What an exciting day for citizens of France who identify with the values of individualism and the principles of liberty. “Au revoir, Jacques Chirac, and bonjour to a new U.S.-friendly French president who identifies with the American dream and happily affirms that the French like burgers, Madonna and Miami Vice,” the Washington Post reports today.

Rightwing Nicolas Sarkozy is the new president of France. And what a difference that will make for the French. There may be hope in Europe yet.