German Chancellor Skeptical Of Obama Speech Plan

BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel has signaled unease over the prospect of a possible speech by Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama at Berlin's historic Brandenburg Gate, a spokesman said Wednesday.

Merkel has "only limited understanding for using the Brandenburg Gate as an election campaign backdrop, as it were, and has expressed skepticism about pursuing such plans," Thomas Steg, a spokesman for the chancellor, told reporters.

However, Steg stressed that the chancellor is "very happy" for Obama to visit Germany and meet her and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Berlin city officials said this week that members of the Democratic candidate's campaign had contacted them about what permission and security issues would need to be resolved before Obama could speak in front of the monument.

The Obama campaign has refused to provide specifics on his plans during an upcoming visit to Europe and the Middle East, including the candidate's interest in a possible event at the Brandenburg Gate.

"Senator Obama looks forward to his visit to Germany and his opportunity to meet with the chancellor," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said. "He has considered several sites for a possible speech, and he will choose one that makes most sense for him and his German hosts."

The gate stood for 28 years behind the Berlin Wall in communist East Germany's heavily fortified border zone. Probably the capital's best-known monument, it was once a symbol of Germany's Cold War division and now stands for its reunification.

Steg noted that the Brandenburg Gate has become "a place with a particular exclusivity, intensity and symbolism" in view of past speeches by sitting U.S. presidents and events such as a large rally in solidarity with the United States after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

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As a result, he said Merkel has voiced "great skepticism as to whether it is appropriate to bring an election campaign being fought not in Germany but in the United States to the Brandenburg Gate."

Steg said that "no German (chancellor) candidate would think of using (Washington's) National Mall or Red Square in Moscow for rallies, because it would be considered inappropriate."

He stressed that giving permission to use the venue is a matter not for Merkel's government, but for Berlin city authorities. Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit said Tuesday that he would be "delighted" for Obama to appear at the Brandenburg Gate or elsewhere.

In a famous 1987 speech that used the gate as a backdrop, President Reagan urged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "open this gate" and "tear down this wall."

In 1994, four years after German reunification, President Clinton spoke on the other, formerly eastern, side of the gate _ declaring that "Berlin is free."

Organizers of Obama's campaign have said he is planning two foreign trips this summer, including stops in the Middle East and major European capitals, in an effort to boost his foreign policy credentials as he prepares for the November election against Republican John McCain.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Jens Ploetner said there had been contacts with the German Embassy in Washington regarding Obama's trip. He said that, while German officials suggested that he could visit landmarks such as Berlin's Holocaust Memorial, the Cold War-era Checkpoint Charlie border crossing and the Brandenburg Gate, they had made no recommendations on any venue for a possible Obama speech.

Comments

[Viper]

Only 20% of Amercians know of the gate and could care about it. You have their vote already... Speches in front of closed down plants in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio would be much more meaningful and get more votes..

Regards

[jeanrenoir]

What a silly comment! Obviously, as a presidential candidate, it's appropriate for Obama to interact with the world. He has, and will, give plenty of speeches to American workers in the rust belt, too. Obviously, he'll do both. What's so bad about Obama showing the world, and Americans, how hugely popular he is abroad? Most Americans are disgusted with the Bush Administration for trashing America's standing with the world at large, and most Americans would therefore welcome a presidential candidate capable of turning that situation around overnight, as Obama can and will. Americans were delighted to see Berliners cheer for JFK and Reagan; fair-minded Americans will be equally happy to see Berliners cheer for Obama. Who cares about the American right-wing nuts who will be embittered by the massive contrast between the way the world regards the imbecile they voted into office twice versus the huge approval garnered by Obama worldwide. Bush was a complete failure as president, in foreign policy even more than domestically. Democrats, independents, and the world are all well aware of this, and look forward to an Obama administration to correct the stupid international errors of Bush and Co.

[Viper]

This is an election about America's problems...we have a few. No problem with the trip, but it needs to be short and lower profile...

People worried about losing their houses, their job and feeding their familes... dont need to see lavish cites and 18 course meals.

Its the economy stupid. Solving our energy, jobs and credit/housing/healthcare problems needs to where the attention is paid.

Regards

[pupbayer]

But actually addressing our problems is not glitzy. It's not fun. There's no adulation or drama in that. Come on. The guy needs his ego fix!

[chlllfactor]

And you need to put a tin hat on yours.

[rosal]

Must be sad to live a boring life. What you call ego is confidence, self-assurance. Sorry you don't know what that is

[Hopalongpoppyseed]

This is an election about America's problems...

Viper, You are right that this is an election about America's problems and one of our problems is that Bush and the neocons have destroyed the good will that we once enjoyed abroad. Obama's visits will signal that America will again show respect for our historic friends. Surely, many Americans who are worried about our problems at home have noticed our loss of prestige abroad. Let us return to the brotherhood of nations.

