Berlin, a city torn apart by war, is the perfect setting for an American
president preaching peace. Ronald Reagan famously stood metres away from the
Brandenburg Gate and called on the Soviet Union to tear down the Wall
dividing Europe. And President Kennedy used a Cold War visit to the once and
future German capital to declare: “ich bin ein Berliner!”
Now Barack Obama, the presidential candidate, wants to grandstand there too.
But a simmering row between the German Government and the local Berlin
authorities could rob the Democratic politician of a photogenic moment at
the Brandenburg Gate and derail his flagship tour of Europe this month.
The plan, Obama advisers have told Der Spiegel magazine, is to use the visit
on July 24 to signal an imminent improvement in the transatlantic
relationship.
"The Senator was criticised in the primaries for showing insufficient
interest in Europe," said the unnamed adviser. "This visit is an
answer to this criticism ... the memories of John F. Kennedy's 1963 speech
are still very fresh — Berlin is a bridge between East and West."
Berlin, in short, is the place to establish foreign policy credentials and
make rhetorical flourishes. Somehow standing outside No 10 with Gordon Brown
does not have the same resonance or filmic potential. And the pitstop in
Paris is sure to fall foul of the Carla factor, with photographers going for
the glamour shot, Mme Sarkozy embracing Mr Obama, rather than focusing on
the chiselled statesman-in-waiting. The Senator from Chicago needs cheering
crowds and they may be in short supply if, as expected, his trip takes in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
It is just a matter of the appropriate backdrop. Negotiations are underway
between the Obama advance team and the office of the Berlin Mayor, Klaus
Wowereit, to hold the speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate, close to the
line that traces the route of the Berlin Wall. The newly built US embassy
nestles alongside. So too does a museum honouring John F. Kennedy. If, as
expected, Mr Obama is going to deliver a phrase in German (the insider tip
is: "I can listen!" — “ich kann zuhoeren!”) and fling out
his arms in the direction of Russia and Central Europe, then this surely is
the place.
But, say advisers to Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, it would be
tantamount to giving the German stamp of approval to Mr Obama, an undue
interference in the election campaign.
"The Brandenburg Gate is the best known and most historically significant
site in Germany," said a Chancellery official, explaining why until now
only elected presidents have been allowed to perform there.
So the Government would dearly like Mr Obama to find another platform, perhaps
the town hall in the district of Schoeneberg where Kennedy expressed his
solidarity with West Berlin. Almost everywhere else in the capital has
unfortunate historical associations; the Olympic Stadium (where Hitler was
enraged by the success of the black athlete Jesse Owens in the 1936 Games)
has, for example, been ruled out.
Technically the decision lies with the Berlin Mayor, a flamboyant, openly gay
Social Democrat, who quite relishes the idea of irritating the conservative
Chancellor. The toing and froing between the various seats of power in
Berlin is thus likely to continue until the last minute.
The embarrassment in Berlin masks the fact that almost every corner of the
German political establishment now, with varying degrees of openness, wants
Obama to win. The press call it “Obamania”. The only reservations about Mr
Obama are that he may be "too idealistic" — the Germans
found it very difficult to deal with another Democratic idealist, Jimmy
Carter — and that he may pay no more than lip service to the
principles of free trade. But in most other respects he ticks every box in
the checklist of Chancellor Merkel, who has already scheduled a meeting with
the senator.
John McCain, familiar to German politicians from his regular appearances at
the annual Munich Security conference, once chewed out the German Foreign
Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier for being too placatory towards Russia. Mr
Steinmeier meanwhile makes much of a recent 15-minute talk with Mr Obama.
Two terms of George W. Bush, reckon German officials, have consolidated the
anti-Americanism of the Germans. A President McCain, the German Government
fears, would search for new enemies and continue to stoke the hostility of
the Germans.
