Obama Advisers Squirm About Berlin Speech
“It is not going to be a political speech,” said a senior foreign policy adviser, who spoke to reporters on background. “When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally.
“But he is not president of the United States,” a reporter reminded the adviser…
The RNC is pumping this quote and pointing to this article from Politico: http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=4A670F03-3048-5C12-002034DF88C14E66
Some observations on this issue.
The exchange over the Berlin speech lasted nearly 10 minutes in a briefing that last nearly an hour. The briefing was, by Obama campaign decree, on background – meaning we could not directly quote a single Obama adviser by name.
During this back-and-forth over Thursday’s speech in Berlin at the Victory Column there was a good deal of cross-talk and sheepish Obama advisers dancing around the obvious – that from Jordan through the rest of the trip everything is a campaign event and, with the exception of some security arrangements in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, is under Obama’s control.
The Obama advisers dodged and weaved about why Obama’s delivering the speech before what could be an audience of tens of thousands – possibly more.
“The senator wants to speak to the people of Europe and it would be inconsistent to exclude the public.”
In the midst of this tense exchange, an adviser said when the president delivers a policy speech it’s not necessarily the same as delivering a red-meat political speech. That’s not an illogical statement, except for the fact that Obama, of course, isn’t the president.
The use of this example, though, perfectly encapsulates the Obama campaign’s dual approach to this trip. Everything is designed to make Obama look presidential and the Berlin speech is by far the one with the most intense head-of-state choreography behind it.
So when the adviser said it was like a presidential speech, it didn’t sound as if the adviser was saying Obama was the president. Before this exchange, advisers said over and over that Obama will set no policy on this trip and seeks only to build relationships, not confuse world leaders about who leads America. This, it seems, is an important bit of context.
What was being said, however, goes to the heart of the internal campaign instinct to make Obama look like a president as often as possible on this trip — and especially at the massive event/speech in Berlin.
It was in this context this exchange occurred;
“It is not going to be a political speech,” said a senior foreign policy adviser, who spoke to reporters on background. “When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally.
“But he is not president of the United States,” a reporter reminded the adviser…
“He is going to talk about the issues as an individual … not as a candidate, but as an individual, as a senator,” the adviser added.
The Obama campaign will run the show now that Obama has arrived in Amman.
The US embassy provided almost no help in arranging the visit to the Citadel (where the press conference will be held) and is not facilitating the meeting between Obama and King Abdullah.
The movements and pictures from this day forward are entirely dictated by Obama’s presidential campaign. While it is true Obama is traveling as a senator, he’s also the Democratic nominee and the trip is intended not only to show his ability to maneuver comfortably on the world stage, it’s also designed, by the campaign’s own admission, to give voters back home a chance to grow more comfortable with movements and settings on the world stage that convey commander-in-chief imagery.
Lastly, the campaign repeatedly dodged questions about whether it would position a camera crew of its own at the Berlin speech for the express purpose of shooting the scene for future campaign ads. The campaign will bring its standard videographers who shoot for the campaign website to the Citadel today and there are no arrangement for a separate commercial camera crew at that event. That there may be one at the Berlin speech suggests that event could produce footage for future Obama campaign commercials. That is not certain, but it is a possibility.
One other note, the campaign deferred questions about Obama’s security arrangements in Ramallah. We should receive a more precise read-out on that tomorrow. Either Fatah or Hamas must coordinate security for this visit and that could complicate matters for Obama. Tony Blair recently canceled a trip to the territories over this and other issues.
I for one will not listen to a single word
I wonder if he is embarrassed he has to speak english while in Europe? Hypocrite is a pretty fair word for this man who I believe is genuinely ashamed to be an American, even if he wouldn’t come out and say it. This man is not worthy of the land of the free and home of the brave….
It will be fascinating to see how Berliners respond. Obama is viewed as the new Kennedy and they are all looking forward to a change in administration, whether Obama or McCain. Of course Berlin is no longer the epicenter of the cold war and the US is not essential to the survival of a divided Germany. So anything like the numbers Kennedy brought out would be amazing. The history of the victory column is not great (victories over Denmark, Austria and France – but that DID lead to the unification of Germany as a nation), but there are only so many places in Berlin that are big and open enough and practically every site in Berlin has some unhappy history connected to it. Assuming the event goes well, Obama would be nuts not to use footage in tv ads. Europeans so want America return to the way they thought it was. And we once thought it was.
Obama makes Mickey Mouse seem real and important
So at least he accomplishes that. Something to fall back on.
None of McCain trips were covered as Obama’s. This is so overblown. Obama sees himself as the incoronated and choosen one and most media (CNN, NYT, NBC) are fascinated by Obama. I am sick of all the coverage. I can’t even watch the news without seeing Obama’s face.
To top it all off my college kid had a party last weekend and all the kids come wearing Obama t-shirts. I almost blew a fuse!!
Comment by Pam
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am
I for one will not listen to a single word
################################################################
What are you afraid of? Do you think you might hear something that you like? Its sound like you are judging the speech before you even hear it.
We all know the world is ready for an American president that is capable of fair negotiations. The world is tired of the “MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY” foreign policy that the Conservatives want to continue.
