Deseret News | Reader comments: Berliners captivated by Obama visit, speech

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Berliners captivated by Obama visit, speech

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Terrorism exists? | 12:37 a.m. July 25, 2008

I thought that Democrats didn't believe that terrorism existed, nor that it was a threat to our way of living?

What German press said | 12:42 a.m. July 25, 2008

From Spiegle, a German magazine:

"Anyone who saw Barack Obama at Berlin's Siegessï¿½ule on Thursday could recognize that this man will become the 44th president of the United States. He is more than ambitious -- he wants to lay claim to become the president of the world."

Annonymous | 12:46 a.m. July 25, 2008

"Maybe we can have some peace now" I wasn't aware that there was a lack of peace in Germany. I am glad to see Obama rally these nations in favor of fighting despotism and terroist because until now we have seen little help from our Western Europe allies. However, not great to go abroad and criticize your own government and President, whose father was instrumental in bringing down that Berlin wall. This is all propaganda. Senator Obama has yet to prove himself a capable leader.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 1:35 a.m. July 25, 2008

I heard Obama's speech. It was centered around America supporting Berlin in 1948 with the air lift. I didn't hear this criticism of America.

I think Germans where impressed hearing a potential president who could speak English. After, Bush, Obama seems every articulate.

So What | 1:46 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama had a great chance to visit injured troops but he said it wasn't right during a campaign stop. What was this all about? Didn't he visit the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan during his big photo-op? Why not visit the troops in Germany? How come these and other questions aren't being asked by the media? How come you Obama Kool-Aid drinkers aren't asking the same questions?

euro trash | 3:40 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama was cheered by 300,000+ people, Bush would be jeered by 300,000+ people. It ain't just a spelling error...

Smoke and mirrors | 4:44 a.m. July 25, 2008

It doesn't say much for the international audience that it can be captivated by political platitudes such as "This is our time," or "This is our day to make a difference," or "we need change," which were used repeatedly throughout this speech. No explanations were offered, no definition of change given nor apparently demanded by the crowd, just a lot of generalized feel-good statements to enthrall the lazy masses. Unfortunately the world is getting exactly what it demands of its leaders: shallow platitudes, telegenic bearing, and promises no logical person could possibly expect will be kept.

American in Germany | 5:39 a.m. July 25, 2008

I have to agree with some of the things "Annonymous" 12:46 wrote. I saw the speech live over here in Germany and there was a huge response. I wouldn't go as far as to say that Obama criticized the government--at least not in a malicious way. He (or his advisors) seem to be well aware of the attitudes that exist here in Germany and the rest of Europe and he was simply addressing those. While I really don't know whether Obama will get my vote or not, I must say that whoever becomes president needs to have better foreign relations. I'm not sure it was a good move for Obama to have come to Berlin or not, but the response was so massive that it could possibly have an effect on the election if McCain doesn't attempt something similar now. I could be wrong...I guess it depends, too, on how much US media coverage there was of the event and how much weight voters place on the ability of the candidates in foreign relations.

liberal Larry | 5:53 a.m. July 25, 2008

Isn't it nice to see an American leader who is respected in the rest of the world.

McCain Eat your heart out | 6:11 a.m. July 25, 2008

Nouthing worse than a doubter that knows nothing to start with
Quite clear the old way was not the way to go
Getting the World together is the way to go
If Obama is the World President?
So Be IT!
He is showing McCain, and doing a great job
Obama is very well educated, McCain is just a rich boy on the block
Paid for everything and did nothing in his life

intrigued | 6:18 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama goes overseas and is a hit. And bloggers complain?? Seriously, folks, can Bush lead? Obama is the best thing since sliced bread!! We might even get the world to appreciate us in the future, listen to us, help us, etc. Obama is better than cold milk and cookies.

He looked presidential and acted presidential because he is presidential material. The only thing McCain could do overseas is sing, "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran."

We are very fortunate to have Obama at this very critical juncture of our nation's history. He will choose a very intelligent and experienced vp. Just wait.

McCain? He will choose a mid aged white guy who makes McCain look good and elderly: that is the man's only hope.

Obama, send him to the Olympics and upstage the Chinese.