The Pew Global Attitudes Project, published last month, showed that 66 per
cent of Germans had unfavourable views of the US and that China and Russia
had more interest than Washington in Germany's point of view. The sheer
animosity towards America was displayed recently in sneering media reviews
of the new, admittedly uninspiring, US embassy building in Berlin. A serious
conservative newspaper identified the building's roof terrace as a "spa
and water-boarding zone", referring to US military abuse of prisoners.
Mr Obama thus comes to a Germany that nurtures unreasonably high expectations
of him as the man who appears to sound the death knell of the Bush
Administration.
But the fact is whoever wins the election in November will put pressure on Ms
Merkel to be more active in Afghanistan and to reduce German dependency on
Russian energy. Neither is possible as long as Ms Merkel is in alliance with
the Social Democrats, who are deeply unhappy about further troop deployments
abroad and are equally opposed to reactivating an atomic energy programme.
Both Mr McCain and Mr Obama have expressed support for the death sentence and
the right to carry guns — strongly-felt German points of issue with
America.
Obamania, it appears, may evaporate rather quickly if the senator ever becomes
president.
Come on ! Where is the point ? Do we really need a photo call with Angie ? Let Obama have his speech. Nobody would hinder McCain to do likewise. The time has come to let Bush go - even considering the fact that Americans have voted him twice to govern this mighty country. I cheer up for Obama !
Andre , Neutrebbin, Germany
So sad...
Germany OWES A LOT to the US for freeing this country from nazi tyranny. However, this generation is not responsible for the war and it is a fundamental democratic right to have an own opinion on issues like water boarding. We care for American politics because they affect the world.
Peter, Berlin, Germany
interesting that all the Americans who say they don't care what Europe thinks of America (or its presidential candidates) are taking the time to contribute to the website of a European daily! (For what it's worth - and I know you don't care (!!) - I am rooting for McCain).
Paul, Glasgow, UK
Politicians across the globe have their very own marketing strategies... mostly fluff and no stuff... start doing something for your 'own' nation than looking for a Kodak moment in a foreign land... holds good not only for Obama, but all...
Vivek Ganapathy, Bangalore, India
Please everybody...let ' s think about Baracks intention. All he wants is winning the race for presindency in the States.
Being fair, Angela Merkel should give the same chance to every political opponent, like Mac Cain.....
For me it seems he is trying to rebuild what G.Bush has broke down.
Steve , Münster, Germany
The death penalty is of minor importance in contrast to the industrial prison complex. As a french-austrian jew, & resident of Berlin, I encountered racism amongst most Americans, even in large cities. After years living there, I find they are generally uneducated on the issues but to pretend to be.
Stéphen, Los Angeles, California
The real point that I stress here is that no one needs to use another country's landmarks to further their own personal agenda. Images are strong visual tools. As a American living in Germany, both countries have their pluses. We in the US need substance not photo-ops!
Julienne, Kleinmachnow, Germany
In Germany, you find an "Anti-Bush-Administration-ism", not an "Anti-Americanism", as you said in your article. Most Germans would prefer EITHER of the two US candidates to the current Bush's administration.
Annika, Berlin, Germany
So if America with its GDP could bankrupt China in a month. Why wont you do that this month? Maybe Americas GDP is reliant on cheap chinese (slave) labour, ask Wal Mart. Today America does everything to enrich the communist chinese government and its armed forces. Is there a stretegy behind that?
Jan, Berlin, Germany
America needs a change. Not because we need Europe to like us, but because our country needs it. We have lost a lot of respect around the world through the Bush admin. Whats wrong with working with our allies and strengthening our relationships around the world? Obama will do much better.
Nelson, Tennessee, USA
I am a German and I can only say this much. Every American who thinks Obama with his socialistic ideas is the answer, should just live in Germany or France for a year.
Socialism, large government and deteriorating work and moral ethics have this country going down the drain.
America, be smarter!!
JR, Kassel, Germany
To Constantin:
Is Germany a country? It surrenders its currency and government to Brussels, sans referenda. It is occupied by US forces. Hitler is gone, yet Germans still fail to assimilate minorities. Total population is falling. You mistake shame for honor: Germany is the torch bearer of shame.
