Rachel mentioned that Obama might NOT speak at the Brandenburg Gate?

[gateley]

What's up with that?

She said it's not certain now that he will.

[sniffa]

1. Bush threatened to massage Merkel's shoulders again

and she quickly backtracked on the idea.

I might too. :scared:

[caledesi]

22. * did tell Merkel he thought it wasn't a "good" idea. NT

[redstate_democrat]

2. I think they are just saying that for security reasons.

I hope.

[gateley]

3. David Gregory (my new person to disdain)

just read a statement from somebody saying that Obama hasn't EARNED the right.

I'm thinking, it's up to Germany to decide - not some Republican jerks in the US. Or do we think we own that, too?

:grr:

I hope you're right.

[redstate_democrat]

4. This is all JEALOUSY. Pure and simple.

They didn't have the BRAINS to come up with the idea and now they want to smash Obama for it. FUCK EM. They're just MAD that Obama is loved all around the world and these same people can't stand McBush. McCain thought going to Mexico (to talk about JOBS) and Columbia (TO SUPPORT CAFTA) was a bright idea! They are the dumbest motherfuckers on EARTH. Now they want to be mad about Obama getting all of the DESERVED attention he is getting for doing something HISTORICAL.

Obama EARNED his right to speak any damn where he pleases.

[gateley]

8. BIG TIME jealousy.

Maybe they did come up with it but ix-nayed the idea for fear nobody would show up. :evilgrin:

[depakid]

23. Wow. What an arrogant and ethnicentric thing to say.

If there's one thing Europeans are tired of, it's self-ceteredness attitudes like this.

Not everything in the world revolves around America's petty partisan politics....

[TheDonkey]

5. I think Gregory was ejaculating as he read that hit-piece

it was the most worthless piece of crap I had heard. Obama hasn't done anything historic. UMMMMMMMM LET ME THINK ABOUT THAT :wtf:

[gateley]

9. Whose statement was he reading?

He was salivating WHILE ejaculating, I swear.

[TheDonkey]

16. I just remember it was from the Washington Post editorial

it was completely random and unnecessary imo. Just an excuse to get more Obama digs in and try to "create" the news.

[tishaLA]

6. i think that was krauthammer

like we'd expect him to say otherwise?

[babylonsister]

12. Krauthammer said that, so take it with a grain of salt...

http://firedoglake.com/2008/07/18/the-irony-runneth-over/

The Irony Runneth Over
By: Jane Hamsher Friday July 18, 2008 2:23 pm


It's Hammer Time again:

Barack Obama wants to speak at the Brandenburg Gate. He figures it would be a nice backdrop. The supporting cast -- a cheering audience and a few fainting frauleins -- would be a picturesque way to bolster his foreign policy credentials.

What Obama does not seem to understand is that the Brandenburg Gate is something you earn. President Ronald Reagan earned the right to speak there because his relentless pressure had brought the Soviet empire to its knees and he was demanding its final "tear down this wall" liquidation. When President John F. Kennedy visited the Brandenburg Gate on the day of his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, he was representing a country that was prepared to go to the brink of nuclear war to defend West Berlin.

It's kind of heartwarming to see Krauthammer unpack his sense of irony from the mothballs, where it's obviously been for the past eight years. So now he discovers "backdrops."

Kinda like Rip Van Winkle waking up after a long snooze and declaring himself to be a loyal subject of King George III.

[That Is Quite Enough]

7. I thought he was gonna be speaking at the Berlin Victory Column.

Thread here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3401161

[gateley]

10. Thanks for the link. Chancellor what's-her-name is now on my list. nt

[monmouth]

13. I read that at HuffPo. That's a good spot with the Gate in the background..n/t

[kentuck]

11. He may wait until he is President...

I don't think a candidate for the Presidency has ever spoken there??

[Ichingcarpenter]

14. He will speak at the Siegessaeule (Victory Column), Berlin (map and picture)

There is really more room at this place and its in the middle of the park.




In the heart of Tiergarten, surrounded by a huge roundabout, this historical placemark (locally called "Gold-Else" due to the huge golden Statue on top) was recently the background for the Live8-concert (NOT Brandenburg Gate, which is another 1,5km down the east-bound road).

[gateley]

19. Very impressive!

And Obama will probably draw the same size crowd.

Thanks!!

[Ichingcarpenter]

20. I like the area better for security and for the possibilities of enormous

Crowds. The Brandenburg Gate is east on the map and borders the park.

[gblady]

21. this looks...

very cool...large enough to handle the crowd.

[nomaco-10]

15. How Can He Now?...

He will be accused of trying to one-up the great ronald raygun.

It's a smart move. All he has to do is move his speech to another central location in Berlin and just as many Berliners will come, probably more. He'll still give a great speech and avoid all the main stream media comparisons to the much beloved, brain addled, B rated, hollywood-rightwing created matinee idol will be left intact.

Obama has surrounded himself with the best and the brightest bunch of campaign people I've seen in years. It's genius.

[gateley]

17. And it's easier to take since it was the German Chancellor who

expressed concern about it seeming like a campaign thing.

Initially, I was afraid they'd changed venues because of all the Republican flap.

And after reading your take on it, I agree. Better this way. :)

[nomaco-10]

18. Everything they do is so well thought out, but.....

on the rare occasion they do need to capitulate or go into correct mode, they do it IMMEDIATELY with flawless descision making.

Axelrod is a political god.

[monkeybiz]

24. Merkel is a conservative who is rooting for McCain

I saw no reason for him to deny Obama the big stage.

[goletian]

25. i read that he decided against it, that it was too presumptuous.