If it walks like a DORK
and talks like a DORK
and pimps like a DORK
then it’s a political speech
every time, you DORK
OBOOGER! #$%^&*
Spin, spin, spin from the Obama group. One big photo op paid for by the US taxpayers or the Obama supporters. I hope the money was well spent in someone’s eyes because it certainly was not in mine. Did he actually leave the green zone in Iraq and go see the troops?
America First….McCain ‘08
Here’s a toast of bourbon to Pam!
The most uninformed member of today’s electorate…by choice!
No shock there, Pam, that seems to be the policy of the Republican party. It’s hard to listen with your head in the sand.
Must be difficult for conservative commentators like FOX’s Major Garrett to find things to complain about. All they can hope for is that Obama will do something stupid on the trip – and he’s not done that yet; not on this trip, not in this campaign.
But flail away, guys; that’s why they pay you the big bucks.
Not political my BUTT. Any fool can see through this farce.
And you really expect me to believe that dribble….he is speaking as an individual and a senator. Bo has never been an individual. The longer he stays out there on the campaign trail, the more that his tru colors show through. I am still undecided but am swaying towards McCain because I view him as more stable during these times. BO does not have the credentials to be a commander in chief. BO is a hand picked puppet…no more..no less.
Still calling it Fox “News?” How droll.
Hey, if he wants to start being president now, I’m all for it! Who cares.
Major, sounds like you’re doing a lot of squirming in this article – desperately trying to find something negative to talk about. Obama is having a successful trip, get over it. If it was McCain doing the exact same things you would be gushing with pride on how presidential he looks. And as I recall, wasn’t it John McCain who suggested Obama take this trip and meet the leaders and talk to Petraeus?
Pam, thank you very much. Your ignorance is our bliss. Now if you (and people like you) would just go away for the next 8 years while Obama fixes what Bush screwed up, we’d all be better off.
Fox presents a slanted view of anything re Obama or Dems. And, the article was garbled and hard to understand. Did you write this article on your Blackberry, Garrett?
I suggest editing prior to publishing.
Pam – don’t be such a close-minded nitwit.
That’s “ignorance”, Pam. Typical.
In Berlin, Obama will likely speak in front of a million people at the city’s main park. That is hardly a controlled press event like the fake “town-hall” meeting with supporters only, that Mr. Bush introduced to the American people. Methinks Fox news doth protest too much.
Just what in the world is this article nit-pickingly grumbling & whining about????????????
After all the Bush administration has done, this is news?
Obama isn’t president but the people of Europe have left no doubt whom they would prefer.
Relations with our European partners have been at an all time low for the last 8 years.
The sour relationship has hurt the United States in its efforts to enlist support and financial help for it’s war in Iraq…leaving the United States taxpayer on hook for the entire cost of the war.
If Obama is getting rock star treatment by drawing huge crowds and full media coverage, that can only enhance his stature.
Perhaps with Obama as president the Europeans will be more willing to help us fight the real war on terror…in Afghanistan…where it all began.
I think you tried to find a way to criticize Obama–and failed.
Squirm? More of that fox fair imbalanced I guess. The only people that are squirming are Republicans party functionaries when they see the reception Obama gets abroad and how the American public understands that we no longer will be held in even less regard than North Korea.
Oh no, a politician is campaigning! Alert the media. Oh, I guess you just did that. Please remember that unlike our present president, Obama the candidate can walk and chew gum at the same time. Hence, his trip to Europe has several purposes. He is in the middle of a presidential campaign, so it’s pretty certain that some of the pictures and video will be used in his campaign ads. If I see those pictures of McCain parading around Baghdad in that flack jacket one more time I’m going to puke, but no one (at least at FOX) has accused McCain of going to Iraq for political purposes. I think he was there to shop, actually.
Obama is also laying the groundwork for his presidency, meeting world leaders, having conversations with people and all the other things a real leader does to inform themselves first hand of the situation in other countries. You can turn to any major news outlet to see why this hands on approach is necessary. Articles like this that use words like ’squirm’ are a perfect example of the yellow journalism practiced here in the states.
McCain has been complaining non-stop for the last few weeks about Obama’s inexperience and his lack of trips to Iraq, but then when he does go to Iraq, his mouthpieces (Yeah, I’m looking at you Garrett) decry his motives. That’s a bit idiotic and insincere, don’t you think.
And finally, you did note that he was receiving no help from the US embassy, but failed to note that Condi Rice was the one that made the decision that he should receive no help from the US government during his visit. Therefore, he is traveling as a citizen and can do what he pleases, like it or not. Just keep using words like ’sheepish’ and ’squirm’ and we will judge for ourselves your credibility as a journalist, if in fact that is what you think you are.
His trip is a fact finding, meet and greet, and campaign event all rolled into one. Your point is?
OBAMA WILL HAVE DIFFICULTY MEETING EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING HIS OWN —
Obama’s impossible road ahead:
http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/07/why-obama-will-win-but-cant-deliver.html
What a surprise, Pam. Nobody who dislikes Obama has ever listened to a single word he says.
Finally……a man who is articulate and has a vision speaking on the world stage on behalf of me and the rest of America. No more of the hideously embarrassing drivel that W spewed on the few occasions that he ventured forth into the big world. Thank God for Obama!!!