Joe, New York, US
A poll of nearly 23,000 people in 22 countries showed that the world overwhelmingly wanted Obama to be the next American president. The rest of the world doesn't get to vote, but their lives are surely affected by the president of the United States. Let Obama speak. People can come if they want.
karela, Michigan, USA
Dear Frank from Chicago,
That the US put an end to the Nazi era was a great achievement, but we live in the here and now. I’m sure the victims of the massacre in Haditha, Iraq, killed by U.S. Marines would like to hear more about your charity and largesse from a present-day perspective.
Constantin, Munich, Germany
I couldnt care less about Obama visiting Germany.
Chris, Germany,
I am an American who has already booked my plane ticket from Cologne to Berlin for July 24th. Barack Obama will be a signal to the World that the US is ready to turn over a new leaf. I am proud that he is willing to speak in Berlin and will be out there cheering him.
Bernadine Platen-Hallermund, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
"a simmering row between the German Government and the local Berlin authorities"
This is not a diplomatic row.
azuka, Geneva,
Dear Constantin - Munich,
You need to check your historical records for a reminder of the facts; after America was goaded and attacked by the Axis led by your country and joined WWII, WE funded the rebuilding of your nation....your ranking ahead of America is due to our charity and largesse
Frank, Chicago, USA!
Barrack is all about smoke and mirrors...no expereince, no principals, and a devote socialist....perfect place for him to speak, but they should move the platform to the former DDR side of the wall...
Jim, Wichita, USA
Most of these comments are full of hate, hyper nationalism and prejudice. Thank god Germany learnt from its past, turned into a social democracy and does not start illegal wars in the Arab world. And that’s why it ranks in the -Economist- democracy index before the U.S.
Constantin, Munich, Germany
I am appalled by so many of the posts that equate modern Germany with the Nazis. How very narrow minded & prejudiced.
Helen, London, UK
"Maybe after they fix the vandalized Hitler wax statue, Obama can cut of his head again! On national TV!
Kelly Van Rijn, Arnhem, Netherlands"
Haha, good to see a bit of humour amoung all the crazies.
DW, Beijing, China
It's a lot more fun to wrestle over Obama than to do something about Germany: its creaking welfare state, declining per capita income, unassimilated minorities, rapid population decline, and national security (still) provided by others.
Seems rather jejune. Like an event on a college campus.
Joe, New York, US
Uneducated look at you. America's GDP is the same as the entire EU combined and twice that of China and that was in 2007, a horrible year for the economy. We could bankrupt China in a month if we wanted to. Just stop buying their crap. We are pretty much their only source of income. Raise tariffs.
Tim, Chicago, U.S.
Vide Albert Einhofer of Buffalo. "Ich bin einer Berliner" is not correct. "Ich bin ein Berliner" is just fine. The male "-er" suffix occurs in the nominative case only in adjectives, and even then not if it is preceeded by the male article "der".
ARG, New York, USA
It's not a valid excuse to torture people because Germany did worse things 60 odd years ago.. YOUR government is torturing people right now... are YOU ok with that?
MK, Canberra, Australia
Having lived 2 years in Europe it is quite apparent the French or Germans have little concern for the United States. The liberal, socialist forms of government espoused by Senator Obama would be consistent with these countries.
S. Welch, Phoenix, U.S.A.
Europe doesn't appreciate the role the US have played and play in defending Europeans against terrorist threat. Was it not for the US Afghanistan would still be a safe haven for Al-Qaeda. Rather than embracing protectionist demagogue like Obama Europe has to shift towards more principled stance.
Ilya, St. Petersburg, Russia
Man, a lot of uneducated and misinformed people post on this website. The decisions of the President of the United States affects the whole world. The world doesn't start and end with America, it's shameful that so many Americans will just blindly go about supporting the GOPs international policies.
