If there’s one nationality on earth that’s known for being cold, it has to be the Germans. (Hey, we say that with all the affection in the world, but, well, c’mon.)
So it’s quite a statement when the Germans start calling Obama bloodless, cold, arrogant and elitist.
The center-left Süddeutsche Zeitung writes:
“Two years ago his vision inspired voters. Today the same man often sounds strangely bloodless. Back then his cool, self-assured composure impressed many, now the same character comes across as cold, arrogant, even elitist. The right may well put on a shrill rough performance, and stand in the media spotlight. However, this president was never going to win votes on the right anyway. Obama’s historic victory in 2008 was created by the middle of American society — the independent voters and the suburbanites. It is this center that has abandoned him.”
Strangely bloodless. Cold. Arrogant. Elitist.
Welcome to our reality, our German brothers.
H/T: Spiegel.de
This post was last modified on November 9, 2010
View Comments (14)
Before Obama was elected Pres. he went to Berlin and requested of the German government permission to speak at the Brandenburg Gate. The only foreigners who have been granted permission are American Presidents and that is in appreciation for the U.S.'s support and defense of West Germany against the Soviet Union who had occupied East Germany and governed in a brutal oppressive Communist regime. Also after WW2 it was the U.S. who opposed what many leaders wanted to do which was to divide Germany up and annex into the victors lands so that Germany as a nation would cease to exist.
The Brandenburg Gate was built in 1770 as a monument to peace and is a dear place among Germans.
So of course the idea of a politician using the Brandenburg Gate as a prop for a political speech was deeply offensive to most Germans.
The reason that he was allowed to speak was because he was an American , if McCain had asked to speak there his request would also have been granted.
But this divided the Grand Coalition that Merkel had formed and ultimately caused it's collapse.
Most germans were very troubled by Obama's actions, because they felt that either Obama is Ignorant of the importance of the Brandenburg Gate in their society and should know or he is arrogant, he knows of it's importance and he doesn't care.
This article is not about what "ihatethemedia" leads us to believe. The full translation is here: http://worldmeets.us/sueddeutsche000023.shtml#axzz1548ZtuEo
If I was a faithful reader of this site, I would question why someone who I am a fan of would be so misleading. I don't trust liars and purposely try to keep liars out of my life.
Interestingly, Neb, you went to a translation at an American website we've never heard of. We took the quote from and linked to the story from English version of Spiegel.de, Germany's leading news magazine's website.
We think we'll trust their translation more than yours.
can you please explain this whole koolaid thing? i know its on here somewhere, but i cant find it
Another satisfied customer.
everybody did, everybody did
the master of arrogance overacts like a cheap populist
"President Obama, I just want to know what you find most enchanting about presiding over the biggest election day loss in history?"
Fellating Reporter
"...uhhhh, it wasn't my policies. It was the stupid voters. But I have George Soros as my co=pilot instead of God, so I will always prevail."
"The similarity to Musolini is astounding. I know I always say that but I can’t get over the resemblence."
Exactly! Il Duce would be proud his tilted mug is in force by the leader of the (not for long) free world...I just wonder how long Captain Zero has had to practice and perfect the chin-tilt.
The similarity to Musolini is astounding. I know I always say that but I can't get over the resemblence.
Sada came across as a more down to earth guy that this joker.
I don't suppose this is the same writer who wrote, "He didn't even break a sweat! What a man!"? Probably not, but it would be interesting to see if she's still swooning.
802 days to go.
"802 days to go."
And counting! I highly recommend this handy little doo-dad:
http://www.obamacountdownwidget.com/
When someone who supported Obama asks me when will his Presidency will be over (and they have) I know that we are on the right track.