German Chancellor Tells Obama “Nein” on Speech Location
EmailSen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, has sought permission to deliver an address at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany later this month, but though Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit has given his approval German Chancellor and unwitting President Bush-massage victim Angela Merkel is inclined to say "nein."
Merkel spox Thomas Steg told reporters that "it is unusual to hold election rallies abroad. No German candidate for high office would even think of using the National Mall (in Washington) or Red Square in Moscow for a rally because it would not be seen as appropriate."
Ja, wir können, indeed.
The Brandenburg Gate is where President Ronald Reagan told Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down this wall" in 1987. Bill Clinton spoke at the Gate in 1994 declaring "Berlin is free!"
(The Gate is NOT where President John F. Kennedy in 1963 declared to the world, "ich bin ein Berliner" (which, despite urban legend, few locals likely interpreted to mean that the president was declaring himself a jelly-filled pastry), but Kennedy visited the Gate during that same German sojourn.*)
Obama spox Bill Burton says the senator "has considered several sites for a possible speech, and he will choose one that makes most sense for him and his German hosts."
- jpt
* Corrected since posting.
Mitt Romney's Full Speech at CPAC 2012 
Romney Makes His Case to Conservatives at CPAC
Oh mine! This Baracky of a guy has carried his pomposity abroad. Thanks Merkel for saying nein.
Posted by: nij | July 9, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
The comment “ich bin ein Berliner” literally translates to “I am a jelly-filled doughnut”. That is to say most Germans were smart enough to understand that JFK was trying to be symbolic by calling himself a “Berliner”. He should have said “ich bin Berliner” and left out the “ein”.
Posted by: matt w. | July 9, 2008, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
what the heck this empty suit thinks.
Germans are not idiots like Americans to go with empty suit.
Posted by: randy | July 9, 2008, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
I’m not comfortable with Obama making a speech at the Brandenburg Gate. I’m also not comfortable with him making his convention speech in a huge football stadium to the cheering masses. It’s all a little too Wagnerian for my taste. He even has a youth organizing project called the Joshua Generation. This is all a bit unsettling to those of us who may have studied the 1930s.
Posted by: hopesprings52 | July 9, 2008, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
really he said nein?
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.
Posted by: bhrandon | July 9, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
SO WHAT!!!
and McCain skipped another vote today on FISA. Let’s see how you clean this up in his favor ABC
Against Barack Channel
Posted by: watching | July 9, 2008, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
More people have better sense each day.
Posted by: skinny dog | July 9, 2008, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
hmm…no comment when McCain gave speech at wailing wall in Israel
Posted by: hmmmm | July 9, 2008, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
History teaches us to be wary of an attempt to use stirring, mesmerizing oratory to whip up the masses, especially the young to carry out a bold new agenda. People are most susceptible to this when their government has failed them and they live in desperate times, and thirst for
major changes. The desperation is far more real and tangible now than it was when JFK was elected for instance. It’s tremendously seductive and starts with a program of long overdue action on major issues. The problem is that it can end with the government becoming an out-of-control vehicle for one man or clique’s interests. I think we just have to watch carefully and not “get carried away”.
Posted by: hopesprings52 | July 9, 2008, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
Thank you, chancellor Merkel.
I see a lot of similarities between Hugo Chavez and Barack Obama. They both come with an ego agenda, with little experience in governance, they both say they can -heal the sick and raise the dead-, they both incite large crowds that don’t not really know what they are so excited about except to say -Hugo puede-, -Obama can-. Seems like cases of delusion of grandeur, megalomania, arrogance beyond belief…
Posted by: 57 states and 1 to go | July 9, 2008, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
We are anxiously waiting for him in Europe. Even if he stands on top of the tree, we will listen to him. The man is exceptional!!!
Posted by: Peace | July 9, 2008, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Look at the scary TWP. The cynical ones, that is.
Posted by: Nat Turner | July 9, 2008, 2:29 pm 2:29 pm
Obama has a 90% approval rating in Germany. McCain? Less than 20%. The Chancellor hasn’t even said no yet, and ABC News is declaringt hat she has said so. ABC News has really got a bug up their butts for Obama. Seriously, these guys are worse than Fox News.
Posted by: Kevin | July 9, 2008, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
Obama better get use to the word “Nein” (no)….it’ll be what Americans tell him this November.
Posted by: Jo | July 9, 2008, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
This is how it works:
CYNICS continue to whine……..
OBAMA continues to WIN
More crow?
