For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Obama downplays expectations for Berlin speech.
"I doubt we're gonna have a million screaming Germans," Obama said. Half a million? asked another reporter. "Let's tamp down expectations here," Obama said. "If we get a few tens of thousands..." Obama said he "did not realize - my staff basically just told me that this space is bigger than I realized. So." Asked a reporter: Is that a good thing or a bad thing? "Uh, it's a potentially bad thing if nobody shows up," Obama said, laughing.
Is the Obama campaign making the same mistake Hillary's made: doing a victory lap before the race is decided? Have they so built up expectations for this trip that much like an overhyped movie, there's no way for it to be successful? Could this tour end up being the defining moment in this campaign when Americans see what's really behind the curtain?














Comments Policy
german speech
July 24, 2008 - 11:01 ET by ledgerhedgerSo he went all the way to Germany to prove he can draw a crowd. How does that make him any smarter or better prepared to lead anything. I guess this is one of the 7 extra states he plans to carry in Nov. If all it takes is a couple of days to get up to speed as the foreign policy expert of the US I guess anyone can be President. OOPS that is the central thesis of the Dimocrats.
everyone loves Obama WE
July 24, 2008 - 11:29 ET by TruthMongereveryone loves Obama
WE ARE SO JEALOUS:(
(red face)
LOL have you seen
July 24, 2008 - 11:50 ET by fonzie2178his new lapel pin? It's one he'll actually wear, since it includes all fifty-SEVEN of the states...
http://patriotroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/obama-lapel-pin.jpg
"Green, the new Red."
he pledges allegiance to
July 24, 2008 - 12:02 ET by TruthMongerhe pledges allegiance
to the flag
of the United Emerates
of Arabia
AND-
July 24, 2008 - 12:41 ET by fonzie2178to the dictatorship
for which it stands
United Nations
(Under God purposely omitted)
Indefensible
Without Liberty or justice for anyone
"Green, the new Red."
Fonz, LOL. Now THAT is a
July 24, 2008 - 13:00 ET by MassConservFonz, LOL. Now THAT is a good one. :-D
Thanks MC!
July 24, 2008 - 13:18 ET by fonzie2178But throw a bone to TruthMonger too, he got the ball rolling there! :-)
"Green, the new Red."
Why again is he campaigning
July 24, 2008 - 11:03 ET by bradbenj5952Why again is he campaigning in Germany? Whether Europe likes an American president (or presidential candidate) is of no real consequence. If this is to become the deciding issue in American politics then we are finished as a nation. Have we forgotten from whom we wrested our freedom?
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
Exactly, who cares what
July 24, 2008 - 11:19 ET by mjgExactly, who cares what Europe thinks. They don't vote or have a say so in our elections anyway.
Didn't you get the message?
July 24, 2008 - 15:02 ET by motherbeltDidn't you get the message? He's not only going to heal the souls in this country, he's going to UNITE THE WORLD!!!
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
THIS IS THE MOMENT
July 24, 2008 - 15:38 ET by KC MulvilleIt's here! This is the moment! Get ready ...
Oooops. It seems to have passed. Moments do that.
No! I felt it too! It was
July 24, 2008 - 15:54 ET by MassConservNo! I felt it too! It was definitely a moment!
Oh, wait... On further consideration I think it was just the pickle I had with lunch.
Let it be known
July 24, 2008 - 16:05 ET by KC MulvilleLet it be known, throughout all the world, that The Moment came (and went) in the summer of 2008. Let the world note that Barack Obama was not the president when it happened.
This Magic Moment ... when so many of the media were out of the country.
Let us pause a moment to remember ... the ... uh ... moment. Uh-oh, here comes another one. And another. My God, it's like these moments come in a never-ending stream ...
Hmmm... It's almost like
July 24, 2008 - 16:08 ET by MassConservHmmm... It's almost like watching a NASCAR race.
Thar goes anuther wun! Buddy Joe! Hand me anuther beer!
LOL
dontcha remember when all
July 24, 2008 - 11:30 ET by TruthMongerdontcha remember when all the German candidates came over here to campaign?
me neither
Democrats do well visiting our enemies - very popular they are
How in any way is Obama
July 24, 2008 - 11:09 ET by shawn228How in any way is Obama doing a victory lap?