Torture | 6:18 a.m. July 25, 2008

What is with this false notion that the USA is the motherland of all torture? I'm so sick of Democrats feeding this nonsense to the rest of the world. The USA has actually been quite restrained on the War on Terror. It's a shame to see Obama propagating this lie even further to the Europeans. Did anyone notice how no one clapped when Obama discussed how the rest of the free world needs to help fight against terrorism, yet everyone what crazy with applause when he indirectly bashed America for being the Evil Empire of Torture?

Correction | 6:19 a.m. July 25, 2008

Terrorism exists? 12:37 - Your understanding of the Democrats beliefs on terrorism is wrong. They understand that it exists and they are serious about bringing an end to it. That's why they support finishing the job in Afghanistan where the leader of terrorism is still hiding out now some 7 years after he masterminded an attack on America.

Anonymous 12:47 If you read the full text of Obama's speech you will find that he didn't criticize America, he simply acknowledged that there are some misperceptions on both sides of the Atlantic and that we need each other if we are going to stop terrorism because no nation, regardless of how strong they are, can do it alone. Many of the major arrests of terrorists in the past several years have come from intelligence gathered by the police and national security forces in European nations.

Is he a candidate for the world? | 6:20 a.m. July 25, 2008

I didn't know that the German people could vote for Obama. Wow! Our elections must be held in many places of the world, that I didn't know about. Seems our servicemen overseas can't vote, but now Obama is trying to garner European votes. Who knew, our servicemen and women aren't afforded the same opportunities to vote in our elections as the Europeans. McCain was down South America way trying to increase his election numbers. I was unaware we had world-wide elections. Makes me wonder.

Anonymous | 6:43 a.m. July 25, 2008

Way to go Obama!
Cut through all the ideological BS Neocons have been shelling out to the world and get to the heart of the matter -
Interdependence.

Ultra Bob | 6:53 a.m. July 25, 2008

Barack Obama is so popular because he represents hope for the world, something Republicans have destroyed.

Lee | 7:02 a.m. July 25, 2008

Not only did he bash his own country, he has cancelled his visitation to our wounded soldiers in Germany.His arrogance to assume a presidential mantle points to what kind of leader he is.With the Clinton machine out of his way, he has now assumed the "entitlement" that Hillary once possessed. Those of you that are his ardent supporters,be advised that without a sript or prompt in front of him, he is indeed an empty suit. He did nothing in that "speech" yesterday than to plagiarize JFK & Reagan.And not to forget, how about that opening racial remark he made? He is picking up where Bill Clinton left off.So there were 200,000 supporting fans with him at the Brandengurg Gate? Hmm, reminds me of another time in history where that scene played out to another crowd of "hopefuls".

Overseas | 7:18 a.m. July 25, 2008

McCain goes overseas because perception has it that one of his strong points is foreign relations and the war on terror. He wants to attempt to weaken Obama by traveling internationally and showing off his strong points.

The perception of Obama, a 1st term Senator, is that he is very weak on foreign matters. So he is traveling internationally to strengthen this weakness. Come Fall and the campaigns intensify Obama wants these international trips to strengthen his weakness.

Obama draws a crowd in Europe because he is the democratic candidate. Bush (Republican) is in the White House--Europe is more left leaning, it seems, and they do not like the war in Iraq, so it is not a surprise that they favor Obama.

Obama draws a huge crowd, perhaps, because he is historic. The first black man to be a major nominated candidate for president. He also presents well. For the many people who don't bother to be well informed, don't read newspapers, don't think deeply about society and history, these people can easily be won simply by presentation. That is why Obama's gaffes, lapses in judgment, and poor policy proposals don't matter to them. They like him because of presentation.

CTObserver | 7:27 a.m. July 25, 2008

You folks have to remember that the Germans were also mesmerized by Hitler. The are easily persuaded by a charismatic speaker. I wouldn't trust who they support given their history. Don't people investigate what Obama has done or should I say hasn't done! His whole approach and the reaction by so many of his supporters goes to show you that stupidity/ignorance is still the number one uncurable disease. It looks like there is a contagious epidemic in Europe and it has been spreading like wildfire here in the US. I sure hope people come to their senses before this egotistical maniac who thinks he'll rule the world is elected. Come on people wake up to reality.

Obama... | 7:29 a.m. July 25, 2008

Let's see: Obama is loved in Germany, respected in the middle east... and we should vote for a guy who said, "I don't understand economics" (yes, McCain did say that... hmmmmmm).

Obama in November.