Putney Swope, New York, NY
Carter policies wrapped in JFK's mantle; transparently disengenuous to this voter. Truth be told, JFK's policies were more conservative in many aspects than McCain's, much less Obama's.
A Clintonesque photo-op does nothing to convice me that he is a new kind of politician.
J.D., Suwanee, GA, USA
How very appropriate for Obama, trying to bring Marxism to the U.S., as his father tried to do in Kenya, to campaign for president in the cradle of Karl Marx. It is even more appropriate for him to speak near the site of the Berlin Wall, which would still be standing, if Obama had been President of the U.S. instead of Ronald Reagan. How do you say ObaMarxism in German?
David, Minneapolis, USA
Must we become a COMPLETE "Obama-nation" ?!
Donovan Edwards, Lithia Springs, USA
I'm not sure why Americans should care what Europeans think about our country. It's not arrogant, I'm sure they don't care what I have to think about their politics. The idea that Europe is some kind of model of perfect politics is a bit absurd.
Michale, Sarasota, FL, United States
A quarter of the German population is Turk. Do we really have anything in common anymore with Germany or, for that matter, Europe?
Derick Guddenstahl, Weisbaden, Germany
I love the Germans ... lived in Germany for three years. HOWEVER, I could care less what they think about us.
luis, madison, usa
Parts of this definitely belong in the Comments section instead of the "News" section.
HS, Niles,
Actually, European socialists are working in their own interests by trying to get obama elected.
He will tax the US economy into oblivion and allow unions/socialism to destroy US industry.
Both of these disasters benefit Europe, especially the Germans.
John, Ipswitch, England
"Obama can be a global leader." This article makes me think he wants to be THE global leader. Apparently he wants to visit the UK as well, all before the Presidency is decided. If women start fainting at 'Obamania' in Berlin too, its time to get worried.
Laurence England, Brighton, United Kingdom
Obama is all image and no substance. Why in the world should photo ops in Berlin have anything to do with the decision of an American voter, unless the voter is a reactive target of advertising. Left wing educators have destroyed the independent thinking of the American people.
Kwango, Burlington, USA
Why is it people feel this overwhelming need to be "loved" by europe?
If they dont like the U.S. who cares? We have not like them for years yet the world still turns.
***
Well said Jeff! US citizens vote for our President...NOT Europeans! Nor should they have a say in how we run our country
Peg, IN,
Wow ... Barack Hussein Obama II once again looking for a photo-op location to make his showing. As usual with all democrat actions ... it is all show and no substance.
Keep him Germany ... you just might deserve him !
02Z06Vette, New Mexico, USA
I must admit I am thankful that all the really smart Germans immigrated to America at least a century ago. I think they left because they were sick and tired of dealing with whiners. The master race .... yeah right.
JEP, Houston, Texas, USA
Obama did not reounce his "God Dam America" preacher until the entire country was watching him on TV. Yet he and his party were quickly offended by GW Bush saying "The world should not appease terrorists the way the world appeased Hitler." How could any sane person vote for that?
tea addict, Boston MA, USA
Who cares what Europe thinks, every time we got involved there it cost us 1/2 million dead. George Washington said "stay out of Europe" and most American Citizens left Europe. This just shows Obamas arrogance. A marxist who thinks he has been elected already. You all will have egg on your faces
Joel Weymouth, Lemoyne PA, USA
If Obama panders to the Germans, then will the Germans vote to elect him? Not likely. They don't get to vote in US elections. Obama really needs to look like he knows something about forien policy. In reality, the only foreign country he really knows anything about is the South Side of Chicago.
Patrick C., Irvine, USA
The comment from Henry Ruhwiedel of Chicago is outrageous and indicative of prejudiced, uninformed voters. Whatever a person's political beliefs may be, surely no SANE person would associate Barack Obama with Adolph Hitler. A liberal Democrat does not equal a mass-murdering dictator.