Posted by: Nat Turner | July 9, 2008, 2:31 pm 2:31 pm
If Obama has a 90% approval rating in Germany, then let him move there and run for president.
He won’t win here.
Posted by: Jo | July 9, 2008, 2:32 pm 2:32 pm
By the way, who in world does poll ratings overseas of presidential candidates in America?!! And more than that, who in the world CARES what their ratings are in other countries? Oh wait, I already know the answer to that.
LOL.
Posted by: Jo | July 9, 2008, 2:33 pm 2:33 pm
With God all things are possible,no powerful man or woman can stop obama,Remember herod ?Pharoah?even hitler,,,,,,,,they are tried God for size, we all know the how they all failed,God is on Obama’s side,dare not the annointed !!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Adams | July 9, 2008, 2:35 pm 2:35 pm
i have yet to hear obama say he can heal the sick and raise the dead
although i heard that someone named jesus claimed he could do that
Posted by: bhrandon | July 9, 2008, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
There is no place for Left Radicals in Germany
Posted by: bhrandon | July 9, 2008, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
This is how it works:
CYNICS continue to whine……..
OBAMA continues to WIN
More crow with all the fixins?
SEE YOU AT THE INAUGURATION SWEETIES!
OBAMA 08
Posted by: Nat Turner | July 9, 2008, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
English =no Chinese=puhow Japanese=da-may,Nigerian=mba In Rwanda (Africa) ubama means no.
Posted by: kevin kimberly kevin (jr) | July 9, 2008, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
NAT TUNER
im with you all the way!!!!!
Posted by: ANGIE | July 9, 2008, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
Obama is a person with a message and a person destined to be a world leader and Angela cannot stop that. Let the German people decide.
Posted by: gjkotw01 | July 9, 2008, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
What makes Obama think the Germans want him over there? And having a campaign rally..??? I am happy that the Germans said “nein” Obama is an arrogant, self serving regular “politics as usual” politician. There is no change here. He is just an idiot. His air of superiority disgusts me. He will NEVER EVER EVER get my vote.
Posted by: MJL | July 9, 2008, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Yes, we’ll see you at the inauguration when President McCain is sworn in.
Poor Obama – his little overly choreographed event was given the nein.
Love it!
P.S. Yes, Obama has a message. It goes like this: “I’ll say whatever I need to say to get elected.”
Wow, how unusual!
Posted by: Jo | July 9, 2008, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
My greatest fear about obama is ,come jan 20th while he will be taking his oath of office,he might try to laugh or make some nasty gesture at people who didn’t vote for him,thats my greated fear
Posted by: eric | July 9, 2008, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
Yavo, great point. They were already elected when they spoke. For some reason Obama thinks he’s already elected. Remember his presidential seal? Lol.
Arrogance doesn’t even begin to describe this clown.
Posted by: Jo | July 9, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
JFK gave his speech in front of Rathaus Schöneberg (city hall for one of the districts of Berlin), a square now known as JFK-Platz. That square was in West Berlin and not near the wall. He visited the Brandenburg Gate later. It’s really the difference between DC city hall, which no one outside the city would be able to find, and the Washington Monument or Lincoln Memorial.
****
JAKE’S NOTE: Since corrected. Thanks, Debbie.
Posted by: Debbie | July 9, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
Eric, you don’t have to fear that. Obama will never make it that far. Rest easy.
Posted by: Jo | July 9, 2008, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
Obama has lost his magic. He’s fast becoming another ordinary polician. An ordinary politician with no real experience. He’s done.
Posted by: BB | July 9, 2008, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Obama: A show-man and nothing more!
Posted by: Soetoro No! | July 9, 2008, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
“Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy!”
- Concerned
Posted by: Concerned | July 9, 2008, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
HEY JO
and what about pandering panda bear mccain please his pandering and flip flops just to please an audience makes someone want to vomit!!!
Posted by: ANGIE | July 9, 2008, 3:04 pm 3:04 pm
Yavo, great point. They were already elected when they spoke. For some reason Obama thinks he’s already elected. Remember his presidential seal? Lol.
Arrogance doesn’t even begin to describe this clown.
Posted by: Jo
========================================
Thanks. I tried, but I guess Mr. Tapper’s “Gestapo” agents didn’t think it was that good, as it disappeared very quickly. And, silly me, I thought free speech was guaranteed by the US Constitution, even here on the ABC “Blog” site.
Watch how fast this one disappears. Reminds me of “Nacht und Nebel”.