[christieZ]

He's not going to speak at the Brandenburg Gate. HuffPo is reporting on nonsense.

[PumaAnn]

*blink*.....you think the German chancellor was lying? Lordy

[rayonfog]

Hast du einen Vogel? Lavish cities? 18-course meals? You've obviously never been to Berlin.

[lokywoky]

This is an election for the leader of the world. In case you haven't noticed, what the President of the US does affects everyone on the planet - whether you like it or not. It's not about us playing cops and robbers (or imperialist warmongers take your choice).

People all over the world are watching to see if we go for more of the same (McSame) or for some kind of change. It DOES make a difference to them who our President is.

Our trade policies, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Osama bin Laden, Iran, Israel and the Palestinians, etc, all this stuff is important too, and the new President WILL have to deal with it all.

[bascombe]

she's right. Obama is prancing in Head of state territory.
If I were her I'd ask my state department to respectfully decline the option of speaking from that venue.
it is presumptuous and arrogant for Obama to plan that.

[chlllfactor]

A Bush supporter here? Merkel and the mayor of Berlin are from different political parties - this is a game between the two of them plus Bush excerted his own pressure - Obama will set the kind of reception in Europe that Bush wished he had had and Bush does not want to see himself trumped. And you can bet your a$$ - Merkel will want to be seen with Obama. Get real! .

[HermioneGranger]

Absofuckinglutely

[rosal]

Just because McLame goes to other countries and nobody hears about it, and when he is in this country he cannot fill a room the size of my living room, is no reason for you to be so bitter. If you consider McPlain "electrifying" it does not mean everybody does

[sherbug]

Yes, as the article says "the prospect of a possible speech". That's as absolute as you can get.

[JessWonderin]

After his sell out on FISA, maybe Obam should look to speaking somewhere in OLD EAST BERLIN, where they would appreciate a political sell out of rights for the "Betterment of the State" . . . Treptower Park the former 1950 "showpiece" of East Germany may be available . . .

[HermioneGranger]

The Brandenburg Gate is in the old East Berlin.

[polaris12]

Obama's campaign people are just knuckleheads if they have him speak in front of the Brandenburg Gate; it's very unfortunate symbolism. It's regrettable that his campaign has so little understanding of history. Merkel is right and Obama's people are wrong.

[SouthFloridaDem]

Huh? The gate symbolized division, and Obama works to heal divisions. Not just here, but this country has separated itself from the global community and that division needs healing, too. So I see no problem with this, and certainly wouldn't call the campaign people "knuckleheads" for this choice.

[chlllfactor]

Forgive some of these bloggers - they think out of their back end, not with their brains.

[christieZ]

Obama's people? The story doesn't even say that his "people" proposed speaking at the Bradenburg Gate. The story is so poorly written that it implies that Obama is thinking of speaking at this place, without even saying that he's thinking about it. Someone basically asked the German Chancellor about the prospect of Obama speaking there and they gave their answer. Now, HuffPo is trying to make it into a story. There's no story. But, I see that doesn't bother you.

[SemperVeritas]

Who the hell writes headlines for HuffPo'?

An out-of-work writer for Fux News or National Enquirer, perhaps?

Where in the text of this post do you see "IRE"???

Tone it down, already. Your readers don't require hyperbole in order
to become engaged with your content.

[genseric13]

Semper, you may not be versed in diplomacy. She was obviously indicating that she didn't like the idea. Believe me, behind closed doors, she was saying some good cuss words in German. The idea of this novice going to the gates of the legendary Reich is beyond presumptuous. I could maybe see it after he wins the presidency in a few years. He needs to concentrate on us humble Americans. I see another grandiose presidency in the works.

[catoutofthebag]

Aw come on! Since when is voicing skepticism the same as panning?

[chlllfactor]

Senator Obama also needs to repair the international damage Bush and company have so severley inflicted on our country. He is going to try and do this during his trip abroad. it does not take too many smarts to figure out that a head start now will help this country in the end.

This whole jibberish about where and when he speaks is just that - jibberish. He was invited to speak as was John McCain. However, I cannot imagine McCain following Obama anywhere - McCain would be humilitated. If the mayor of Berlin wants him to speak at the Bradenberg Gate - what business is it of anyone else's but Germanys'? The people there are crazy about Obama and show him a great deal more respect than many people on this blog.

[HermioneGranger]

The Brandenburg Gate is an old city gate in the tradition of medieval gates.

[sciabattoni]

agreed... huffpo headlines are becoming NYPOST-ified.
I feel like I'm losing yet another source for news that doesn't hype.
I expect it from the opinion pieces, but not the "news" pieces.

