I've got to write an editorial about it (one that doesn't reflect my views, necessarily), but my quit reaction to Obama's Berlin speech was: ho-hum.
Look, I'm all for better relations with the Europeans. Absolutely. I'm tired of the Bush approach as well. But this speech was pretty lightweight, even for an address that was supposed to be inspirational. It sounded like the kind of thing you might hear at Davos: full of shallow, right-thinking sentimentalism. I didn't think it was a bad speech, necessarily, but it was rather underwhelming. Kathleen Parker gets it right: "...a bunch of old speeches, pulled favorite phrases and strung them together between a few poll-approved Big Ideas."
I liked the speech better the first time I heard it: set to music, and only three minutes long:
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the way his campaign has turned on the press"
- More about this please. I haven't heard of any problems in their love relationship... Is the honeymoon phase coming to an end?
As far as the troop visit goes... the spokesperson said the main reason for the change was that it would be "inappropriate" given the trip is paid for by the campaign... total bunkum... But, my question is, isn't this a "congressional delegation" on a fact-finding mission? That was all we heard about for days... not it is a campaign trip?
It's fair to note that while Obama was visiting our allies in Europe and the troops in Iraq, McCain was visiting the Bush compound in Kennebunkport and having his picture taken with Poppy.
Pretty much says it all about priorities.
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel ....
So, you want to talk about priorities and Obama's trip?
We're only learning today that the junior Senator from Illinois gave up an opportunity yesterday to visit wounded US soldiers in Germany because ... get this ... he wouldn't be allowed to breach DoD policies and bring a camera crew and political aides to intrude on the privacy of these suffering heroes.
So what did "Fast Eddie" Obama decide to do? If there was be no cameras, no reporters and no PR value to the visit ... then forget about making the time for a private visit to thank these soldiers for their service. I suppose he spent the time instead in the gymn at the Berlin Ritz Carlton toning up those abs and pecs of his.
Daniel and all other the Obamaniacs: Please, for the sake of your dignity and reputations, don't hero-worship this guy. Vote for him as a kind of therapeutic protest against Bush if you absolutely must ... but nothing more.
Thanks for the advice, RNYC. Given your almost necrophilic admiration for Reagan, though, I guess I have to question whether you are exactly the best person to be giving advice on hero-worship.
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