Actually, no one has hit the nail yet. I believe this is a legitimate question that simply needs rephrasing.

"Why did American politicians feel it necessary to demonize France in the wake of 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq?"

Prior to the Bush regime, I don't think there was any anti-Francophone problem in the US, except among those looney right wingers who are mentally ill and running the country these days.

SERIOUSLY. They are mentally ill.