"Heirs To A Struggle For Freedom"
BERLIN, Germany – In the most anticipated public event of his five-country swing through Europe and the Middle East, Barack Obama addressed a crowd of more than 200,000 people at Tiergarten Park here Thursday evening, calling upon Americans and Europeans to work together to fight terrorism, poverty, genocide, climate change and to work toward a world without nuclear weapons.
He also touched on the need for peace in the Middle East, a strong European Union and a free and fair trade system.
The presumptive Democratic nominee, who was greeted with several chants of “Yes we Can” and was frequently interrupted by cheers and applause, returned to his common campaign themes of unity, hope and the need to seize the moment, repeating a favorite phrase -- “This is our moment” -- several times throughout a roughly half hour speech that included no attack lines against his Republican rival. But Obama did acknowledge the need to repair the relationship between America and its allies.
“In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in our world, rather than a force to help make it right, has become all too common,” he told a crowd that stretched about a mile from his stage in front of the Victory Column to the Brandenburg Gate. “In America, there are voices that deride and deny the importance of Europe’s role in our security and our future. Both views miss the truth.”
At the outset of his speech, Obama stressed that he was speaking as a citizen of the world, not as a candidate for president. He touched on Berlin’s Cold War past and of the aid America provided the city and the continent via the Marshall Plan. He said the city’s people “kept the flame of hope burning” and that “this city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom.”
The campaign said last week it had chosen Berlin, the city where John F. Kennedy -- who gave his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech here in 1963 -- because of its unique place in the history of the 20th century and because of Obama's desire to rekindle strong relationships with America's European allies .
Obama called the speech "A World that Stands as One," and he told the crowd it was important to remember that while there would be differences between the United States and its allies, no country could stand alone in fighting modern challenges. He drew applause when he said that true partnership and progress required constant work, the will listen to each other and to trust each other.
"That is why America cannot turn inward," he said. "That is why Europe cannot turn inward. America has no better partner than Europe. Now is the time to build new bridges across the globe as strong as the one that binds us across the Atlantic. Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation and strong institutions and shared sacrifice and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”
This was one of the most closely-watched speeches of Obama's campaign, and the campaign seemed particularly concerned about stressing that it would not be "political," with the senator telling reporters on the flight from Tel Aviv this morning that it would not be a "wonky" policy address. The speech, of course, was scheduled smack dab in the middle of a general election campaign against a Republican opponent, John McCain, with whom at least one recent poll showed voters feel more comfortable with on foreign policy issues.
Some controversy surrounded the event in its planning stages when reports came out that Obama had sought to hold it at the Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century monument that became a symbol of the Cold War and is now a symbol of a reunified Germany. Ronald Reagan delivered his famous "tear down this wall" speech at the gate in 1987.
Obama made reference to the Berlin Wall, saying the walls that still exist today between old allies on either side of the Atlantic -- between rich and poor countries and between "races and tribes, natives and immigrants, Christian and Muslim and Jew" -- must be torn down.
And he acknowledged America's imperfections.
"I know my country has not perfected itself," he said. "At times, we’ve struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We’ve made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions. But I also know how much I love America.”
"People of Berlin – people of the world – this is our moment. This is our time," Obama said in closing.
He referred to himself and his audience as "heirs to a struggle for freedom."
"We are a people of improbable hope," he said. "With an eye toward the future, with resolve in our hearts, let us remember this history and answer our destiny and remake the world once again."
The McCain campaign responded by calling the speech premature.
"While Barack Obama took a premature victory lap today in the heart of Berlin, proclaiming himself a 'citizen of the world,' John McCain continued to make his case to the American citizens who will decide this election," spokesman Tucker Bounds said in an emailed statement. "Barack Obama offered eloquent praise for this country, but the contrast is clear. John McCain has dedicated his life to serving, improving and protecting America. Barack Obama spent an afternoon talking about it."
(NBC/NJ's ATHENA JONES)
For a much better analysis of the speech, check out TPM:
tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/07/obamas_berlin_speech_reconcile.php
hey wait a minute ! i thought barack said just the other day that we all have to learn another language so we can go to europe and be able to say more than 'merci beaucoup ' ... so why was his entire speech delivered in ENGLISH ?!? could anyone understand him ? he could have at least thrown in an "ich bin ein beginner" for the locals.
el polacko, it is all beyond your rethug brain can absorb. So leave it alone. Instead go out and cheer your old confused man, McCain.
I completely agree el polacko. I just heard on CNN that virtually no young person will vote for McCain. Well, I'm here to say that as a 25 year old (living in Seattle of all places)I have no choice but to vote for McCain. Obama is an arrogant, presumptuous man who makes me livid every time he opens his mouth. And as far as this speech not being a politics.....anyone who believes that has lost his mind.
I completely agree el polacko. I just heard on CNN that virtually no young person will vote for McCain. Well, I'm here to say that as a 25 year old (living in Seattle of all places)I have no choice but to vote for McCain. Obama is an arrogant, presumptuous man who makes me livid every time he opens his mouth. And as far as this speech not being a politics.....anyone who believes that has lost his mind.
