Marine Le Pen: "I am not the candidate of the National Front"

“I am not the candidate of the National Front. I am the candidate who has been supported by the National Front,” she said in an interview with the French TF1 network.

Le Pen, 48, fresh off the highest-ever voting tally for National Front party, said she stepped aside from the party leadership this week because she’s as a candidate for all French citizens.

“I am a presidential candidate as of today,” she said.

Observers see the move as a tactical one designed to earn her votes from people who might be disposed to vote for her but who find the fascist reputation of the National Front a step too far.