PARIS (Reuters – French President Emmanuel Macron, and Marine Le Pen are back in the race for the nomination. The far-right candidate, who failed to win the crucial TV debate she wanted, was unable to make the impact needed before Sunday’s polls.

On Wednesday evening’s heated exchange between the final two candidates was seen by more than 15 million viewers. BFM TV conducted an Elabe poll to determine if viewers thought Macron was arrogant, combative and convincing. However, they felt he was more qualified for the role of president.

Le Pen’s focus on empathy for people who had “suffered,” since Macron was elected was slightly better than Macron’s, but the poll revealed that her far-right views are still considered more alarming.

Surveys before Sunday’s debate showed Macron ahead of Le Pen in intentions to vote for Sunday’s runoff, with 55-56% according to the estimates. This was bad news for Le Pen who finished second in Macron’s 2017 presidential election.

Did she make it seem like she was ready to lead? In an editorial published Thursday, Le Parisien stated that it was the only issue that really matters. She did not refute that doubt, judging by the discussion.

The debate won’t have any effect on the minds of voters for the conservative Le Figaro.

Macron will run a campaign on Thursday in Seine-Saint-Denis, Paris – the key target of both candidates. This is despite the fact that the area was heavily populated by Jean-Luc Melenchon (hard left) in the initial round.

Le Pen will be heading to northern France for an evening rally, in Arras. The town voted slightly less for Macron, a region which is otherwise a stronghold of the far-right.

Uncertain if campaigning in the final two days will make any difference.

After more than 50% of voters voted for hard-left or far-right candidates on April 10, Macron’s lead is smaller than 5 years ago when Le Pen won with 66.1%.

On Thursday, both sides tried to take control of the story about how the debate ended.

Julien Odoul, spokesperson for National Rally, tweeted: “Marine Le Pen in real life. Macron in the McKinsey cosmic.” This was a reference to the consulting firm’s use by the government, which has been a surprising issue during the campaign.

Ministers on Macron’s side were emphasizing one of Macron’s most vehement attacks: Le Pen’s past admiration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the loan that she took out to fund her 2017 campaign.

CNews heard Gerald Darmanin from the Interior Ministry, stating that “When money is owed you can’t be free.”

The premium investors pay for French bonds instead of German ones was mostly stable after Thursday’s debate, indicating that investors are still optimistic about Sunday’s vote.