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
flying around the world
July 24, 2008 - 11:13 ET by expatriotflying around the world acting like he is already the president kind of stands out. dontcha think?
well expatriot
July 24, 2008 - 11:17 ET by shawn228Since he is only one of two people that will be the POTUS in less than a half year, It makes sense for him to meet with world leaders. I hardly believe him tellling world leaders what they can expect from an Obama Presidency is a victory lap.
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
We agree to disagree
July 24, 2008 - 11:32 ET by expatriotI find it extremely pretentious for a VERY junior senator who has Very little experience to go abroad and start pontificating on what he is going to deliver. His meeting with Prime Minister Maliki was way out of bounds. That makes it part of the victory lap. Until the election is held, and someone else is elected, the President conducts our foreign policy, not junior senators on a power trip. McCain did not do anything like this and he has more trips abroad in the past year than Barry has had in his entire adult life. The venues that Barry is using and the whole preposterous press coverage makes it a victory lap before the election is even held.
I know that you disagree and that is the great thing about America, Americans have the freedom of speech and are allowed to exercise that right. We just don't see things from the same perspective. :)
And if he hadn't gone
July 24, 2008 - 11:51 ET by balboaAnd if he hadn't gone overseas, you would have criticized him for that, too. It's a lose-lose situation in your eyes.
Negatory good buddy
July 24, 2008 - 11:55 ET by expatriotBal,
There is no problem with him going overseas. Did you read where I mentioned the trips taken by McCain? Low key, spoke with the proper personnel and no dog and pony shows. Conducting foreign policy, or trying to show yourself as capable, is not what he is constitutionally chartered with. He can go on fact finding trips or whatever he wants, just don't pretend to be the next president elect and start your foreign policy road trip.
obama is a serious loser
July 24, 2008 - 12:04 ET by TruthMongerobama is a serious loser bal i'll give you that
now if he had only conducted himself appropriately overseas the last few days instead of this AUDACIOUS and presumptious manner we couldn't really complain
so it's the messiah's fault really
Overseas Overlooked
July 24, 2008 - 14:11 ET by JDWIt's a lose-lose situation in your eyes... ?
How many military hospitals has Obama visited?
The US military hospital in Landstuhl is right there in Germany where Obama made his Berlin speech.
Assuming a presidential role, what are Obama's top three priorities?
JDW
SAPPY NEWS
DAILY WAVE
campaign speech in Germany
July 24, 2008 - 11:50 ET by SouthJersey1953Shawn, If you can explain to me what his speech to the "tens of thousands" in Germany has to do with 'meeting world leaders' then I might agree with you. There is only one reason for his speech. It is just another stop on his victory lap.
Agreed, SJ...it is
July 24, 2008 - 15:08 ET by motherbeltAgreed, SJ...it is extremely presumptuous and arrogant to go abroad and make speeches as a candidate.
And Bal, no one said he should not go abroad. He can even talk to people. But not as if he's already President, and what the big H is he doing setting up appearances as if he were a road show?
You don't find it just a little presumptuous to be making speeches to Europeans when he is running for office in the US?
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
LOL "arrogant to go abroad
July 24, 2008 - 18:24 ET by Dan The Man 2LOL "arrogant to go abroad and make speeches as a candidate." and we must remmebr the Dems have not even voted him as their pick yet, officially.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Obama's "job"
July 24, 2008 - 11:52 ET by CobraManApparently Obama feels that this trip is just a part of his job description. When asked about his travels to Europe and the Middle East, Obama replied: "My job as a candidate for president and a potential commander in chief extends beyond Iraq."
Mr. Obama’s JOB is that of a Senator, and not a candidate for office. Just how is traveling to Germany to give a speach a part of his job as a Senator?
The fact that he is burning
July 24, 2008 - 11:16 ET by bradbenj5952The fact that he is burning campaign money in Germany when he hasn't even won the election here. Why would he use up money there if he had any concern about his chances here?
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
"The fact that he is
July 24, 2008 - 11:20 ET by shawn228"The fact that he is burning campaign money in Germany when he hasn't
even won the election here. Why would he use up money there if he had
any concern about his chances here? "
that results in him doing a victory lap because.......????
Some folks can dish it out but cannot take it
if only he were burning an
July 24, 2008 - 12:06 ET by TruthMongerif only he were burning an American flag
he'd win the presidency by a bds moonbat land slide - in Iran and berkely, ca anyway
who's running obama's campaign - baghdad bob?
The Brotherhood of Man
July 24, 2008 - 11:14 ET by KC MulvilleNah. This speech is so "in the bag" that they've drained all drama from it. They've realized that having scripted all the danger away from Obama, giving him no chance to open his mouth unprotected, that they've also drained away the last ounce of drama. So now, they're trying to float the idea that this speech could go bad.
