Forty-three percent (43%) of America’s Likely Voters believe that France and the United States will become closer allies following the election of Nicolas Sarkozy as President of France. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that just 22% believe the nations will drift further apart while 35% are not sure.

Sarkozy will begin with the benefit of low expectations. Last year, Rasmussen Reports found that just 18% of Americans consider France an ally in the War on Terror.

While hopeful about the outcome, only 49% of Americans followed news coverage of Sarzoky’s victory Somewhat or Very closely. The election produced a large turnout as Sarzoky earned 53% of the vote against Socialist candidate Segolene Royal. Royal had hoped to become the first woman elected President of France. Following the election, Sarzoky said that the United States can “count on our friendship.” However, he added that “friendship means accepting that friends can have different opinions.”

While Americans are somewhat hopeful about the changing leadership in France, they are somewhat concerned about the situation in London. As Tony Blair steps down, 51% believe the U.S. and the United Kingdom are likely to drift further apart. Only 16% expect the nations to become closer allies.

Partly, that’s because Americans see the relationship as very close already… there’s only one way for it to change. Seventy-six percent (76%) of Americans view Blair’s nation as an ally of the U.S. and only 4% see it as an enemy.

Blair himself is viewed favorably by 77% of Americans. Only 16% have an unfavorable opinion. Those are figures just about any American politician would love to have… and Blair probably wishes his numbers were like that in his own country.

Rasmussen Reports has asked Americans whether they consider other countries an ally or enemy of the United States. To view the complete list of countries, click here.

Rasmussen Reports conducts ongoing surveys measuring the attitudes of Americans on the news of the day. Recent surveys have asked about the Pope’s comments on pro-choice politicians, the DC Madam, gun control, and the Supreme Court decision on partial-birth abortion. The latest updates can be found on the Rasmussen Reports home page.

Rasmussen Reports also regularly tracks public attitudes towards Congress, the War on Terror, and other topics. Rasmussen Reports also continuously updates favorability ratings and general election match-ups for all Democratic and Republican Presidential candidates along with ratings for Members of Congress, Other Political Figures, and Journalists.

Rasmussen Reports releases updated polling data on the Democrat Nomination Process every Monday and on the Republican contest every Tuesday. Results for the Generic Congressional Ballot are updated monthly.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.