Obamamania hits Germany

[harry123]

Source: Credit Writedowns

On the eve of Barack Obama's historic speech in Germany, Handelsblatt, the German equivalent of the Wall Street Journal, is reporting that American expats have a newfound pride after almost eight years of shame during the Bush presidency. The paper describes a 'euphoria' which has landed in Europe with Barack Obama

The subtext of the article is that write-in ballots from expats living abroad will come in overwhelmingly in favor of Obama although they had come in for the Republicans in the past. If one remembers the recount fiasco in Florida in 2000, this will be absolutely crucial in swing states like Florida, Ohio and Virginia to name a few.

What's more is none of this is being captured by the U.S. media in its sate by state polling. As six million Americans live abroad, 27 million in Europe alone, the potential to swing a tight election is enormous.

This has major implications for U.S. foreign and domestic policy as well as for financial markets.

Read more: http://www.creditwritedowns.com/2008/07/obamamnia-hits-germany.html

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This is a very interesting story from a leading German Newspaper that came out today. The Germans are ecstatic over Obama's visit.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. There had better be some VERY careful watching of the polling places and

the vote counting...both domestic and those sent in from out of the country.

[Diane R]

3. I guess I'm not the only one who worries about voting fraud when I see encouraging news about Obama.

We've seen two presidential elections stolen in 7 years. I KNOW they are up to dirty tricks again, and I'm worried that all the latest good news about Obama is just making them work harder to steal it again.

We can't count these chickens just yet....

[BrklynLiberal]

4. "The price of democracy is constant vigilance"

[prairierose]

23. I'm glad to see someone else worrying about the same thing...

that I am. Even though, things look good, I do not trust that they will not steal it again.

[brer cat]

2. Some real fuzzy math there:

"As six million Americans live abroad, 27 million in Europe alone..."

It is interesting. Thanks for posting. Welcome to DU!:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Typing error. Should be "2.7 million in Europe alone"

[flor de jasmim]

6. As an expat since 1991 - I agree - a tremendous weight will lift from my shoulders when he's elected

[bdamomma]

9. yup, I totally agree with you.

I will be able to breathe again.

[WhiteTara]

7. that is one strange statistic!

six million Americans live abroad, 27 million in Europe alone...

[harry123]

25. It's really 6 million but 2.7 million in Europe!

[Doctor_J]

8. The expats' votes won't be counted

OTOH, Obama is channeling JFK very nicely.

[baldguy]

10. Ich bin ein Obamamaniac!

[BlueJessamine]

11. Stage Set for Barack Obama to Take Germany by Storm

Source: Deutsche Welle, Germany

Berlin police Thursday prepared for a crowd of a million expected to turn up to hear Barack Obama’s speech. While they felt fit to fend off unfriendly behavior, German enthusiasm for the US senator kept them guessing.

Bunches of air balloons bearing the image of Barrack Obama have been pinned to the lampposts along the June 17 boulevard. The lawn in the neighboring Tiergarten park has been freshly mowed, and two giant video screens have been set up to give latecomers a chance to catch a glimpse of the political superstar.

"It was not an easy task to match our security concerns with Obama's wish for an open event where people can enjoy freedom of movement," said Berlin police spokesman Bernhard Schodrowski. Therefore, maximum security precautions are only taken within a circle of 250 meters (820 feet) around the Victory Column – the venue of Barack Obama's speech. This area is fenced off and people are not allowed to carry large bags and posters.

Police advised that spectators seeking to get close to the Democratic senator had to arrive at least three hours early. Yet, while waiting they can indulge in pizza, bratwurst and beverages in one of the two dozen fast-food stalls lining the two-mile long boulevard. There are also life performances of German pop band Reamonn and Reggea singer Patrice.


"Obama stands for a new era in politics," he said. "He is someone who can change the world."



Read more: http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3509783,00.html

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"Yes We Can! Obama 08!"

[Muttocracy]

12. I was just about to post DW's site

good video there too! :)

[radfringe]

13. watch it on c-span 3 - 1pm today n/t

http://www.c-span.org/

http://www.c-span.org/watch/cs_cspan3_wm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS3

[BlueJessamine]

15. thanks

for the heads-up!

[Muttocracy]

14. I watched a video in German comparing McCain and Obama

I don't speak a word of German, but the points of the comparison were quite clear!

[onehandle]

16. Will Obama give German Chancellor Merkel a Swedish massage?

Or just pinch her butt?

Obama Must outgaffe Bush if he really wants to be President.

[eagertolearn]

17. Translate????

[onehandle]

21. A reference to the Bush national embarrassment moment #7438...

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Bush_massages_German_Chancellor_Merkel_at_0718.html

[jjanpundt]

20. I only caught a moment or two of highlights

but Obama and Merkel looked very friendly. She patted his arm a couple of times, was very animated and seemed very comfortable with him. Obama looked terrific.

[boomerbust]

18. Security?

Maximum security precautions are only taken within a circle of 250 meters. I dont like the sound of that!

[ImpeachEmAll]

19. Obama at the Sieges Turm

Over 67% of Germans in that Deutsche Welle article would vote
for Obama for US president.  Even crazier is that a majority
of Germans would vote for Obama as Chancellor of Germany!!!
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3509783,00.html

[starroute]

22. Pizza and bratwurst?

Traditional German fast food, I guess.

[Name removed]

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