On Dec 19, I wrote:

The media is complaining, but Sarkozy is still running the show. They're just bitching because he's pulling a bit hard on the leash; he still owns them.
The only way I can see a change in attitude is if he ever appears to lose control. I'm not sure how this would happen, probably as a meltdown going viral on the intertubes; not holding my breath.

Well, I didn't call it that much, because it happened much faster than I anticipated, but his ratings are in the tanks right now, and negative memes are spreading viral on the intertubes indeed. From now on, he will be associated in the public psyche with losing control and the "pauvre con!" (dumbass!) line.

And that's fucking awesome.