| 15.07.2008 |
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| Did the Bush administration pressure the German government to prevent a speech by Barack Obama at historic Brandenburg Gate? This rumor has been floating around for a while now, so here's my quick take on it. While there has been a lot of speculation about the White House strong-arming the Chancellory, both the German government and the Bush administration have said there wasn't any pressure by the White House. I tend to believe them. First, because aside from a comment by Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt that was disputed later by his office, there is no evidence to prove it. Second, what kind of pressure could an outgoing and highly unpopular American administration put on the German government to not allow an Obama speech at Brandenburg Gate? Cut diplomatic ties to Berlin? Impose trade sanctions? I don't think so. And third, I think the White House has a few more pressing issues (i.e., the U.S. economy, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran) on the table than a possible Obama speech at Brandenburg Gate. That is not to say that the Bush administration is necessarily happy about the coverage and treatment the Democratic presidential candidate gets in Germany. And perhaps some American official mentioned this to his German counterpart, which then the media picked up on and that's why we talk about it now. |
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| 5 Comments |
| Knigge Do you work for Fox News by chance. You seem to be mistaking the Republican Party of America with the Republikaner of Germany. |
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| Ferris J. Anderson, Jr. | Homepage | E-Mail | 25.07.2008, 00:45 | ||
| Don't know if the Administration politicked against such an appearance. However, I think it would backfire on Mr. Obama. I say that as an Obama supporter. An appearance at the Brandenburg Gate would be viewed by many here in the US as a cheap publicity stunt. Now if he were to be elected President, then an appearance to Germans and Germany at a high-profile location would be fine, and he would look like an up-and-coming statesman, because he would have the dignity of office to go with the appearance. To be sure, I think it will help Mr. Obama to be seen as popular in Europe. I think many Americans are chagrined to have witnessed our fall in international esteem, and would like to see that change. So a successful European appearance will not hurt Mr. Obama--it will help him, because it will imprint on peoples' minds that this guy can play in the big leagues. They will be able to visualize him as President. But Brandenburg Gate overdoes it--a different venue is in order. |
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| Wiley Horne --USA | Homepage | E-Mail | 16.07.2008, 22:08 | ||
| I dont think the Bushies even had Brandenburg gate on their map. Of course, you never know, that is one paranoid and way nudgy white house and somebody may have gotten jealous over it. They cant understand why a White Nation despises their Jesus Boy. I think Kanzerlin Mightyness thought it was a peculiar idea, becoz no Americans asked her to speak at the National Mall or invited her to Central Park. It prolly comes down to old fashioned jealousy. Of course now that she stood up to the Phenom Bamba, she may get a following of white Americans eager to hear her speak. Her chubbiness might become a folk American hero after all. Why doesnt she join the McCain campaign officially. That would be quite alright with us. He can appoint her Secretary of State. She would prolly be an improvement on whoever else he had in mind. Bye bye |
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| MinnieB9 | Homepage | E-Mail | 16.07.2008, 05:44 | ||
| It is not clear that keeping its party in office is less important to the Bush administration than any of the issues named. And while it may not be able to threaten trade sanctions, it doubtless believes that it has many other means of persuasion. As for denying that pressure was applied, well, I don't think that telling the truth would be among its priorities either. | ||
| Ambrogio | Homepage | E-Mail | 16.07.2008, 03:18 | ||
| Well, after all Germany is still a occupied country ie" American, French and British troops still there in large numbers 62 years after the "war" so its no surprise that Washington said no go at the Gate and the good puppy dog BRD said no to Obama. Its ashamed that Berlin still can't find the guts to actually be a force in this world. | ||
| Ernst Stetz | Homepage | E-Mail | 15.07.2008, 18:29 | ||