Posted by: Yavo Lem | July 9, 2008, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
They haven’t gotten the word – Obama not only thinks he’s got the POTUS think sewn up, he intends to be King of the World.
Posted by: HoosierSue | July 9, 2008, 3:08 pm 3:08 pm
Freedom of speech doesn’t apply when someone else is paying for the space. You are free to speak on your own dime (except in political campaigns now), but no outlet is required to give space to your opinions.
Posted by: Buford Gooch | July 9, 2008, 3:22 pm 3:22 pm
Obama needs to go back to Trinity Church to deliver his speech. Rev Wright will be there to greet him!
Posted by: Independent | July 9, 2008, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
Freedom of speech doesn’t apply when someone else is paying for the space. You are free to speak on your own dime (except in political campaigns now), but no outlet is required to give space to your opinions.
Posted by: Buford Gooch
========================================
Then why, if they are going to practice censorship, do they actively solicit comments by having a “Post a Comment” box? This is somewhat like what some would consider “entrapment”. I know some think of politicians as practicing their trade in a manner similar to that of “prostitutes”, but frankly, I thought journalists were not in the same class.
Yes, I realize this post will be quickly taken down, too.
Posted by: Yavo Lem | July 9, 2008, 3:33 pm 3:33 pm
Steinmeier/Merkel have no final say on that issue whatsoever. It’s the senate of Berlin (also a federal state).
Posted by: Pokler | July 9, 2008, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
The majority of Germans dont even know who Barack Hussein obama is.
Posted by: brigitte | July 9, 2008, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
brigitte – I don’t know. From what I have seen the Germans are all tuned in to this election. They are pretty upset with our current foreign policy.
Posted by: Ben Straub | July 9, 2008, 3:41 pm 3:41 pm
SmartPrimate – I was a Hamburger for 3 months. Obama is seeking permission not demanding. If they say no so be it.
Posted by: Ben Straub | July 9, 2008, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
Get over it Obama – You are no Reagan, see Reagan believed in this country and was a uniter, you Obama are a Hate America groupie and a Divider!!
So stop and be truthful, Why don’t you run on what you really are!! Is that because America will outright turn away from you!!
Posted by: spock | July 9, 2008, 3:45 pm 3:45 pm
I believe Mr Obama will be just on time to restore the American image so be it Mr obama is the next president destine by God almighty for a stronger America one the world will respect,Amen.
Posted by: Ronald Roy | July 9, 2008, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
spock
how about a fact…that would be nice once…
Posted by: dl | July 9, 2008, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
Sen Obama already created his own seal of The United States of America. So, what is the problem for him dreaming about being like one of the historical political figures like President Kennedy or President Reagan! The smart and the intelligent people can do anything, dream anything.
Posted by: Dave | July 9, 2008, 5:16 pm 5:16 pm
Earth Shattering news.
Posted by: Thinking | July 9, 2008, 5:43 pm 5:43 pm
My greatest fear about obama is ,come jan 20th while he will be taking his loath of office,he might try to laugh or make some nasty gesture at people who didn’t vote for him,thats my greated fear
Posted by: eric | Jul 9, 2008 2:54:58 PM
_________________________________________
I wouldn’t worry about it….
Mccain will be acknowledging his acceptance of HIS presidency in a quiet, dignified home setting with fireplace but no cigar……
It will be a F I N E evening :-),
Barack will have jetted back to Chicago to commiserate with Jeremiah.
Posted by: EYES WIDE OPEN | July 9, 2008, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
My greatest fear about obama is ,come jan 20th while he will be taking his oath of office,he might try to laugh or make some nasty gesture at people who didn’t vote for him,thats my greated fear
Posted by: eric | Jul 9, 2008 2:54:58 PM
**************
It will be Michelle not Barack giving the finger.
Posted by: DemocratNoMore2 | July 9, 2008, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
Europe is pretty pleased with possibility of Obama as president. It doesn’t take much to be an improvement over the current WH resident.
Posted by: citizen voter | July 10, 2008, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
“It doesn’t take much to be an improvement over the current WH resident.”
Bush and Barky have a lot in common — coasted through school on corporate privilege, will say anything to get elected, can’t think on their feet or speak well without a script.
Posted by: Belle Starr | July 10, 2008, 4:22 pm 4:22 pm
peace….you Europeans can have him. When he shows up, please keep this patronizing elitist in Europe. I think he would make a great mayor of some effete European capital.
Posted by: Teresa | July 10, 2008, 7:16 pm 7:16 pm