This speech has been hyped already as the Moment of Destiny, but who's kidding who?
He'll basically sing the song from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," you know, "The Brotherhood of Man." Come to think of it, Obama is remarkably like Ponty (the Robert Morse character), isn't he? A spectaular rise to the top for no identifiable reason? Hmmmm ...
The Speech
July 24, 2008 - 14:45 ET by KC MulvilleJust read the European version of the "This is the Moment" Speech. Jeez, it's worse than I imagined.
It is the ultimate in naivete. This is like a teenager protesting for Love and Peace -- he's convinced that you're just not trying. If you close your eyes and really, really mean it, it'll all happen.
He said ... nothing. You know the big difference here between Obama and the other guys who came to Berlin? There were real-life dangers in saying what they said. When Reagan spoke, he challenged Gorbachev. When JFK spoke, he challenged Khruschev. Who is Obama challenging? Human nature? The Man? The dark side of the force? It's just air. Empty air.
It's just air. Empty
July 24, 2008 - 15:10 ET by motherbeltIt's just air. Empty air.
Oh, but KC, it sounds so....beautiful, and he's so.....dreamy......
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
LOL
July 24, 2008 - 15:25 ET by KC MulvilleSnap out of it, MB! Get a hold of yourself!
Is this a bad 1950's movie or what?
I only read the speech, so I'll have to wait for the video tonight. Just out of curiosity, when he spoke of our hopes, did he look off into the distance, as if he was distracted by the whispers of the angels?
And was there a cue card boy just below the podium? He would be holding placards that said things like: "Pause for Adoration." or "Bask in the Glow" or "Let Them Love You." Oh wait, that's right, Chris Matthews wasn't there...
Slap! Thanks, KC, I needed
July 24, 2008 - 16:22 ET by motherbeltSlap! Thanks, KC, I needed that!! LOL
I still can't get over this guy claiming we (led by him, of course) are going to actually remake the world!
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
"Who is Obama
July 24, 2008 - 15:33 ET by MassConserv"Who is Obama challenging?... The dark side of the force?"
You don't know the power of the Dark Side. - Darth Vader (OK, I didn't really need to add that) ;-)
Great post, KC.
While this rascal Obami
July 24, 2008 - 11:22 ET by ConservativeRexWhile this rascal Obami is in Europe/Middle East why doesn't he look into why our military based in war zones and other overseas duties have such a hard time getting their votes counted, or even the chance to vote?
Do you think it may be because a vast majority of military and ex-pats vote Republican? It is a crime how our military vote gets underrepresented. Congress was supposed to have this fixed after 2004. Not one democrat voted to follow this up and get moving on it. They know they have the majority in congress and the Republicans will never get it passed in the minority.
It's criminal. But typical of democrats. Try as they might, they never do convince anyone that they love our men and women fighting for our country. In the words of one of their great leaders.."they loath the military".
So I flip over to see what
July 24, 2008 - 11:27 ET by GregESo I flip over to see what Olbermann is rambling about and sure enough, he's talking about McCain, slamming McCain, etc etc. All McCain, all negative. Then talks about media bias and brings in Rachel Madow to talk about it with him. They sarcastically talk about evil liberal media bias, and toss it aside as a ridiculous thing, doesn't happen, etc etc. They mention "Fox Noise," etc etc. Continue talking about there is no liberal media bias. Then slam McCain a few more times and end with a sarcastic statement about the "evil liberal media."
And the whole time, they're completely blind and deaf to the context of their own discussion. It was absolutely classic.
The big questions
July 24, 2008 - 11:42 ET by iveseenitallAre the American people buying all the hype about Barry the phony coming from the corrupt media and the ad people? Are the few going to be able to fool the many? Are the American people that gullible?Or will there be a backlish from intelligent and decent people? These are the big questions. And the answers are extremely important.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
My bi-racial 15-year old
July 24, 2008 - 11:46 ET by DarkCurrentMy bi-racial 15-year old daughter is currently in Germany as an exchange student. Earlier this week I emailed her asking if she was going to Berlin to see the rally. Her response:
"I think Obama is a total idiot. The only reason people like him is because he's black. He's really just like every other mindless Democrat, who really doesn't give a damn about America and will say whatever he needs to to get elected.
Why is he even coming to Germany anyway? Germans can't vote for him."