[AggieReal]

Yes.. But I'm still upset that the NYPost pulled its punches the day after Hillary refused to give the concession speech that was called for.. the headline was obvious at the time:

SORE LOSER!!

Yet they never ran it.. Go figure...

[Hopalongpoppyseed]

the headlines are written to garner hits.

[christieZ]

HuffPo is just like Faux News and the AP. Their headlines are outrageous, their stories are overblown and presumptive. It's like a team of 10th graders running the school paper. Great bloggers, horrible staff writers.

[RJKruger]

Merkel is an extreme conservative. That said, she welcomes Barack Obama to the capital city. What is more important, is the mayor of Berlin, whose prerogative it is to approve venues, said he would be "delighted" to have Obama speak at the Brandenburg Gate--or elsewhere. At least Obama isn't going to the Rathouse in Schoeneberg where Kennedy gave his "Berliner" speech, eh? (Rathouse, by the way, is analogous to a city hall in a district.) I take exception to this article's headline. From reading the story, I got Merkel was "puzzled" by the request, and, perhaps, questioned its appropriateness (because Obama is a candidate, not a sitting president). She, according to the story, didn't seem to express ire. Another tempest in a teapot. It's getting rather tiring.
RJ Kruger
Bakersfield, Calif.

[Fritzchen]

It indeed is all about appropriateness. The fact that Merkel is from the conservative CDU is of little consequence in this case, as the mainstream CDU, if transplanted into the US, would still be part of the Democratic Party. Things are *different* over here. McCain's political program is nowhere near mainstream German Politik. I can fully understand Merkel's being cautious not to treat Obama as a sitting president.

It is "Rathaus", btw. :-)

"Another tempest in a teapot. It's getting rather tiring."

Well, it's quite a tempest over here. Though, maybe Germany _is_ a teapot in comparison.

[HermioneGranger]

Rathaus Schoeneberg was the seat of the Western Berlin government after 1945, that's the reason Kennedy spoke there. Meanwhile, the city has been reunited, so the city government has moved to its original 19th century Rathaus. So, speeches at Rathaus Schoenberg are somewhat out of fashion.

Merkel is Christian Democrat, her party is closer to the Republicans, the mayor of Berlin — who is openly gay and proud of it, by the way — is a Social Democrat. Hence the differences.

[JackND]

""Steg said that "no German (chancellor) candidate would think of using (Washington's) National Mall or Red Square in Moscow for rallies, because it would be considered inappropriate.""

True, but Germany isn't a superpower. And America never had an Iron Curtain running through it.

And if not for the Marshall Plan, Europe wouldn't be in the position it is in now...a prosperous economic union now squabbling about the petty nationalist issues of political union.

[triplbee]

In fact the US did have an Iron Curtain running through it for most of its history----the Mason-Dixon line.

[gopSTEALSyourTAXmoney]

The new 'Iron Curtain' is being built along the states that border Mexico.

Could anyone imagine an 'Iron Curtain' being built through South Africa?

[Fritzchen]

It is not about not allowing an American political figure to speak there (it has been done before). It is about appearing to intervene in a US election by allowing a presidential candidate (for whom there is a considerable bias in Germany) to speak at a place where only sitting presidents have spoken before (in important moments of history) and thereby appearing to give legitimacy to that candidate's claim of a place in some sort of line of succession. If I were Merkel I'd feel a bit queasy at the thought, too.

BTW: If you think us to be so marginal, why would you want us to have a say in your election by playing 'European Campaign team on the ground' for Obama?

[HermioneGranger]

If it hadn't been for the Marshall Plan, America would have gone bankrupt as well. Who would your trading partner have been after 1945, the Soviet Union? China?

[TommyHollis]

Just make a speech and use process background.
Like Hitchcock might do it if he didn't want the expense of the location.
Be about as honest as the rest of his speeches.

[sf94127]

This shows O is ver big on appearances, style over substance. Is he going to quote passages from JFK's "Eich bin ein Berliner" speech.

[omaro]

Maybe, but if he does, he'll probably make sure he uses correct German, "Ich bin Berliner," although of course the Germans understood what Kennedy meant to say.

[chlllfactor]

speaking of plagarizing...."Don't Hope For A Better Life; Vote For One"
That's McCain's new slogan. It's directly plagiarized from an early Tory party ad in the 1970s created by Saatchi and Saatchi for Margaret Thatcher.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/07/dont-hope-for-1.html

[Fritzchen]

He said "Ich bin ein Berliner." Apart from his accent that is perfect German. I believe he asked Willy Brandt (then Mayor of Berlin, later German Chancellor) what the correct German phrase was before he held the speech.