Lia, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
someone should tell the German government that Obama has voted AGAINST every situation regarding the 2nd ammendment since he has been a Senator in Ill for a whole 3 years. His lip service doesn't mean a whole lot. It's how he has voted that tells all.
Sasha, Beltsville, USA
...there is no such thing as "anti Americanism" in Germany! Some people just dont like some political decisions taken by the US government. Please at least try to understand the difference! But when I read some of the comments I'm not sure that everybody is capable of doing this...
Hauke, Hamburg, GERMANY
Get the U S of A out of the UN and the U N out of the U S of A......Close all of our bases in the EC...NATO,SEATO, and let the rest of the of the world go at each others throat...enjoy...
Mr Tim, san marcos, U S of A
Eh, having Germans preach to the United States about possible torture, when the evidence of their own horrific crimes (which are almost beyond comprehension) are so easily found on the Continent, is comical.
What next, France scolds America about surrender?
Hardrada, Skarga, Dansk
Do german peoples care much about when America says things about them? No. So you shoud ask good question why America would want to care what Germans have to say. US stand tall and dont worry, free people of the world stand with you.
Paul R., Poland, Poland
Sure give a campaign speech in an allied country and irritate their leader in the process. So typical.. for Obama it is all symbolism over substance. Next he will announce plans to attend the Olympics, World Series, and will be a guest on the next American Idol. How shallow Americans have become..
KC, Texas, US
"Ich bin ein Berliner" means "I am a doughnut".
Let him come, let him speak.
Jenny, Feldkirchen, Germany
Perhaps Obama should give his speech at Checkpoint Charlie. Getting over the old Berlin wall was a stroll in the park compared to the chances of a an African American getting into the White House.
Paul Goulding, Pangbourne, England
Obama remains a naiive first-term senator, internationally clueless, hoping to elevate his presidential ambitions by using the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign photo op. His self-delusional comparisons to Presidents Reagan and Kennedy only magnify his lack of presidential qualifications.
Mark, AZ, USA
Fortunately, U.S. voters (such as me) don't have to choose our Presidents based on what other countries think of them. I vote based on what I AND I ALONE think of them. I love German culture (I carry some German blood, myself), but please, MIND YOUR OWN COUNTRY!!!!
Ela, FAIRBANKS, Alaska,
Henry Ruhwiedel, Chicago, IL
Really? comparing Obama to Hitler?? that's pretty pathetic..
All politicians are propagandists by nature, but your comment contains a lot more neo-con propaganda than anything Obama has said and his moral compass seems better than McCain's its ok to torture people vote.
MK, Canberra, Australia
Why doesn't he just put on the JFK mask and say the exact same words? He's a total and complete phony. So much for the "New Politics" and his "Transforming and Unifying" figure. What a joke. Keep him.
mike , new york, usa
Europeans are risible.
Lately they've been going on and on about the "collapse" of the US.
Yet they behave as though Obama were running for the office of
President Of The Entire World.
Goofy Europeans. Funny.
StephenM, Vernon, USA
In 1963, John Kennedy said "Ich bin stoltz darauf dass ich bin ein berliner" translated literally means "I am proud that I am a hard roll." The correct form would be "einer Berliner" which is meaningless to Americans (like Obama) who are famous for their ignorance of foreign languages.
Albert Einhofer, Buffalo, USA
Maybe after they fix the vandalized Hitler wax statue, Obama can cut of his head again! On national TV!
Kelly Van Rijn, Arnhem, Netherlands
When Obama goes to Germany, he will only encourage more conservatives to go the the polls on election day. They are irritated by his psuedo-moderation positions. This man is a raging Liberal. Why doesn't he just come clean and admit it.
Pat, Chicago, USA
yeah, I sure like Obama, but I'm not sure what the whole foreign touring thing is going to accomplish. he'd do better to spend the next month shaking hands in Virginia, Ohio and Florida, than london, berlin and kabul.