DC, my compliments, you've
July 24, 2008 - 11:55 ET by MassConservDC, my compliments, you've got yourself a very bright and perceptive daughter. :-)
you should be proud of her
July 24, 2008 - 11:55 ET by SouthJersey1953You should be extremely proud of your daughter. Sounds to me like you and the missus did a great job raising her!
Thanks! I am certainly
July 24, 2008 - 12:50 ET by DarkCurrentThanks!
I am certainly proud, though I can't claim much credit. She's had opportunities to observe some of the real world (at 15 she's already been to numerous countries on 4 continents) and come to her own conclusions. Her innate intelligence takes it from there.
Obama is going to ask for German Troop withdrawal...Pull out now
July 24, 2008 - 12:16 ET by JayTeeObama thinks American Troops have been in Germany too long
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
JT -- funny. Ich Bin Ein
July 24, 2008 - 12:19 ET by Jack BauerJT -- funny.
Ich Bin Ein Beginner.
Germany is filled with WHITE EUROPEAN people
July 24, 2008 - 11:59 ET by Guy Arthur ThomasRegarding The Obamanation's rally. Germany is filled with WHITE EUROPEAN people (yes I know not exclusvely, I've been there myself) and that is who he
is hoping to get to come to his rally. It is a filming opportunity. In
other words, "If Anglo Europe accepts me, hey Anglo America, you can
accept me too!" This is based in race, in part. Sorry if that stings
but that is simply the truth.
The other half, is The Obamanation trying to add value to the image that he is an accepted voice of American politics in Europe.
Next Please! If you claim to be a conservative, please don't disgrace yourself and conservatism by thinking and arguing like a liberal.
Funny Rush throwaway
July 24, 2008 - 12:14 ET by Jack BauerFunny Rush throwaway line...
LOL Jack... I heard that
July 24, 2008 - 12:48 ET by bigtimerLOL Jack...
I heard that yesterday too....I burst out laughing...he had some good ones regarding the jerk messiah...
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Has he walked on water yet
July 24, 2008 - 13:10 ET by ricklailHas he walked on water yet or raised anyone from the dead? Did he go to the Dome of the Rock? That is some type of sin being a Muslim and not visiting when in the region.
Be kind to your kids. They'll be choosing your nursing home.
Ricktail, he hasn't walked
July 24, 2008 - 16:55 ET by HermanoRicktail, he hasn't walked on water, but he has managed to have his followers revive a bunch of fainters.
The Newsbusters Comments Crew: Saving the Environment - One Ribeye at a Time! h/t Dr_Liberty
Just read Matt's Washington Times Analysis/Opinion Article
July 24, 2008 - 12:45 ET by Par for the CourseOnline, conservatives miss bigger point
PfC.... Thanks for the
July 24, 2008 - 12:56 ET by bigtimerPfC....
Thanks for the very interesting read.
It is so great to see Matthew in there.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I don't care if Obama has
July 24, 2008 - 12:40 ET by bigtimerI don't care if Obama has two people or two million..I see as usual to get the audience attraction he has bands playing beforehand...
I am so sick and tired of all Obama all the time...especially this week, that I could give a rats rear less anymore.
In fact I am sick and tired of this whole pathetic Presidential campaign.
I will be glad when it is over...all I can do is hope the msm doesn't start right in with the next one for 2012....and they will if Obama loses.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
El Rushbo
July 24, 2008 - 13:30 ET by Uphillis having a blast with Senator Obama's speech.
Can anyone suggest how I get
July 24, 2008 - 13:33 ET by Jack BauerCan anyone suggest how I get rid of this unbelievably annoying box that pops up twice, everytime I refresh NB in either Firefox and Apple Safari browsers?
This is even more annoying than poster hater used to be.
Jack... One 9mm slug to
July 24, 2008 - 13:35 ET by Clear thinkerJack...
One 9mm slug to your monitor should do the trick!
45 Communist Goals for America http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm
Jack, try 2 things: 1. I
July 24, 2008 - 13:38 ET by balboaJack, try 2 things:
1. I assume you have pop-ups disabled?
2. Reinstall Adobe Flash Player. Sometimes its files become corrupted.
thanks bal .. though clear's
July 24, 2008 - 13:44 ET by Jack Bauerthanks bal .. though clear's suggestion is funnier.
Excellent bal. I have just
July 24, 2008 - 14:10 ET by Jack BauerExcellent bal. I have just uninstalled Flash, and the popups have disappeared. Though they were disabled anyway.