Tom Paine | 7:30 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama looked very presidential, very statesmanlike. After 8 years of the Bush administration, and Republican attitudes of "you're either with us or against us", aggressiveness, beligerance, and fear tactics, it's refreshing to see an American statesman who understands the concepts of cooperation and respect for others. McCain will never attempt to give a speech like Obama just did. McCain would come across as old, boring, out of touch, and more of the same Bush policies, and would be lucky to get 200 to attend.

sob | 7:31 a.m. July 25, 2008

i think this was an excellent first step in trying to rebuild relationships in a part of the world where we have insulted and disrespected our former closest allies. this is "the old europe" that the evil dick
said was not needed as we went on our rampage to grab the best oil patch in iraq. we called them "freedom fries" because the french suggested we send in inspectors with a mandate to inspect rather then troops, then if we found weapons invade. guess what the french were right, no wmd. but we still act like the europeans were insulting us, not the other way around, good to see that our relationships will be vastly improved shortly after jan 20 09.

Zell | 7:58 a.m. July 25, 2008

I think Obama's speach is great but he is running for office in the wrong country! He should run for chancellor of Germany. After all he wants to ban guns, take away freedom of speech (fairness doctrine), redistribute wealth through massive tax hikes, make us slaves of the state by impossible energy dreams and global warming propositions. I think he resembles that dark haired chacellor from the thirties in Germany. Hum, what was his name now.....?

Not as easily led | 8:05 a.m. July 25, 2008

A politician stands in front of 300,00 cheering Germans in Berlin and captivates the audience. The German press write that he wants to be "president of the world."
Is this 2008 or 1938?

nobama | 8:05 a.m. July 25, 2008

To that uninformed individual that stated McCain has done nothing,and a rich boy. You need to start researching and stop shooting from the hip. The first thing McCain did was get beaten and humiliated by Communists in Vietnam!He has served this country honorably in the Senate these past 18 years. Obama was busy organizing ACORN meetings with people who loved it when McCain was tortured in Vietnam!And now this same Obama is getting a free ride from the press in this country.It is a sad day when haters of this country are worshipped by uninformed or those who simply don't care "BORG MINDED" people here.

Anonymous | 8:06 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama wants to lead more than the United States. He wants to lead the progessive NEW WORLD ORDER! He makes me sick.

Chuck YAWNS here :-0 | 8:17 a.m. July 25, 2008

The few handfull of German people that was there at Obamaism's concert tour are just curious to see The Messiah. That's why they're there. They are getting drunk on beer and eating bratwurst watching the lights and cameras. The other thousand's of people there was the American News Media folks. Obamaism's is out there saying that poverty and racism in Somalia breeds the terrorists of the future, which is an absolute lie. He's just dead wrong about it. But despite that, where is Obama? Obama is in Germany. Germany is where, ladies and gentlemen? It is in Europe, and we all need to be more like Europeans, right? We need to stop embarrassing the Europeans. Every time I hear a Democrat start talking about sacrifice, I know exactly what that means: increase taxes. And he's talking about raising taxes all over the world now, tearing down imaginary walls?. That is just tacky, trying to rip off Reagan here, and tear down all these imaginary walls.

Vote for McCain and Mitt in 2008

Obamaism's done.

He lost.

German Leaders | 8:38 a.m. July 25, 2008

I personally don't want Germany to pick my leaders I don't think they have a good track record, also I don't think Europes' approval should be that important look at the mess that is over there

Landslide | 8:44 a.m. July 25, 2008

It will be a landslide victory for Obama come november without one doubt. I would think that intelligent people would take a page from his book and see why he is so appealing in our country and abroad. Just reflect back voters and see how far we have fallen in the last 8 years. Lost foreign respect, lost our economy, and finally lost too many lives both here and abroad on an invasion that we were lied about to begin with. What a breath of fresh air Obama is over what we have now.

To Chuck yawns | 8:44 a.m. July 25, 2008

Go ahead and yawn. The enormous volume of cheers I heard when Obama spoke are indicative of new hope in the human heart. You can yawn at that if you want to, but I find your yawns unpersuasive. Now go take a nap and let the rest of us move into the future.