Johnny Aslan, Norman , OK, USA
Change for change sake is futile. Ask the millions of Americans who lose jobs because of some MBA reinventing the wheel every 6 years how much they like change. Ask the millions who will lose value in their 401k's, not to attacks on New York, but because of Obama's taxes how much they like change.
Shane, Madisonville, USA
If I remember right, when President Clinton toured Europe he had his share of protesters.
For whatever reason Europeans love Obama, that support will evaporate if he becomes President. The difference is we won't hear about it ad nauseum the way we do when Republicans are in power.
Kelly Walters, Killeen, TX, USA
Maybe its none of our business what you do to your own people, but as long as the US is arresting foreign nationals in souvereign countries and torturing them in unlawful prison camps it should concern everyone on this planet.
Liam Barker, Bedford, UK
Maybe its none of our business what you do to your own people, but as long as the US is arresting foreign nationals in souvereign countries and torturing them in unlawful prison camps it should concern everyone on this planet.
Liam Barker, Bedford, UK
It's nice to be liked. But I would rather be respected .
Jim, Tampa, Hillsborough
If the Germans like him so well, perhaps he should run for office there...
Rusty, Harvey, USA
Any contribution to the shoring up of the Atlantic Alliance is welcome. If Obama can parley his inherent charisma into increased influence among the Western European populace, all for the good. Europe is still very much a part of the USA's catalogue of vital global interests.
Bruce, San Francisco, USA
How about less symbolism and more substance, Senator? Less photo opportunities and more legislative accomplishments?
Don Brown, New York, USA
Germans telling the US to elect Obama is no different than France telling Germany to relect Hitler. Bad idea all around. Both thought Government was the answer, both were lying propagandists and both had no moral compass and aim to bankrupt their country.
Henry Ruhwiedel, Chicago, IL
Won't play well--the voters are in the U.S., not on foreign soil.
dcm, washington, dc,
Why is it people feel this overwhelming need to be "loved" by europe?
If they dont like the U.S. who cares? We have not like them for years yet the world still turns.
Some people must have self esteem problems.
Jeff, Costa MEsa,
Instead of goose stepping with the Germans, Mr. Obama needs to be talking with the troops and commanders in Afghanistan and Iraq. He's just another politician trying to get votes and this has become obvious in his recent turn to the center away from the far-left where he has historically been.
Juan, Gonzales, USA
ironic that the people that exterminated 6 million civilians have a problem with executing Murderers. Perhaps its just not a grand enough scale for them..... Im so tired of Euro trash looking down their noses at my country.
Steve P, Snohomish, USA
Obama can be a global leader who listens to other countries. Bush/McCain will pursue their flawed agenda's with out regard to other perspectives because they believe they know what's right and that it is the other perspective that needs to come in line with their view.
John, Portland, USA
I'll remember to ask myself "What would the German's think of me?" the next time I make a decision on something that does not directly affect Germany.
Tom, Worcester, USA
Once we have true energy independence from Nuclear, alternative engergy sources and drilling within our own borders the rest of the world can stand in line for American favor. Call me an Ugly American, but where would Germany or the rest of Europe, Asia etc be without the largesse of the Americans.
Jack, Plymouth, USA
Very rich for Germans to take a morally superior position waterboarding.
Heather, San Diego, US
Sorry Germany,
we in the states don't need your permission to own guns or punish capitol crimes as we see fit. We saw what the Germans did to their own people the past time they banned their citizens from owning guns.
Steve P, Snohomish, USA
Yet another clear indication that Obama should not be president! No offense to Germany or Germans in general, I love the country but the US wasn't founded on the ideal of being more like Europe, in fact it was quite the opposite.
DJH, Buda, US
IT has already started to evaporate. Obama favoured the death penalty for child rapists. The media reaction in Germany was intensely hostile. The anti Americanism across Europe will dissolve one end of the trans Atlantic bridge no matter who the President is. Obama will be floating on the waves
Chris, Galway, Ireland