**UPDATE** Nah, they're back. V.irritating!
WEIRD...I have an iBook at
July 24, 2008 - 14:11 ET by balboaWEIRD...I have an iBook at home and have never had that issue. What OS do you have?
Vista Premium 32-bit. Bit
July 24, 2008 - 14:21 ET by Jack BauerVista Premium 32-bit. Bit weird.
Actually I missed out that the pop UP also says
AN ACTIONSCRIPT ERROR HAS OCCURED
My Solution
July 24, 2008 - 15:38 ET by JDWAdblock
JDW
SAPPY NEWS
DAILY WAVE
I don't know which is
July 24, 2008 - 13:37 ET by ricklailI don't know which is worse; having Helen Thomas's picture at the top of the page or Olberman's. To me they could be brother and sister from different mothers.
By the way, I was watching Fox on Sunday and they had Ann Lewis on there. I want to know who lifted up her rock? They need to be sentenced to 12 straight hours of having to listen to her and her brother.
Be kind to your kids. They'll be choosing your nursing home.
I still want to hear from Obama..
July 24, 2008 - 13:48 ET by UndercoverConservative...exactly what country he's running for President in? All this campaigning outside of the US, and not for citizens or military abroad, but for the rank and file citizenry of the rest of the world?
Is Democratic Party contempt for America so high that the concept of campaigning here among *legal* voters is unpalatable?
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
"You spend your money anyway you want and respect other's rights to do the same"
And now, today's
July 24, 2008 - 14:05 ET by Roger the ShrubberAnd now, today's pine-tar-free Shrub Report®:
Twenty-five years ago, George Brett's bat got confiscated.
Not only are we a nation of whiners, but we are raising a generation of sissified crybaby emo puds.
The latest on The Hopeful Changer's fantasy world. And how he is too busy to visit US troops.
Dirtbag pu$$y Liberal hippies have been saving their urine for the DNC convention.
A textbook example of how to ambush a convoy, Taliban-style.
It's time for Fun with Headlines! AP Headline: Whirlpool reports 27 percent dip in 2Q profit. Reality: Whirlpool beat Wall Street expectations, GROSS profits were actually UP 5%, and their NET was UP $117 million.
There will be no Iraqis at the Olympics.
A Culture of Corruption Update. Wow. Three Pennsylvania Democrat(ic) scandals in one month?
Meanwhile, ACORN is busted. Again.
Thirdly, The Party of Defeat, as usual, have their elbow firmly planted on the pulse of America.
Time for some Wiccan Bloopers!
On South Park recently, Cartman learned that putting Butters penis into his mouth did not make Butters, gay, but made Cartman gay.
Was Giles Winterdouche the losing lawyer in this case, or was it a real Quaker?
More Wesley Clark douchebaggery.
And finally, soon to be tossed at Heinz Field on a cold, Sunday afternoon…
You know, my generation
July 24, 2008 - 14:40 ET by balboaYou know, my generation supposedly had many of the same trepidations as these guys. Difference being we had Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden to keep us sane, not tight jeans and ridiculous haircuts. :-)
We need grunge to return! Put some flannel on, drink some beer, "spank your inner moppet," and get over yourselves!
just maybe soros is (was) invested in this
July 24, 2008 - 18:56 ET by upcountrywaterbankrupt company
Liberals62%
IranianUranium
"Twenty-five years ago,
July 25, 2008 - 02:02 ET by Carl Kolchak"Twenty-five years ago, George Brett's bat got confiscated"
That George Brett should have kept his cool. I have no idea why he got so angry. People at baseball games should never get angry.
Signed
Billy Martin
→ Night Stalker
July 25, 2008 - 02:05 ET by Cool ArrowAother great quote;
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Just remember that it is
July 25, 2008 - 02:11 ET by Carl KolchakJust remember that it is the original Night Stalker with Darren McGavin and not the show that was on ABC 2 or 3 years go. I still have no idea what that show as about or what they were trying to do. I think it only lasted like 5 episodes, and that was 5 episodes that I watched and wasted my time. I think the actor was Stuart Townsend or something like that. I don't have anything against him, but they never should have tried to copy the old show.
Darren, of course
July 25, 2008 - 02:17 ET by Cool ArrowI've heard of the other knockoff, and was assured I missed nothing.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE
Now we know..BHO wanted to alert the EU that SEAS were rising
July 24, 2008 - 15:55 ET by JayTeeGotta warn them about GW Again...ya know...BHO can control the "waters".
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised