While I would like to be optimistic about France's election, I'm holding that emotion in check until the run-off election next month. Between now and then I'm sure Putin's army of hackers is hard at work to ensure a Le Pen victory next month. Given their success here, I suspect that it will be much easier for them to influence a much smaller country like France. As Fareed Zakaria pointed out in his show yesterday, authoritarianism is gaining ground all over the world. If France rejects the fear and bigotry that Le Pen represents that will indeed be a great upset victory for the forces of Light. But it's not over until the fat lady sings, and at this point she hasn't even warmed up yet. Let us pray that the forces of Darkness do not prevail this time. At this point prayer might be our only hope.