Report: Obama To Speak At Victory Column, Not Brandenburg Gate

According to German papers, Barack Obama will speak at Berlin's Victory Column instead of the Brandenburg Gate on his trip to Germany. Bloomberg reports on the Berliner Zeitung story:

A stage will be set up at the column, a 19th-century fluted structure that lies at the opposite end of a tree-lined boulevard from the Brandenburg Gate, the newspaper said. The campaign will announce the plans for July 24 today, it said.

An appearance at the Victory Column, capped by its trademark gilded angel, will still give the Illinois senator the Brandenburg Gate as a backdrop in the distance.

...

While the Brandenburg Gate has come to symbolize Germany's division and reunification, the Victory Column celebrates Prussia's victories over Denmark, Austria and France in the late 19th century. More recently, the column and its angel were was featured in Wim Wenders's 1987 film ``Wings of Desire.''

Ben Smith references another report from the Welt Online.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed skepticism about an Obama speech about the Brandenburg Gate.

Comments

[Mike4Obama]

Europe is anxious for a new type of engagement with America and all the Republicans can do is try and shed a negative light on this. It's almost as though Republicans want the entire world to work against us at times.

[Grunty1]

Peace doesn't make their cronies money. On the other hand, war and strife do.

[lovethesinner]

The whole world is tired of old white men making money on guns and oil.

[NYRalf]

Its not just the Repubs that are hating, the rabid Hilldroids are out in force against this too.

[CtJean]

Will the hilldroids ever go away? I hope there is enough security at the inaugaration to keep them from throwing themselves to the ground and knashing about.

[Grunty1]

There really isn't much of a difference between the two groups.

[Modok]

ouch! Hope I never get Hillroids!

[nica24]

I really resent the fact that you had to take this opportunity to yet again try to push away those of us that supported Hillary. A lot of us love Barack. It was never about my not supporting Barack, I was just afraid it was going to be treated like it was too soon. And I was right, but regardless, Barack proves every day he is more than ready. He forgives us for not immediately supporting him, so why can't you? I am whole-heartedly a supporter, I send in my donation each month, and I have bought T-shirts etc for my whole family (lots of Obama Mamas around my house). So why not stop calling names and work together to get our man in the Oval.

[PAposter]

Fortunately for us, they are not as narrow mined as some Americans, they are not falling for the negative hype. They know exactly what it like trying to work with a dufus.

[oscartucker]

I think it is fitting for Obama to speak at the VICTORY column and that an angel will be overhead. All will be well. Those who mean things for bad will find out that they just helped to make it very good.

[gotovt]

Barack can give his speech in Beer Hall, and it will be just as a strong of a speech.

[MsLiz]

I hear the beer is pretty strong too.

[Alexandro]

looks like George got his way when he "asked" Angela to not give in and allow Barack to have his speech in front of the Brandenburg Gate.....

[EuroRant1]

No sorry, the fact is: this was the decision and responsibility of the Mayor of Berlin not Chancellor Merkel. Though it is known that the White House was putting extra heavy pressure from the background ... in the end ... they lost.

Obama & Angie: 1
George & McSame: 0

[VOTER]

Can't you keep up with the FACTS?

Stop watching Fixed Fox and Save yourself.

[vallon]

It looks like Incurious George will have to get on the Bat Phone again and whine to Chancellor Merkel about this...

[Tom95134]

He can threaten her with another shoulder rub since she appeared to enjoy the first one so much.

[mistlesuede]

Merkel is a right wing tool.

[LeftLeanWing]

With a tense and stressed back.