two takeaways, which are supported by political science evidence:
1. attempting to co-opt the far right from the center is bad and not beneficial electorally (this is what Macron did)
2. a left-center collaboration specifically to stop the far right is good and can work electorally quite well
JUST IN: Polls closed in France. Exit polls show surprise:
—Left coalition (New Popular Front) projected first. (!)
—Far-right (RN) has lost its bid to take power. Anti-RN front appears to have worked very well.
—No bloc close to majority.
Follow this 🧵 for results and more:
