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German Chancellor Tells Obama "Nein" on Speech Location
July 09, 2008 1:46 PM
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, has sought permission to deliver an address at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany later this month, but though Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit has given his approval German Chancellor and unwitting President Bush-massage victim Angela Merkel is inclined to say "nein."
Merkel spox Thomas Steg told reporters that "it is unusual to hold election rallies abroad. No German candidate for high office would even think of using the National Mall (in Washington) or Red Square in Moscow for a rally because it would not be seen as appropriate."
Ja, wir können, indeed.
The Brandenburg Gate is where President Ronald Reagan told Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall" in 1987. Bill Clinton spoke at the Gate in 1994 declaring "Berlin is free!"
(The Gate is NOT where President John F. Kennedy in 1963 declared to the world, "ich bin ein Berliner" (which, despite urban legend, few locals likely interpreted to mean that the president was declaring himself a jelly-filled pastry), but Kennedy visited the Gate during that same German sojourn.*)
Obama spox Bill Burton says the senator "has considered several sites for a possible speech, and he will choose one that makes most sense for him and his German hosts."
- jpt
* Corrected since posting.
July 9, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (53)
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peace....you Europeans can have him. When he shows up, please keep this patronizing elitist in Europe. I think he would make a great mayor of some effete European capital.
Posted by: Teresa | Jul 10, 2008 7:16:44 PM
"It doesn't take much to be an improvement over the current WH resident."
Bush and Barky have a lot in common -- coasted through school on corporate privilege, will say anything to get elected, can't think on their feet or speak well without a script.
Posted by: Belle Starr | Jul 10, 2008 4:22:58 PM
Europe is pretty pleased with possibility of Obama as president. It doesn't take much to be an improvement over the current WH resident.
Posted by: citizen voter | Jul 10, 2008 12:46:19 PM
My greatest fear about obama is ,come jan 20th while he will be taking his oath of office,he might try to laugh or make some nasty gesture at people who didn't vote for him,thats my greated fear
Posted by: eric | Jul 9, 2008 2:54:58 PM
**************
It will be Michelle not Barack giving the finger.
Posted by: DemocratNoMore2 | Jul 9, 2008 7:40:29 PM
My greatest fear about obama is ,come jan 20th while he will be taking his loath of office,he might try to laugh or make some nasty gesture at people who didn't vote for him,thats my greated fear
Posted by: eric | Jul 9, 2008 2:54:58 PM
_________________________________________
I wouldn't worry about it....
Mccain will be acknowledging his acceptance of HIS presidency in a quiet, dignified home setting with fireplace but no cigar......
It will be a F I N E evening :-),
Barack will have jetted back to Chicago to commiserate with Jeremiah.
Posted by: EYES WIDE OPEN | Jul 9, 2008 7:00:52 PM
Earth Shattering news.
Posted by: Thinking | Jul 9, 2008 5:43:42 PM
Sen Obama already created his own seal of The United States of America. So, what is the problem for him dreaming about being like one of the historical political figures like President Kennedy or President Reagan! The smart and the intelligent people can do anything, dream anything.
Posted by: Dave | Jul 9, 2008 5:16:14 PM
spock
how about a fact...that would be nice once...
Posted by: dl | Jul 9, 2008 4:50:56 PM
I believe Mr Obama will be just on time to restore the American image so be it Mr obama is the next president destine by God almighty for a stronger America one the world will respect,Amen.
Posted by: Ronald Roy | Jul 9, 2008 4:36:00 PM
Get over it Obama - You are no Reagan, see Reagan believed in this country and was a uniter, you Obama are a Hate America groupie and a Divider!!
So stop and be truthful, Why don't you run on what you really are!! Is that because America will outright turn away from you!!
Posted by: spock | Jul 9, 2008 3:45:11 PM
SmartPrimate - I was a Hamburger for 3 months. Obama is seeking permission not demanding. If they say no so be it.
Posted by: Ben Straub | Jul 9, 2008 3:43:57 PM
brigitte - I don't know. From what I have seen the Germans are all tuned in to this election. They are pretty upset with our current foreign policy.
Posted by: Ben Straub | Jul 9, 2008 3:41:30 PM
The majority of Germans dont even know who Barack Hussein obama is.
Posted by: brigitte | Jul 9, 2008 3:37:57 PM
Steinmeier/Merkel have no final say on that issue whatsoever. It's the senate of Berlin (also a federal state).
Posted by: Pokler | Jul 9, 2008 3:37:55 PM
Freedom of speech doesn't apply when someone else is paying for the space. You are free to speak on your own dime (except in political campaigns now), but no outlet is required to give space to your opinions.
Posted by: Buford Gooch
========================================
Then why, if they are going to practice censorship, do they actively solicit comments by having a "Post a Comment" box? This is somewhat like what some would consider "entrapment". I know some think of politicians as practicing their trade in a manner similar to that of "prostitutes", but frankly, I thought journalists were not in the same class.
Yes, I realize this post will be quickly taken down, too.
Posted by: Yavo Lem | Jul 9, 2008 3:33:21 PM
Obama needs to go back to Trinity Church to deliver his speech. Rev Wright will be there to greet him!
Posted by: Independent | Jul 9, 2008 3:26:59 PM
Freedom of speech doesn't apply when someone else is paying for the space. You are free to speak on your own dime (except in political campaigns now), but no outlet is required to give space to your opinions.
Posted by: Buford Gooch | Jul 9, 2008 3:22:04 PM
They haven't gotten the word - Obama not only thinks he's got the POTUS think sewn up, he intends to be King of the World.
Posted by: HoosierSue | Jul 9, 2008 3:08:49 PM
Yavo, great point. They were already elected when they spoke. For some reason Obama thinks he's already elected. Remember his presidential seal? Lol.
Arrogance doesn't even begin to describe this clown.
Posted by: Jo
========================================
Thanks. I tried, but I guess Mr. Tapper's "Gestapo" agents didn't think it was that good, as it disappeared very quickly. And, silly me, I thought free speech was guaranteed by the US Constitution, even here on the ABC "Blog" site.
Watch how fast this one disappears. Reminds me of "Nacht und Nebel".
Posted by: Yavo Lem | Jul 9, 2008 3:05:34 PM
HEY JO
and what about pandering panda bear mccain please his pandering and flip flops just to please an audience makes someone want to vomit!!!
Posted by: ANGIE | Jul 9, 2008 3:04:02 PM
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