July 25, 2008
Obama's Berlin Speech Disappointing (A.B. Stoddard)
Barack Obama's speech in Germany made for quite an impressive picture, and any American gathering an audience of 200,000 in Europe — or anywhere, for that matter — is cause for excitement. No dispute there. But as speeches go, Obama's call for global unity was quite bland, cautious and clearly designed to offend no one. He got to tell Americans how much he loves his country, and to call for peace and justice throughout every land, from Berlin to the Balkans to Bangladesh to Burma.
That is a positive message, of course. But as speeches go, as Obama speeches in particular go, it wasn't a stunner. Think back to his red-and-blue-state-America speech at the 2004 convention, his masterful speech on race in Philadelphia and any number of his primary-night speeches and you know what I mean. He is obviously saving it up for the convention in Denver, as well he should. It was more of a moment and it was definitely a picture, and the seriously shrewd Obama knew how to make it happen. I give him tremendous credit for that — the guy has a lot of nerve and can pull off quite a show.
Once Obama comes home and we move from style to substance, from pictures to policy, the debate will return to the surge in Iraq that Obama opposed. While John McCain certainly didn't know what to do with himself this week during Obama's staggering, dazzling world tour, we all know what he wants to talk about next week. In my column this week, I noted that Obama won't take back his opposition to the surge, despite praising John Edwards for renouncing his Iraq war vote and pressuring Hillary Clinton on hers. McCain will keep the pressure on Obama to say something new and Obama will work hard to rationalize it all. But without the dramatic backdrops, cheering crowds, applauding soldiers and red carpets, the debate will take place on a more level playing field and Americans will hear more clearly just what Obama has to say.
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WILL AMERICANS REALLY IGNORE THE RACE DURING THE OLYMPICS? Ask A.B. returns Tuesday, July 29 — Please join my weekly video Q&A by sending your questions and comments to askab@thehill.com.
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If your going to make 'a call for global unity' isn't it a good start 'to offend no one'?
Comment by uk visa — July 25, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
A.B., I respectfully disagree; The speech was the right speech at the right moment. After all, Obama is not Moses.
He seems to ask the world not to follow his lead, but to renew a commitment to mend the divisions and work together to solve the shared problems. And he sought to emphasize that under his Presidency, we would do our part.
I think this reflects the core of his beliefs; that we are the change we know we need, all of us.
By contrast, McCain is uninspiring and cantankerous and has limited vision for the country and for the world.
I think the election may have been won this week in many minds.
Comment by smilinjack — July 25, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Dear A.B.,
"Disappointing" is a disappointing choice of word to characterize Obama's speech. While not as rousing as his finest speeches, it was not at all bad. It addressed the chasm created by president bonehead and his craven lackeys, and proposed unity. He posited that through unity we are better able to face global challenges that plague mankind. By doing so, he came off as presidential on the world stage… heretofore an issue for his detractors.
The speech was anything but disappointing.
Comment by Bertoray — July 25, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
The speech he gave in Germany was disgraceful. Americans don't have to apologize for anything they've done in Europe. That speech he gave on race was not masterful, it was a disgrace. In one speech he threw his grandmother under the bus while running cover for a racist like Reverend White.
The speech in Germany was somewhat humorous, when it wasn't downright pathetic. He stated that hewas there to speak to the people of the world. I can hear it now, "I am VALDAR from the planet Obama, and am sorry my advanced society has done things to hurt your inferior society." The people in the audience should have been offended and probably would have if they hadn't soaked up free beer, knackwurst and a free rock concert before hand. Perhaps their ears were still ringing from the free rock concert and they thought Barack was pledging to leave and never come back. I know I would have cheered that option.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — July 25, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
Oh, A.B.
Another day, another predictable Obama attack.
You bore me.
Comment by PR — July 25, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
It's funny that the most positive thing AB can bring herself to say about the man she so clearly doesn't want to see elected is "he's got a lot of nerve."
This reads like K-Lo.
Comment by lowellfield — July 25, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
The ego is fighting for survival here.
Comment by MsAnna — July 25, 2008 @ 10:37 pm
It's ironic that of all places, obama chose to apologize for so called American torture was in Germany where only 65 years ago people where thrown in gas chambers. Besides, had American people already selected Obama as their spokesman to do this?
Comment by Misha — July 26, 2008 @ 2:27 am
A.B. Stoddard realizes attacking Obama is the only way to drive her web traffic. John McCain's readers don't use computers, nor read the Hill. If she attacks Obama, Obama's supporters get upset and post her 'opinions' on their sites thereby justifying her salary to her editors.
Comment by brian — July 27, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
AB;
Please, the next time focus on teh positives that McCain brings to the country - it will make for a short article.
Comment by Mike Coleman — July 28, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Yawn!
Comment by Lester — July 28, 2008 @ 1:10 pm