Germany's Angela Merkel sets some ground rules for Barack Obama

Perhaps Barack Obama and his logistical crew would be well advised to go to Plan B as they plot a possible speech by him in Berlin later this month.

That's because no less a personage than German Chancellor Angela Merkel has taken umbrage at the idea of Obama's using the city's famed Brandenburg Gate as a telegenic backdrop for an Obama appearance during his upcoming overseas jaunt.

Merkel has expressed "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," Thomas Steg, a spokesman for the chancellor, told reporters.

An Associated Press story on Merkel's concern notes that the edifice "was once a symbol of Germany's Cold War division and now stands for its reunification."

Merkel, according to Steg, expressed doubt that a German candidate for political office "would think of using [Washington's] National Mall or Red Square in Moscow for rallies, because it would be considered inappropriate."

Countdown to Crawford, a new Times blog focused on the waning days on the Bush presidency, has more on the story.

As for a venue for Obama in Berlin, perhaps he could borrow a page from the revised script for the Democratic National Convention and rent a large soccer stadium.

Comments

[joseph marcucilli]

It appears Bush got to Merkel at the latest G8 summit in between their 6 course dinners to deal with the food shortages around the world.I would go ahead with my plans, what the hell can she do anyway.

[Max Rugemer]

Real female Commander in Chief who got her position on her merit not being someone's wife as in Mrs Clinton is now being dissed by the unqualified disgrace nominated by America's Democrats as part of their affirmative action for the overly ambitious. Obama has no executive experience, no military experience & legislative experience used only to find another position to run for.

[Marko]

Merkel is 100% correct. It is inappropriate to use another country's historical sites for a foreign country's election. Its borderline propaganda.

[Tom J]

I expect Obama was going to make some comments about 'unification' in his speech, showing respect rather than just using the Brandenburg Gate as a photo-op. But if Merkel feels that strongly about it, Obama should pick another place.

[VJ Machiavelli]

The Democ"rats" will do anything to make Obama look and sound like JFK.

http://www.vjmachiavelli.blogspot.com

[Judy]

Obama would be wise to avoid getting his European tour off to a bad start. It woudn't hurt to pick another spot rather than risk alienating Angela Merkel and a big chunk of the German people. He should send her a nice note thanking her for allowing him to address American ex-pats in a speech in her country, and let her know that he looks forward to speaking at an appropriate venue. The Obama campaign needs to squash this story ASAP because bad press in Berlin travels the world with lightening speed.

[Character Counts]

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most historic sites in Berlin. It has deep cultural and historic meaning in the national psyche of the German people. How would we Americans have reacted if in the last German national election campaign Angela Merkel had held a similar campaign event in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington? I think this is a very bad idea, that should have been dropped long before the German Chancellor felt it necessary to voice her opinion.

[Steve Real]

"Ich bin ein Berliner !"

Obama has a 72 % popularity rating in Germany.
He is even more popular in Berlin.
(W' drew over 30,000 protesters...)

Barack Obama will speak at Brandenburg Gates.
(Chancellor Merkel is playing domestic politiks with International relations.)

Is not the Brandenburg Gates a symbol for all free men?

Why should the Gates be closed for B?
I say:

Open the Gates and let the man speak !

[Lynn]

Looks like Merkel can actually say no to the Great Obama. Very good!

[dave]

maybe he would like instead to give the opening speech of the olympic games in beijing on 8 august... maybe even in tienanmen square, 'gate of heavenly peace' - so much less bellicose, so much more appropriate in meaning? and maybe he could bring along mccain too - he might be delighted to express some 'straight-talk' to such a huge crowd of politely cheering people for a change, whatever he would say...they could both talk about jobs and wonderful opportunities and hope and miracles and change, right in the biggest sweat shop of the world...and after all, this is not 1936, or 1989...right? and how the media would adore this...! or maybe they could stay at home, and read the constitution, and leave the nomination to the serious and qualified candidates, like candidate for president RON PAUL...