When Bernard Boutron, a wheelchair-bound sexagenarian, started crying as he talked about his multiple sclerosis on primetime television, Ségolène Royal barely hesitated before walking over to place a reassuring hand on his arm.
This act of sympathy was the most memorable moment of the socialist presidential candidate's appearance on TF1's I have a question to ask you programme on Monday night. Analysts said Ms Royal's was a "good performance" that could mark a turning point for her troubled campaign.