What if? | 8:45 a.m. July 25, 2008

What if we sent Obama to run for EU President? It sounds as if that is just what he was doing! He could care less about America and it showed very plain as he totally dis'd the wounded soldiers there. What a farce Obama is.

blinded by reality | 8:57 a.m. July 25, 2008

Those still clinging to Neoconism are blind to the reality of liberal internationalism - interdependence.
Go back to the 50's where you came from, Neocons!
It's a new, progressive, liberal world - and it's beautiful to behold!
Kumbaya ...

Obama Supporter | 9:02 a.m. July 25, 2008

It's so fun to see all the haters spewing their hatred for Obama, and making their silly comments like "the few handfuls of Germans that came to see Obama" when it was actually over 200,000 people. His incredible success must be driving them absolutely crazy--and there's not a thing that they can do about it--except complain.

Come November, all those states outside of Utah are simply going to raise up and save us from ourselves. It doesn't even bother me that I live in Utah any more, I can still depend on those other U.S. citizens. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! YES, WE CAN!!!

Holy Cannoli, Batman | 9:03 a.m. July 25, 2008

"Ich bein ein baklava."

NOBAMA | 9:06 a.m. July 25, 2008

Breath of fresh air?! Tell me SPECIFICALLY what is so appealing about him.You have no idea what he will do. And don't give me that drivel about "better than Bush,get back our respect, blah,blah.blah!! What will Obama do about the economy?RAISE TAXES, THAT"S IT!That is always the Dems answer.Gas prices? Obama and his droids say"We need an alternate fuel".What alternate fuel? What will replace over 50 million barrels of oil a day that the world uses?Obama will keep saying that and all the while we pay over $4.00 a gallon for gas.Obama and the Dems are in the tank with the Enviro-nazis.This is good news for them.And there will be no landslide victory.The grown-ups will show up for this election.And the Bradley affect will tell the story at the end of the day!

Thanks Obama | 9:10 a.m. July 25, 2008

I agree with the person who thinks that Obama is better than sliced bread, cold milk, and cookies. Obama IS the best thing to happen to the United States in a LONG, LONG time. We desperately need his education, his insights, and his appeal. We desperately need to restore our standing in the world. I'm so glad to see Obama is doing something to make that happen. How can you NOT love him?

Won't vote MCCAIN | 9:10 a.m. July 25, 2008

After reading how John McCain dumped his first wife and kids so that he could chase after 20-something year old Cindy, I definately won't vote for the guy.

I read an article online about how Nancy Reagan hates McCain for the way that he cheated on his wife. He was in his 40s, and having an afair with Cindy who was in her 20s. What a guy...

Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. July 25, 2008

Here's why 99.9999% of all American's are gonna VOTE for the McCain / Mitt ticket in 2008

SORRY OBAMAISM - Obama was channeling Ronald Reagan today. Well, we knew Ronald Reagan, Senator Obama, and you're not in his league.

OK | 9:29 a.m. July 25, 2008

To all you Obama Kool-Aid drinkers-Don't come crying to those of us that can see thru his empty shirt when he takes us closer to the New World Order than GW did. Don't come crying to us when your taxes go to 75%. Don't come crying to us when you get Universal Health Care and you have to wait for 6 months or greater to be seen only to be seen and no care actually given. Don't come crying to us when the Constitution gets trample to depths not even dreamed of with GW. Keep up your drinking of the Kool-Aid without any real in depth knowledge of the lack of caracter in this guy and you will get exactly what you are hoping for, and that is CHANGE, Change to total destruction of the USA.

Richard Nibbler | 9:37 a.m. July 25, 2008

Re: Thanks Obama - I can NOT love him because of his lack of experience, his silk-tongue and his lack of actual plans to address issues. And, for the simple fact that he's a Democrat and that the Democrat-led Congress has to do anything of substance over the nearly two-years they've had control. So, you take an ineffective Democrat-controlled Congress, and team them up with a Democrat President, and what do you get - more futility.

I'm certainly not a fan of McCain either, but he is the lesser of two evils, and is a more middle-of-the-road Republican, so perhaps he can somehow bring the two parties together and get some things done.

I remember all the promises the Democrats made when they took control of Congress, and I see now how many of those promises have gone unfilled and how little they've actually been able to accomplish. What they have accomplished is driving our economy into the toilet (that's right - Bush doesn't get all the credit for this).

Marie Devine | 9:42 a.m. July 25, 2008

Germany is no exception; people around the world want hope that life will be better. Unfortunately, no candidate is willing to take the direction that will end the wars and create a peaceful prosperous future without bondage, debt, and stress. They don't know how to change.

