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That conflict was finally brought into sharp focus Friday night as the two candidates met in a Nixon-Kennedy-style TV debate. Obviously concerned about his aloof image, Giscard at one point snapped at his opponent, "You don't have a monopoly on the heart, M. Mitterrand. I am equally concerned about the social problems of France." The Finance Minister promised to give priority to alleviating the problems of the underprivileged in French society. But Mitterrand wanted to know why Giscard had not advanced such programs during his years in government. The Socialist vowed to pursue new policies which would ensure that "the riches of France are not confiscated by a small minority of the people," adding that he wants "a better division of the fruit of the labor of France."
"You are a man of the past," charged Giscard. "I tried to talk of the future, but it is impossible to debate the future with you!" Replied Mitterrand: "Change in France is not to allow you to continue your antisocial programs." About 20 million Frenchmen watched the exchange, but the two were so evenly matched that neither seemed to have won a clear advantage.