"Berliner" btw is also the name of the German version of a doughnut (though I think it rather is the other way round, but you know what I mean).

[tristanrose]

looks like Obama is 'plagiarizing' again. audacity of hope from rev wright, his speeches are from MLK, RFK. now he wants to give a speech a la JFK. does Obama have new ideas himself and not copied?
i am so afraid this man will be president. he does not have his own convictions; he does whatever is expediently good for him. when he becomes president, will he throw us (americans) under the bus?

[MrKINOKO]

Then might I suggest you prepare your big move to New Zealand now? I am "so afraid" that YOUR man Hanoi John will somehow slide into the WhiteHouse that I've already applied for Icelandic citizenship....just in case he somehow steals the nomination.

[Hopalongpoppyseed]

Dear sf94127, Take a German class.

[coldcanuckinwhite]

Would love to hear some comments about this from some Germans, HELLO, WHERE ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

[Moka11]

I have many friends in Germany and Italy and they email me constantly about how excited and fascinated everyone in Germany is. They have followed the primaries and present race with more interest than some Americans. Obama is the talk of most of Europe in the most hopeful way..

[Fritzchen]

Hier! As I've already written elsewhere it really is a question of appropriateness, especially in the light of an obvious Obama bias in Germany. Merkel just does not want to mess with your elections. And that's what she'd do, if she let Obama use one of the most symbolic places in Germany. She would let him claim a place in a line of the sitting presidents who spoke there in times of utmost historical consequence.

[HermioneGranger]

Yes. She's afraid if McCain wins, she's in trouble.

[Steeevyo]

From a german persepective:

Merkel is right and should be awarded an honorary seat on Obamas campaign team.
These people would have let him run into an open knife. He can play president on his trip but going to the Brandenburg Gate will appear arrogant and pretentious, even though its not intended to be.

The SPD Germanys social democrats of course are delighted, because they dream about using Obama to heal their Bush-esque rating in the polls. He shouldnt fall for that trap.

Anyway. Great that he shows up.

He could walk through the gate turn left past the U.S. embassy and hold his speech in front of the Dunkin Donuts which they just opened recently right next to the Holocaust Memorial.
That would serve as a bridge to the american electorate at home.

[goodog]

Given that Republican's made it clear they don't give a flip about "old Europe," Merkel should show some self-respect and stop carrying water for Back-rubs McBush.

[majorteddy]

Achtung, Merkel.

[brigadere]

I am an Obama supporter but lately I feel that his campaign managers have turned into a speech machine gone wild. What is the deal? Stadiums, gates, special shields, what's next? Should we just place him on the White House lawn and see what happen.

Until he's president Obama needs to cut down on all of the high profile grandstanding and keep his eyes on winning the prize. We are trying to get rid of one arrogant president we don't need hints of another.

Thank you

[elan4444]

Thank you.

[Melissa]

I agree. This is getting to be a sideshow. Also, the comparison to Kennedy is almost funny!

[bascombe]

and thank you.

[ericsf7]

Here, here!

[tristanrose]

you nailed it, thank you.

[BPCentrisAmerican]

As the Cold War was coming to an end Mikhail Gorbachev came to NYC and huge crowds lined the parade route, cheering him on. Mr. Gorbachev left the safety of his car and started shaking spectators hands, which drove the Secret Service and his own security people nuts I’m sure, not to mention the NYC Police Dept. I’m sure that this is on Chancellor Merkel’s mind. A German problem not so much, my wife just returned from a Frankfurt, and Obama enjoyed huge support from every German she spoke to, which isn’t difficult because many German’s speck English. Many want to see a new fresh young American president with a brain and doesn’t sing bomb, bomb, bomb Iran to his fringe base. Their fuel prices are killing them two, but at least their universal health care and great transit system helps offset that cost. Germany has also made a big commitment to solar panels on every building and home in the country, not to mention fuel cell cars. Conservatives love to call Germany a well-fare state, beats the me, myself and I state, hands down.

PS. The direct US exports to Iran under Bush increased 100 fold, so much for sanctions. McCain made another stupid joke about that today also.

[soapington]

Thank you for making that last point, BPC - we export many things more lethal than cigarettes to Iran.

[GLaB]

Mikhail Gorbachev was a Head-Of-State.

Obama is a Candidate.

There is a major distinction.

[MyTake]

Excellent point you made on the Gorbachev reference.

[HermioneGranger]

Yes. I think Merkel would love to be seen with Obama, however, she wants to signal to her Republican friends that she didn't invite him, as to not be seen as partisan. That's all.

[tyrdofwaitin]

WHERE'S THE BEEF? Oh, Angela I guess. (oops, sorry, couldn't resist)