Will the French Accept the Politics of Marine Le Pen?

Marine Le Pen has made it clear that her politics are similar to those of Putin and Trump.  Exactly what that means she didn’t say, but what could she possibly mean?  Politically, what do these two men have in common?

Both are “strong men” in terms of will and refusal to back down under any condition, and they are ruthlessness–especially to perceived enemies, complete lack of compassion and interest in doing what’s right.  Putin is a tyrant, and Trump is a would-be Putin.

OK, anyone can see how that would work out in a place like Russia, where democracy has never existed.  But France?  A land of culture, intelligence, and refined sophistication that stands at the heart of NATO and the EU?

A nasty thug coming for the Élysée Palace?

En garde!