Ségolène Royal in the race for presidency

Gideon Rachman considers the distinguishing traits of politics practised by women. "Mrs Clinton, Ms Merkel and Ms Royal have all campaigned on a policy of incremental, step-by-step reform, rather than sudden, wrenching change. ... Ms Royal's supporters have called it pointillist politics, after the school of painters who built up a big picture through lots of little dots. ... Perhaps the biggest gender question that both Mrs Clinton and Ms Royal will have to overcome is whether France or the US is ready for a woman as commander-in-chief. Ms Royal's biggest stumbles in televised debates came when she appeared not to understand the Iranian nuclear issue. A 'woman's touch' may appeal on social issues, and even in some diplomatic contexts - but are American and French voters ready to accept a feminine finger on the nuclear button? My guess is that the answer to that will be - why not?"

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