s career can be resurrected even with an acquittal
or some artfully negotiated settlement to avoid or undermine criminal
prosecution . “I think his political
career is probably dead now — even in France,” says a French political
adviser and strategist. “People have now heard too many anecdotes and
accusations of him as a sexual freak to forget them, whether he’s found guilty in New
York or not.”
The French strategist acknowledges that acquittal, the passage of time
— and future allegations of beastly behavior by other French leaders —might soften public condemnation of DSK and allow his radioactivity to dim
enough to consider a return. But it’s at that point, the official predicts,
that Strauss-Kahn will feel even harsher condemnation on an issue French
public opinion doesn’t forgive: violation of class consciousness.
“In addition to his sexual behavior,” says the strategist, “the biggest
criticism of Strauss-Kahn — especially among leftists — has been that
he’s got too much money, loves the life of wealth and privilege, and is
exactly the kind of caviar Socialist who’d defend working-class voters on
the stump before renting a ritzy house in Tribeca when that seemed
convenient.” He notes, “If the [trial] outcome allows him to fight
off the rape charges and survive his reputation as a womanizer, voters and
officials in his own leftist camp will never forgive him his crime of having
too much money, and using it lavishly on himself. In France, if the battle
of the sexes doesn’t prevent him from making a comeback, this country’s
enduring class war will.” It is the kind of reverse snobbery that no lawyer
can defend against.
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