As long as the candidates have the expectation that the goal in life is employment, they will spend money we work to give them to create more jobs for us and our children. We are going the wrong way; that is bondage and stress.

Solutions to world problems are found when we realize the goal in life is retirement in a garden paradise we create. That solves world problems at the same time. It is easy, quick, fair to all, and long lasting. Leviticus 26 is God's promise of rain in due season for healthy crops, animals, and people.

We must chose the Divine-Way and God will raise up a candidate that will bring it to its fulness. This is the only place we will find change we can really depend on. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

Dangerous | 9:45 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama is the biggest danger America has ever faced, mark my words. Heaven help us if he becomes president.

ER in AF | 9:45 a.m. July 25, 2008

I may end up voting for Obama, but I certainly resent the guy at 6:11am who suggested that McCain paid for everything and has done nothing. He has served his country in war and in peace. He has ran for president twice and he says it like it is as he sees it. I have stood in the Hanoi Hilton and seen the leg irons that he wore. I live in a country that just this week had a press conference cancelled because the host country was not allowing freedom of the press. I say that becasue this conference was part of a Cindy McCain visit. It warmed my heart that the party refused to participate in the conference unless all press were allowed in. They were not and the Americans did not show up. Great to hold to our guns American! All I hope for this election is that the new President be a true American and continue to lead the world on important issues.

Just me | 9:47 a.m. July 25, 2008

I was proud to be an American, which has not happened often in the past 8 years, by the way, with Bush and his regime, when I heard Obama speak. He will definitely get my vote. I cringe to think of 4 more years of the same stuff if Mc Cain and GOD FORBID Mitt were to be elected. Obama represents hope where Bush and Mc Cain do not. To those who complain about Democrats and higher taxes just where do you think the money for Iraq is coming from? How many Americans are suffering because money goes there instead. Look at New Orleans...look at US health care. WAKE UP PEOPLE TO SEE THE DANGEROUS POSITION BUSH AND HIS REPUBLICAN CRONIES HAVE DONE TO THE USA...THE USA IS LAUGHED AT NOWADAYS!!! In Europe, people have asked me how Americans could have been so STUPID to vote for Bush twice. Can anyone give them an answer because I cannot

Kennedy/Nixon | 9:54 a.m. July 25, 2008

This reminds me of the Kennedy/Nixon race. Kennedy was young,fresh and full of hope. Nixon was brudish and boring. Obama went to Germany and told the truth about what's going on in the world. Why is everyone so afraid of that. Even an old Republican like myself can see that. Obama will be the next president, get used to it.

Anonymous | 9:58 a.m. July 25, 2008

the greatest danger to our freedom is Obama and he Democrats.

Anti American | 9:57 a.m. July 25, 2008

Obama should have felt right at home in middle of all these anti americans. This guy is doing everything he can to show those who hate America that he is on their side. This guy is the scariest thing that has ever happened to our constitution. He is looking for a one world order, and wants to show that he will be the king dog. Heaven help us!!

Re:OK | 10:01 a.m. July 25, 2008

Enough of the fear tactics... we are crying, crying that we are paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas, an economy that is in shambles, a war that is costing billions of dollars a day, we are crying because the stock market is falling and banks are closing. We listend to people like you when we elected GWB.
How can you scare people that are already scared sick by the current administration.

TOMMIE | 10:03 a.m. July 25, 2008

There is something SERIOUSLY WRONG with having Europeans be able to contribute to the American candidate they like. We are allowing foreign countries to have an influence on how the election goes. Why is Obama in Europe, he isn't getting elected by the Europeans. If Obama is elected, America will be very vulnerable to attack, and that is something that scares me, a lot.

It was not his crowd. | 10:07 a.m. July 25, 2008

These people were there because of two very popular rock bands, if it had been just Obama, there would not have been as many people there.

I do have to give Obama credit, he is a master actor, when he has his script.

Do not think that Rev Wright just happened to come and go without this being planned, last we heard from him was an attack on Obama. So what happened when Obama got tough and turned his back from Wright? Does anyone believe that Wright is just going to stop wagging his tongue after Obama went after him?

Enjoy your under $4.00 a gallon gas, cause when Obama is in office, he wants it to be higher, which also means higher food prices. But on the other hand, you will get free medical, just plan to wait in line for three hours or three months or three years.

Watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing!!!

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