"Dirigisme" was the official French economic model from 1945-about 1983. Dirigisme means that the state exercises broad control or directive authority in economic matters. This system was viewed to be a compromise between the central planning Soviet and laisez faire American model extremes. Capitalism flourished, yet so did socialism. The results were remarkable- France was rebuilt from the rubble of World War Two, modernized, and a large middle class was created.

The expiriment faultered when Mitterand nationalized the banks in 1982 (hmm, sounds familiar. AIP, anyone?)

Whether the next US administration seeks our own "dirigisme" or rather a new-New Deal...time will tell... but I suspect we will merely see a reprise of Clintonism ( this is "change?").