Why r u guys trying to mix this up? I will for Obama. It’s his right to do whatever he wants. How many peopleof color r employed at FOX?
Good for you Pam.
Thanks to George Bush what candidates did in the past is not a good template for today’s international climate where the respect of our European allies and more important the citizens of the European union has been badly damaged.I travel extensively throughout Europe and I confront this negative attitude all the time.While in Meteora Greece this summer a storekeeper asked me if I voted for Bush,When I said no he shook my hand.We need a president who respects the rule of law and the balance of power in our government.Executive Privilege has been extended beyond any logical interpretation given before.We also saw a Trumanesque moment today when Obama acted like a Commander in chief and did not blindly listen to commanders on the ground whose only interest is in Iraq and not the broader issues of the impact on the economy or the need to remove Al Quaeda from Pakistan.If waterboarding is so successful why then is Bin Laden still out there?
He he he – you freaking Repubs just don’t know what to do – this man will be our next president and it cracks me up to see how bad that makes you feel.
I just wish John McCain would put together a trip like this, instead of hiding in small town halls and spoiling his late summer punch by revealing Mitt Romney today. I had hoped they could announce Mitt as the VP when it was closer to the Convention.
Please tell John McCain not to give up, just try to put together better speeches and policy statements. I will vote for him anyway, but it gets embarrassing sometimes.
I, for another, will listen to EVERY word. Better get used to President Obama, Pam. It’s an amazing time to be an American. Hopefully he’ll be able to repair some of the damage to our country’s reputation and our economy caused by the current administration over the past 8 years.
Re: Pam
I for one will not listen to a single word
Are you serious? That seems kind of childish. Will your fingers be stuck in your ears? Will you be yelling “I can’t hear you! I can’t hear you!”
That kind of attitude isn’t fitting for an adult.
Pam, stay tuned to FOXX propaganda network for your marching orders which will probably be to follow McLame off the cliff, weighted down by Dubya’s baggage.
Why? Even if he doesn’t become president, this will help improve our global image.
This is just an expensive photo op for a guy who has no real stances on any issues… this overseas trip is a silly attempt to make him look like he has international political skills… just the same as any politician… the only overseas visit that ever amounted to anything was those of Reagan and Gorbechov in the 80’s! These guys should stop waisting US tax payer money just for photo ops!
This is most certainly a photo-op. Because it is a prewritten speech he will be able to deliver, god forbid he just speaks because he can’t. It would have been nice if at the question and anwer period this a.m. that he would have repeated the questions and not gotten so angry with the “guy in the back”. it was obvious he wanted to answer only the questions submitted by “friends” in the first row (he called by name). it was like watching a child give a talk. Very uncomfortable, stuttering, “uhing” and just not cool. Good luck and don’t get too close to him….this report you did was frankly very good!
Pam, I like that. You’re right. But how can we avoid every news outlet that will give him tons of undeserved publicity?
Republican’s stand out most in blogs because they are bitter. It must be boring to not be inspired by your candidate.
I for one will listen to every word
So is Obama running for president of the USA or gathering support to be a puppet of the Islamic Terroist regime’s by traveling all over the Middle East blowing his horn as the poor black kid of a single white mom raised by his rich white grandparents in Hawaii, it’s amazing how he plays the race card and still tries to say it’s not about race, he is about as black as l am. He is nothing but a con -man who make’s GW look smart.
I for one, am listening to every single word. My radar just popped up. This man is now ONLY shown standing in front of an American flag, whereas during his left of liberal nomination campaign he would not wear a flag pin! He so easily and craftily changes his position to suit the crowd he is addressing. He is like John Kerry, only worse.
It feels like the stage is being set for the job of World Leader. Hang on everybody!!
Ah yes, a closed mind is an empty mind!
You can always tell who is Republican by their bitterness in blogs. It must be boring to not be inspired by your candidate and believe that America can do so much better.
Fox News, the official network of the Republican Party, is looking at an Electoral College landslide this November where there candidate, and ultimately Fox News is going to be embarassed. So because 87% of the people in the USA now think Georg W Bush has the country heading in the wrong direction, and because Fox News, and John McCain are on the wrong side of the issues, they nitpick at non issues, try to make a big deal about nothing, try to find somebody other than Barack Obama who might say something that they can try to read more into it than is actually there. It’s all just desperation. They don’t have any real issues that they can win with so they are really desperate. And John McCain’s new campaign ad where he tries to blame high oil prices on Obama…..really, really desperate. Hey, Fox News, why don’t you talk about that.
Since when does a candidate DICTATE what will and will not be reported by the press? Since when does a candidate DICTATE what photos will come out? Obama has more to lose by alienating the press than the press has of alienating Obama.
I expect better from FOX.
Just listened to Obama comments on his visit to Iraq.
His comment are proof that he doesn’t have a clue on what he is talking about.
He is making it up as he goes.
He is now according to his words a better military man than the Generals.
If the Generals need more support he is willing to deny them and pass out more welfare to buy votes.
Obama and his supporters are truly IDIOTS.
I did hear him speak two languages, English and stupid.
[...] negative light. He has suggested that a civilian youth corps be set up to assist national security. His actions in the Berlin episode should send off flashing alarms for anyone who values liberty. His campaign insists that the advisors names not be published, and remain anonymous. He claims his [...]
