Obama’s Berlin Gambit

Cross Action News ^ | 7-11-08 | Stephen Brown

[Victory111]

There are no shortcuts to history, but don’t tell that to Barack Obama. In his ongoing campaign to appropriate John F. Kennedy’s aura, the presumptive Democratic nominee has accepted an invitation to speak in Berlin later this month.

It’s not unusual for American presidential candidates to visit Germany’s capital in an election year. But the venue Obama’s handlers have chosen – Berlin’s symbolic and history-laden Brandenburg Gate – is obviously intended to recall Kennedy’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech in Berlin in 1963. The political subtext is clear: “BHO” is JFK’s political heir.

[imintrouble]

That sounds so ‘special’ Obama thinks he is resurrection of JFK - can Michelle speak fluent French a la Jaquie?

[rockinqsranch]

Perhaps I am classless, crass, just plain old mean, whatever anybody wants to throw at me is fine, but I was not impressed much by the JFK Administration at all. I thought he was a lousey President whom made very good speeches.

Sure he cut taxes, great...

His assassination to this day is upsetting and terribly sad to me and my wife. We both remember the day, the shock, the anger, the overwhelming grief.

His wasn’t all that great a Presidency, just one that stands out in history due charisma and assassination.

[jamaksin]

“Ich bin ein Berliner”

... as in the dou(gh)nuts - "Berliner" - are back.

[srmorton]

One thing that is is beginning to disturb me the most about Obama is his lack of respect for the office of POTUS and the impression he gives that he is actually the most qualified person for it after only 143 days of experience in the US Senate. He co-opted the presidential seal and now wants to assume a role to which he is not yet entitled by speaking at the Brandenburg gate. (Lord willing, he will NEVER be entitled to assume that role!) Despite Bill Clinton's abuse of the office and seven years of BDS, I think many Americans still have an inherent respect for the office of POTUS and this aspect of Obama's campaign will not sit well with them.

[Polybius]

But the venue Obama’s handlers have chosen – Berlin’s symbolic and history-laden Brandenburg Gate – is obviously intended to recall Kennedy’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech in Berlin in 1963.

"Ich bin ein Cut & Runner”

[6SJ7]

Next we’re going to hear from Obama how driving in downtown Chicago is just as dangerous as commanding a PT boat during WWII.

[Lion Den Dan]

Berlin, heck. I think he is going to Nurenburg (sp) a la Hitler.

[libs_kma]

Obama is nothing like a JFK. Back when JFK was POTUS, Dims still at least had a backbone.

Hussein Obama is a jellyfish by comparison.

[rod1]

Lost is all this is BHO’s lack of any orignality in intent vision for involving the location.

Kennedy (U.S. air lift had saved city)and Regan (Communist Imprisioning wall) had overt reason’s for being there.

There is no wall and there is no reason for Barry to be there. He is only a copycat trying to cling to the cloak of others’ greatness for some personal gain.

Where is the vision and originality? Barry should try the Darfur, Zim or the Iranian, NK or Tibet borders if he wants to make actually address a current issue and try something...mildly original.

[Neverforget01]

The trouble with this is that most of Obama’s base weren’t even born when Kennedy gave his speeches and the remainder knew John Kennedy and Obama is no John Kennedy.

[yorkie01]

Barack Hussein Obama, PBUH, is no John F. Kennedy. ‘The seed has been sown that will grow one day . . . to the glorious rebirth of the National Socialist movement of a truly united nation. Adolf Hitler (From Hitler’s last will and testament)’. This is BO’s message.

[numberonepal]

I am a jelly donut.

[suijuris]

I was not impressed much by the JFK Administration at all. I thought he was a lousey President whom made very good speeches.

I wasn't either, but if JFK were running against either of the two assclowns we have now I would vote for him in heartbeat.

[antioscar]

(repost from related thread yesterday)

wow... I served in Berlin (W), when it still had the W for “west”, for 46 months. I heard the sirens. I was fortunate enough to see President Ronald Reagan during his visit. My daughter was born there.

I was there when Major Nicholson was shot by a soviet soldier and a soviet officer denied first aid. Maj Nicholson’s driver was forced at gunpoint to watch him bleed to death.

I was there for two of the Glienicke Bridge East-West prisoner swaps.

IMVHO, for Obama to even request such a venue is Hitleresque at best. I truly am appalled and offended as I suspect many Germans must be that they would even consider requesting use of the Brandenburg Gate for personal gain. I think it is despicable.

Maybe this will be the next “regret” he has.

[metesky]

Humvee-109

[Ann Archy]

Bill Clinton proved that ANYONE can win the Presidency! It only depends on how stupid the people are that vote for them. Obama’s voters are SINGLE KIDS and ELITES and BLACKS....some constiueency there.

[metesky]

Kennedy (U.S. air lift had saved city)

Forgetting of course that Krueschev thought Kennedy so weak that the USSR could get away with building the wall in the first place.

Just like the Cuban Missle Crisis, it was all Jack's fault.

[libertylover]

I think many Americans still have an inherent respect for the office of POTUS

Well, many yes, but not most. If most had had respect for the office they would have thrown Bill Clinton out on his butt like he deserved.

[waxer1]

I agree with you. People confuse popularity with greatness. He was popular not great. Could have been though.