This whole thing is so bizarre that it would be funny if it weren’t so pathetic. Since the Europeans are so sophisticated & special (to Obama!), I wonder if they will be able to see through this empty suit and his BS, or if like Chris Mathews they will get tingles up their legs. Pam, I’m with you.
Your so clever Pam
NOT
Listen! It’s your job as an american!
No matter what Obama does it is going to receive a ton of coverage. Those who support him are thrilled and those who oppose him villify him. So he is between a rock and a hard place and voters need to take a stand. I am voting for Barack Obama for President of the USA because I think he will do a credible job. Let’s face it no matter what, he could not do worse that Bush and McSame is equal to a 3rd Bush term, so Obama gets my vote in November.
“I for one will not listen to a single word”
I hope this also turns into, “I for one will not vote this year.” Refusing to listen to a candidate doesn’t make the candidate wrong, it just makes you ignorant. (Ignorant means under-educated.)
You sound like a little kid, who plugs his ears with his fingers and chants “LA LA LA” as loud as he can so he doesn’t have to hear his parents punishing him. When I did that as a kid, I got slapped in the head. Too bad Obama can’t just slap some of these people upside the head and knock sense into them.
Way to go Pam! A true time waister! Read it and then say I’m so closed minded to anything new that I will not listen to a single word! Bone head! I supose that if you had cancer and a doctor said that he had a new treatment you do the same.
The nerve of this man and his 300 advisers is truly unbelievable. Talk about elists! Someone needs to remind these 300 advisers that their guy is NOT THE PRESIDENT OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY. And God willing he never will be. This Jr. Senator is trying so hard to look Presidental and after his 300 advisers tell him what to say and what not to say, they still don’t get it right. This should wake up Americans to this guy, he wants this country to be more European well I think he should stay there and maybe he can learn a few languages since he is so embarassed by us little ole Americans who can only speak English. all wees can say is merci to you!
[...] of public service; today, while the media continue to swoon over Sen. Barack Obama’s “presidential” trip overseas, the McCain camp provides this interesting work-place diversion. addthis_url [...]
I guess you’ll have a better-informed opinion than anyone else then, huh Pam.
So what? This is the best the press can come up? An exchange between advisers and journalists about a speech nobody cares about? Sad!
The problem is that you won’t listen. You should listen and judge for yourself and then try to grasp his meaning and then decide whether you agree or disagree. By listening to the pundits interpretation you take on their thoughts. We need to critically analyze for ourselves.
Picture Pam with eyes closed, fingers stuck firmly in ears, humming.
[...] Fox Lastly, the campaign repeatedly dodged questions about whether it would position a camera crew of [...]
Pam:
Gee what a shock. A reader on Foxnews doesn’t want to hear what the Democratic candidate has to say. What next, you’ll defend how Fox is “fair and balanced”?
Since Fox News fans wholeheartedly believe (with near religious fervor) that only Fox speaks the truth and liberals hate America (look up the meaning of Liberal), it doesn’t surprise me. What does surprise me is that people who are functional illiterates when it comes to foreign policy or even comprehending logic somehow have the ability to continue to drive our country into a deep dark hole both economically and sociologically.
The report should be ashamed – where is his intellectual integrity? Anybody who bothers to do serious journalism knows that the West Bank security is controlled by Fatah and Israel, and Hamas has nothing to do with it. The reference to the need for the Obama camp to coordinate with “Hamas and/or Fatah” is a dishonest, devious and unprofessional attempt to spark controversy and spread the rumor that Obama is in contact with Hamas.
Fox News, where is the integrity?
…because your mind is closed and your IQ is less than your shoe size. Oh wait, this is Fox News…
Isn’t it time the reporters started asking some hard questions of Obama on this “campaign trip”? Instead of being shielded by his advisors? Two interesting quotes from the article: ” “When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally.
“But he is not president of the United States,” a reporter reminded the adviser…
And: “Either Fatah or Hamas must coordinate security for this visit and that could complicate matters for Obama. Tony Blair recently canceled a trip to the territories over this…..” Not to worry, no one in the press will report this little fact!
I’m so sick of this charlatan
One trip does not season an individual on foreign policy. He is still a rookie and one that I’m not going to vote for. No matter what they say this IS a political stunt and nothing more. How many senators have made speeches elsewhere in the world?
I think its an embarrassment to the US the way his campaign is handling this trip. If the McCain campaign were smarter, they would have waited till after August to bring up the fact that BHO had never been abroad to see situations as the member of foreign relations committee.
Nevertheless, the entire trip is nothing more than a last minute photo op to say to everyone, see I’ve been there
I agree Pam. It’s always better to keep reality and information out of your head, because too much information could cause you to think intelligently and base your decisions on fact instead of on fear and ignorance.
Fear and ignorance are many peoples best friend, and we don’t want to cross our best friends now do we?
To think that our country has continued put the blinders over their eyes as this guy runs amuck of our current foreign affairs gives these countries that support terrorist functions a false sense of security really depresses me. Since when did the American people stop being their own people and start following the status quo. Political correctness has ruined this great country. We have lost our rights to free speech in fear that you will have a march on your residence of place of business. If John Mccain, or even Hilary Clinton pulled these political stunts they would be denounced and trampled by the media yet we continue to cover this morons escapades for fear we may offend someone. One day perhaps we will regain our Independent spirit that allowed us to break free from the grips of the crown, but in my lifetime I doubt it.
O.K. That’s the 8th posting I have left that has never shown up. Nothing offensive, illegal or fattening in any of them, so what’s the problem? If someone takes the time and makes the effort, and wishes to express their opinion but it never is posted, then why bother?
Well, it’s either Obama or Bush the 2nd. I for one, do NOT want 4-8 more years like the previous years. I’m ready to move on, even if it takes me into uncharted waters.
Congratulations on a lengthy article flogging the obvious: A Presidential candidate is attempting to appear Presidential. Stop the presses!!! Another coup for FOX news….now onto a blockbuster story on spreadable cheese.
Pam – that’s because you are a moron.
Long, exasperated sigh… My God, I am so tired of this man already.
Don’t pay any attention to Pam – she doesn’t listen to anything.
It’s great that Obama is speaking in Germany.
Imagine, after eight years of Bush degrading the integrity of America, that finally an intelligent sincere represenitive of our country can actually speak with some insight.
Of course FOX would cringe at this idea, since all you represent is the repressed republican propaganda style of speech that the current administration has mastered. The world sees through tis kind of semantical farce, and will embrace Obama.
To hell with you FOX. You have disgraced democracy for so long that you can’t stand the notion that a free speech means that insightful men actually have a voice that the world will embrace.
Too bad that your little one sided circus, with head clowns like O’Riely, are no longer going to be pulling the strings.
Enjoy your remaining four months. There is a big change coming, and you will be the first to fall.
The only one squirming is FOX, because once again Free Speech, representing democracy, is spreading across the world.
DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD..
Joe H. From St. Louis
Why is this different than Leberman and McCain’s trip?
To Pam: Way to keep an open mind… must be a fan of Faux’s ‘Fair and Balanced’, eh?
I love how John McCain practically goaded Obama into this and it’s totally fallen into Obama’s favor. Iraqi’s agree with his strategy and all of a sudden the Republican dictatorship is open to a ‘time horizon’. By the way McCain… just how much were those insurgent leaders paid?
I came to this discussion hopeing to share thoughts that were constructive. Most of the comments sound like kids, trying to see who can punch better, and…who really cares what Pam thinks! For all you know she could be a twelve year old…that would be my quess!
Here’s some upfront qoutes you can attribute to the proper party:
“And I believe that the success will be fairly easy” and “There’s no doubt in my mind that… we will be welcomed as liberators.” [John McCain 3/24/03]
“There’s not a history of clashes that are violent between Sunnis and Shias. So I think they can probably get along.” [John McCain 4/23/03]
“Look, we’re going to send young men and women in harm’s way and that’s always a great danger, but I cannot believe that there is an Iraqi soldier who is going to be willing to die for Saddam Hussein, particularly since he will know that our objective is to remove Saddam Hussein from power.”
[John McCain 9/15/02]
“But the fact is, I think we could go in with much smaller numbers than we had to do in the past. But any military man worth his salt is going to have to prepare for any contingency, but I don’t believe it’s going to be nearly the size and scope that it was in 1991.” [John McCain 09/15/02]
“He’s a patriot who has the best interests of his country at heart.” ]John McCain on Ahmed Chalabi, 2002]
“Absolutely. Absolutely.” [John McCain, asked by Chris Matthews, "you believe that the people of Iraq or at least a large number of them will treat us as liberators?" 03/12/03]
I think the victory will be rapid, within about three weeks. [John McCain, MSNBC, 1/28/03]
It’s clear that the end is very much in sight. … It won’t be long. It, it’ll be a fairly short period of time. [John McCain, ABC, 4/9/03]
We’re either going to lose this thing or win this thing within the next several months. [Meet The Press, 11/12/06]
“Well, then why was there a banner that said mission accomplished on the aircraft carrier?” [John McCain, responding to assertion by Fox News' Neil Cavuto that "many argue the conflict isn't over," [John McCain, 06/11/03]
“My friends, the war will be over soon, the war for all intents and purposes although the insurgency will go on for years and years and years.” [John McCain, 02/25/08]
“It’s about judgment, my friends….” [MsSwin, 07/22/08]
Hi
Comment by James Schafer
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
The only one squirming is FOX, because once again Free Speech, representing democracy, is spreading across the world.
DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD..
==============================
You are a f*ucking clown…..MSNBC,CNN….bet you love them all. What about the beloved NYT refusing to post Mac’s op-ed b/c it was not like BO’s……STFU hypocrite.
Communism=Berlin of old=Obama of today
He is a communist even if he does not realize it…but I think he does.
A 50% tax on anyone or business or any entity is absurd…his health care plan is socialist at best.
I already hear rumblings that if these 2 things come to pass, people are leaving the country…they are not going to work their rears off and have the stress of owning a business and having employees for it to be taken and given to mostly people who are on drugs or lazy.
My Father in law owns a company that has been employing over 1000 people for 50 years…he will sell out and move if this comes to pass…AND I promise you there are many Americans who are sick to their stomachs and will be doing the same!!!
Liberals you may end up supporting the whole country…have fun!!!
I sure miss your old blog when you could interact with all the participants…
Maybe Pam does not want to hear Obama because of saturation. I can’t watch Obama – he is on all the chanells – I am sick of him. I want to gag when I am feed only Obama all day.
So let’s review – Obama made to the senate because he eliminated all the other people on the ballot by chalenging the petition signatures – VERY DIRTY TRICK. Obama got to be the democrat nominee because the caucuses were manipulated and corrputed by obama’s people. It has been documented and talked about it. Obama is nothing but a very cunning dirty Chicago politician and because of him I am afraid for America
I for one do not like paying for this bull c— so Obama can be in the spot light day and night
while the media drools over him
Reading the comments here just reinforces my opinion of Fox News and its loyal followers – they all have their heads in the sand. Obama will draw tens of thousands of people to his speech in Berlin because Berlin is the epicenter of modern Europe and the Europeans long for the US to return to the ally they can trust. We have become an ogre and the transformation back into a good and honest hero is what Obama offers.
Make no mistake – Obama and his followers absolutely LOVE the US of A. I know I do. Hurting innocent peoples, treating poverty like a disease, and spreading racial and religious hate are not the American values I grew up with. I hope half a million show up in Berlin to listen to our next president speak.
[...] Major Garrett of Fox News clarifies a bit on the Obama adviser’s recent comment to the press: “It is not going to be a political speech,” said a senior foreign policy adviser, who spoke to reporters on background. “When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally. [...]
This latest bravado by Obama’s campaign people solidifies my belief and expectation that given enough room he will do his swagger and show his cockiness. Keep up the good work
Does the word elite come to mind? What will the democratic party do if they lose. Obama should be able to get a job with Al gore.
What happened to the intelligent conversation on these blogs?? I have never read such hatefull and childish comments.
I am sure that you folks that are bad mouthing Fox and Republicans in general could find more pleasant company on the Communist News Network. No one is forcing you to blog here.
Who cares what Pam does? For that matter, when did Europeans get to vote for our President? Why should we care if “millions” or not show up for his speach in Berlin? Such foolishness and wastefulness! Every time I hear of a Socialist leader or radical leader endorse Obama it scares the holy crap out of me. He will try everything to take us in that direction. The U.S. will no longer be the country that our forefathers founded with blood and sweat. My parents always taught me that you could tell a lot about a person by the company he keeps. That should be enough said about Obama. I am a Reagan Conservative and am not too enamoured with McCain but he is not a Socialist and he is not ashamed of his country. Wake up people!! Look at your history books, remember Chamberlain, go back and read some of Hitler’s speaches and read some Marx. If you are not scared then, maybe you should find another country.
Comment by KS
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I sure miss your old blog when you could interact with all the participants…
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Ditto and bring back the MOSH PIT that it was. What’s the harm?
You have to get drug tested to work and pay taxes.
You don’t have to get drug tested to be stupid and on welfare.
Thank Obama for this.
Comment by Dave
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Listen! It’s your job as an american!
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Ok it’s job master Dave saving america.
You DIMBULB. Go eat bugs.
Comment by Tom J
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Picture Pam with eyes closed, fingers stuck firmly in ears, humming.
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Picture Tom J with foot in mouth, fingers up nose, sobbing like a baby.
As a Berlin-resident and German, I can say that most of us (at least those that follow US politics) are excited about Senator Obama’s visit. He’s such a breath of fresh air from the standard fare from that country. FOX–which is now available here on cable–is obviously biased against him, and it shows. I can’t wait for his speech here!
[...] Kerry Uses Racist Term to Characterize McCain Attack on Obama Mistakes Pile Up on Messiah Tour Obama Advisers Squirm About Berlin Speech Major Garretts Bourbon Room FOXNews.com Obama Slanders US Military Poor, poor Michelle – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Obama’s Change – A [...]
There are a lot of completely ignorant quotes in this column.
Purposefully ignorant people should need breathing licenses before spewing nonsense into the public dialog.
Why dontcha go get yerself sum duct tape fer that mouth til Jesus comes back to save ya from yer stupid self.
[...] issue continues to be an advantage for the Republican and a weak point for the Democrat. There are grumblings that maybe he’s been a little too concerned with appearing presidential, prematurely, something [...]
I REALLY wish Obama would go to a town hall meeting and answer questions of the local voters. There is much I would like to ask him if he would come to a town near me.
PAM, I’m with you on that one. Don’t pay any attention to the Head in the sand nuts here.
They sound like BO trying to tell everyone what to do and say. At last I remember this is AMERICA and we do have free speach.
By the way, do you speak FRENCH? That’s ok too, I don’t either, but speak fluent ENGLISH.
JOHN McCANN 08.
PUMA
Obama ’s road show continues. The press is falling all over themselves in heaping the praise for the chosen one. Some of the media such as Andrea Mitchell are a little tweaked by Obama’s display of acting like he is president already but not many for sure. The Europeans will love him and I am sure these speaches he is giving such as the one in Berlin will appear in many campaign ads during the fall. Personally I don’t care if the Europeans like him and that should be a clear sign that we as americans should be skeptical of him. The man clearly has socialistic views and his policies will reflect that if he is elected president. More government control of our lives and higher taxes on the american people. The ameican people should think long and hard when entering the voting booth in November. The choice this election is very clear. If you think the government knows best to run your life vote for Obama. If you want government out of your life and a more secure America vote Mccain.
I find it hard to believe that so many “fox haters” are posting here. Seems kinda funny to me. Do you just hang around on the Fox website, so you can post all your vile postings? No one believe you got on Fox’s website because you were a fan.
How much is the Obama campaign paying you? I heard the campaign was paying people to go on websites and post wonderful things about him. Seems kinda low to me, but then again, you follow your master. Just like the campaign gave out free concert tickets to people to get them to come to his rallys. He is not foolling me, and it looks like a lot of people are finally catching on to this empty suit.
A phot op in Iraq, etc. does not make you a president. A caravan of 300+ people talking for you, does not make you president. Being black and playing basketball (go figure) does not qualify you to be president.
His arrogance is sickening.
Great. Can’t wait to hear it. Sorry, Fox. This guy is going to be our next president, and I’m dying to see how the world reacts to him.
I don’t want government in my life at all, that’s why I am voting for John McCann. I also don’t want my country to be like Europe, nor do I want my taxes to go up, thats why I am not voting for BO. My choice is very clear.
PUMA
Obama should be campaigning in the US, and not trying to suck up to the Europeans! It is also sad that this is his first trip (let me emphasize FIRST trip) to many of these countries. I would feel very uneasy if he was the commander-in-chief.
wow!! you republicans are pathetic. why don’t you spend less time criticising OBAMA and more time talking about what’s interesting about mccain. Oh, i forgot, everything is so utterly boring about your candidate, there’s really not much to say. Get used to it, folks, OBAMA is going to win!!
Obama people just attack anyone that does not agree with there candidate. How disappointing but typical.
Yes i think every american should listen to this speech. I see there are a lot of puma people on here who are so childish and stuborrn, by voting for Mccain and getting us four more years of Bush. They are nothing more than a bunch of racists. I hope they will all wake up and see the light. What does Mccain have to worry about, he never has to worry about high gas prices and the econlmy. He has billionaire ,drug pushing wife will provide for him.
IRMA. you listen to BO’s lecture and don’t try to tell everyone what to listen to. If you don’t like PUMA people then don’t come on this Forum. Remember this is a Fox News forum, so go back to MSMBC and CNN and post your garbage. People like you are the racists who love to use the race card to attack others.
JOHN McCANN 08.
Fox News is fair and balanced.
PUMA……………………
Karin–
I think that the Obama people should take there own advice. Oh thats right…the only thing they can say is that he walks on water, and call people who don’t agree with him names. Boy that makes me want to vote for him. (NOT)
People who read and watch Faux News get what they deserve.
Wow, Irma, that’s such an intelligent response! Glad to see BO’s supporters are holding true to form!
In reading the above responses, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that the majority of people posting have not a clue as to why disenfranchised Democrats are rebelling against the Democratic Party. The Nancy Pelosis and Howard Deans of the Party have turned this election into a selection process that is making a clear mockery of the democratic process.
As a Democrat, I will not support a party that appears to agree with underhanded, outrageous tactics that as_sures them of having their choice the nominee. They do not deserve, nor will they get, my vote in November.
If you’re comfortable with having your government dictate to you what it is you can do, when it is you can do it and how it is that you must do it – fine. That’s your right; just as it is my right to do everything I possibly can to keep it from happening.
As far as BO’s trip goes: “Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song”. He should, however, keep in mind that, regardless of whose soil he’s on, his “accomplishments” are going to be checked. . .and corrected.
You people that follow obama scare me so. I can’t believe people in this country are really crazy enought to support this shell and the wicked wife. I think if all these other countries love him let them have him. If you think it’s great that these countries love him you can go there too. I can’t believe how nieve people can be. I think to vote you must have a certian IQ and then we would even have to look at him. It will be a sad 4 years if he get into office. I think it’s funny how the liberals are going to be the first to cry when their world changes because of obama. God save us.
The Obama rep never said he was the president. He just used presidential speeches as a relevant example. All this word twisting is typical right-wing media distortion.
liloieme–
Right on. Obama supporters will never get it. I am a Democrat that will not be supporting the Democratic party this time around and many of us feel the same way you do. Maybe the DNC will get the message, at least I hope so.
To Norris H. Duh! Of course, Germany and all of Europe, with a few exceptions, want someone like his highness the Obama to be president. Since when do Americans give a flying hoot what they think or want. I don’t see any of them turning down all of the money we have thrown their way for tons and tons of years. There is still such a tremendous hatred for GWB in this country, no wonder we have minds that are matted by it. Can’t see your nose for your face. This Obama candidate is not for America. Don’t forget he was raised leaning towards Islamic beliefs, and certainly was trained (both him and his family) with so much hatred for white Americans and the United States in general with his 20 year training program from J. Wright. Guess all you liberals think we all are dummies. Conservatives at least know danger when we see it. Sure hope some of you WISE UP.
BULLETIN, BO WAS HECKLED AT THE WAILING WALL IN JERUSALEM. PROTESTERS SHOUTED
“JERUSALEM IS NOT FOR SALE OBAMBA”
PUMA
JOHN McCANN 08.
wow…what a waste of tallent there at fox! this stuff’s eating you replican trash up, isn’t it?
Ach du lieber! Ich bin ein beginner.
Ach du lieber! Ich bin ein Beginner!
A quote from md: “I can’t believe how nieve people can be. I think to vote you must have a certian IQ and then we would even have to look at him.”
How about an IQ test for people running for public office? That would have saved us the last eight years.
(And then there’ McCain’s inability to tell Shia from Sunni, his confusion between Iraq and Afghanistan, mixing up Somalia and Sudan. And he’s the foreign policy expert?)
By the way, it’s spelled, “naive”.
Comment by Scott D said on
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
His trip is a fact finding, meet and greet, and campaign event all rolled into one. Your point is?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Actually Scott you couldn’t be more wrong.
In fact Obama’s own campaign staff made it clear that the fact finding portion was to be during Obama’s second trip to Iraq and first to Afghanistan (bear in mind, Obama’s been chair of the sub-committee for European Relations to Europe for NATO in Afghanistan..FOR TWO YEARS and has never held a meeting..Let me explain that to you, he could have relieved our troops in Afghanistan with our European allies…and hasn’t). This is why Obama’s campaign staff made the distinction between the tax funded portion of the trip (Iraq and Afghanistan)..and Obama’s own campaign funds portion. I hope that clears it up for you.
Furthermore if Obama went to Iraq on a “fact finding” mission, why did he already state troops will be out within 16 months before leaving on the trip and before consulting with General Petraeus on the ground? Oh and Obama’s never asked for a briefing from Petraeus before hand either. When Obama actually met with Petraeus, the General recommended NO FIRM TIMELINE FOR WITHDRAWAL. Obama still adhered to his “16 months”. Let’s examine that a little closer…Obama has NO MILITARY EXPERIENCE, but he’s ignoring the man that turned the fortunes of the conflict around in Iraq along with his subordinates and the brave men and women we have there on the ground. That sounds like a criticism Obama has levelled at Bush, which is: stubborn adherence to policy without taking the facts into account.
Hope this all helps clear it up for you.
Fact Finding Scott?…NO way! Photo Op finding? Definitely!
Comment by Lib
July 24th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
To Norris H. Duh! Of course, Germany and all of Europe, with a few exceptions, want someone like his highness the Obama to be president. Since when do Americans give a flying hoot what they think or want. I don’t see any of them turning down all of the money we have thrown their way for tons and tons of years. There is still such a tremendous hatred for GWB in this country, no wonder we have minds that are matted by it. Can’t see your nose for your face. This Obama candidate is not for America. Don’t forget he was raised leaning towards Islamic beliefs, and certainly was trained (both him and his family) with so much hatred for white Americans and the United States in general with his 20 year training program from J. Wright. Guess all you liberals think we all are dummies. Conservatives at least know danger when we see it. Sure hope some of you WISE UP.
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The people in Germany and the rest of Europe are no different from US. We are tired of the failed policies of BUSH and so are they. Like us(excluding the narrow minded conservatives), Europeans are looking forward to a president that has a foreign policy other than(My Way or the Highway). We can thank president Bush for all the excitement towards Obama. The world is ready for anything but Bush, even someone that is flawed as Obama is.
Well, you could listen and find out what opinions he had on the world “when he was a Senator” as he claims to have the same opinions today on Iraq… Which I find odd, I thought he still was a Senator.
At least he clarified he wouldn’t give a detailed account of his meeting with the King of Jordan because “The White House” doesn’t generally give that information.
Can the media possibly treat him as the Senator and Candidate that he is, instead of treating him as the Leader and Celebrity that he seems to expect?
Sadly, I don’t think this is where a “yes, we can” is going to be used. Call me cynical, but too many are still in the delusional, “worship from afar”, irrational and exuberant portion of the teenage crush cycle to sort out reality from their feelings.
Sadly most of the media has the emotional depth of a tween meeting her favorite rock stars.
It is just amazing to me how Obama thinks he’s pulling the wool over American eyes. His trip is so obviously political that it makes me sick to even look at him. Watch his big, cutesy smiles and how he looks for the cameras. He comes across as thinking he is some saintly, holier than thou person who is better than America and even ashamed of America. It is so obvious that he is a total fake……you would have to be a complete idiot to even consider voting for someone like this man.
Obama has contradicted himself by saying he was not campaigning when he was speaking to 200,000 people in Germany. So then what was the purpose of speaking in front of the crowds if he was there as just a citizen of the US. Duh. He was talking about the current foriegn policy of the US under this current administration. He mentioned about torture and the war. He was talking about commitment as if he was already elected as the President of the U.S.
I would like to remind the Election Commission to look into who donated via the internet to his campaign after this trip. I thought that it is illegal to campaign in other countries as well as accepting donations from non-citizens. I am very skeptical about the legality of some of the campaign donations.
Pam has the right idea. Why waste your time listening to anything that man says no matter how many popular bands he hires to bring in large crowds. Give it a week or two, and most of what he says in one speech with be totaly different in the next speech (depending to whom and where the speech is given). He is fooling so many Americans, and now he’s working his salesman skills over seas.
No I’m not republican! I am disapointed! Disapointed once again with the presidential candidates we are FORCED to choose from. In my oppinion, neither Obama or McCain are qualified to run a country. One is a great showman, but has no substanse, and the other is on the edge of senality!