I'm a senior engineer at a major US Electronics company and am basically "the old man" in the group. There are about 20 Engineers that are between 25 & 35 in the organization, and not a single one is planning on voting for Obama. Most agree that he is an arrogant jerk who has used his race as a gimmick to get to the position he's in today. While about half the group supported Hillary, not one is willing to vote for Obama.
"Now is the time to build new bridges across the globe as strong as the one that binds us across the Atlantic. Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation and strong institutions and shared sacrifice and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st Century."
Yeah.
SO arrogant.
I thought for sure he was going to throw in a danke schon at the end there. But I guess he just didn't want to overdo things.
Barack's speech is such a different message and vision than the one we have had for the last 8 years built on greed, fear and war. It is the complete opposite. It was a message for the 21st Century and for the survival of the Planet -- of Earth. A world where we celebrate each other based on the fact that we are all on this planet together. And that as a species of planet earth, we will not survivie if we continue to war with each other, especially with the atomic and nuclear weapons available to us today!
Barack's message and vision (for without a vision, a man/nation/world perishes) is based on the oneness of Humanity and our shared and common goals -- that we are, all of earth's people, in this together and that we live in a Global Society. And, it was based on the dynamic and healing energy of love and goodwill toward each other; that we are not alone and without hope for a better world in this country and around the world. And, it was based on the premise that there should be a freedom from fear and want everywhere in the world and that only united and an understanding of one another can we build a better world for all.
What a great vision for us as a people to aspire too, especially for the young teenagers and adults and the children around the world -- It Gives them something to look forward to other than endless years of war and hate based on geological differences, color or religious affiliation -- because no matter what the outward differences of color, inwardly, the blood of each of us is all One Color, red!
The large crowd in Germany and the other large crowds that Barack generates signifies to the fact that people hunger for truth and for a message of hope and inspiration, for inspirational leaders! Again Barack shows that he is indeed inspirational, a great healer/teacher/leader! Is it not great that we are talking about peace and unity for a change? Our common humanity? That speaks a lot in itself.
It is unintelligent to think that we are not interdependent and that what goes on in one part of the world, effects us All! Barack generated a lot of powerful and healing energy throughout the world. We must not loose it because critics say he is not yet President. However, as a man of God, he is a servant of the world, and because he loves America and Peace, these things had to be said to stimulate the vision that we can have peace here, right here on earth!
You know the Germans used to be a proud people. Just look at them now, groveling before this huckster.
When I read Obama wanted to tear down walls, I figured he meant our southern border. Or was that McCain? Not a lot of difference.
>>>Just look at them now, groveling before this huckster.
I'm looking... But that is not what I'm seeing. Not even close.
'The Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush and Possible Legal Responses'
Watch Live on C-Span Beginning at 10 AM
www.c-span.org
'The Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush and Possible Legal Responses'
Watch Live on C-Span Beginning at 10 AM
www.c-span.org
Panel One
The Honorable Dennis Kucinich, Representative from Ohio
The Honorable Maurice Hinchey, Representative from New York
The Honorable Walter Jones, Representative from North Carolina
The Honorable Brad Miller, Representative from North Carolina
Panel Two
The Honorable Elizabeth Holtzman, Former Representative from New York
The Honorable Bob Barr, Former Representative from Georgia, 2008 Libertarian Nominee for President
The Honorable Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson, Founder and President, High Roads for Human Rights
Stephen Presser, Raoul Berger Professor of Legal History, Northwestern University School of Law
Bruce Fein'The Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush and Possible Legal Responses'
Watch Live on C-Span Beginning at 10 AM
www.c-span.org
Panel One
The Honorable Dennis Kucinich, Representative from Ohio
The Honorable Maurice Hinchey, Representative from New York
The Honorable Walter Jones, Representative from North Carolina
The Honorable Brad Miller, Representative from North Carolina
Panel Two
The Honorable Elizabeth Holtzman, Former Representative from New York
The Honorable Bob Barr, Former Representative from Georgia, 2008 Libertarian Nominee for President
The Honorable Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson, Founder and President, High Roads for Human Rights
Stephen Presser, Raoul Berger Professor of Legal History, Northwestern University School of Law
Bruce Fein Vincent Bugliosi, Author and former Los Angeles County Prosecutor
Jeremy A. Rabkin, Professor of Law, George Mason University School of Law
Elliott Adams, President of the Board, Veterans for Peace
Frederick A. O. Schwarz, Jr., Senior Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
Conyers (D-MI) previously laid out six areas the hearing would explore:
(1) improper politicization of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys offices, including potential misuse of authority with regard to election and voting controversies;
(2) misuse of executive branch authority and the adoption and implementation of the so-called unitary executive theory, including in the areas of presidential signing statements and regulatory authority;
(3) misuse of investigatory and detention authority with regard to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, including questions regarding the legality of the administration’s surveillance, detention, interrogation, and rendition programs;
(4) manipulation of intelligence and misuse of war powers, including possible misrepresentations to Congress related thereto;
(5) improper retaliation against administration critics, including disclosing information concerning CIA operative Valerie Plame, and obstruction of justice related thereto; and
(6) misuse of authority in denying Congress and the American people the ability to oversee and scrutinize conduct within the administration, including through the use of various asserted privileges and immunities.
The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday on Capitol Hill.
Amazing how when a black man of high intelligence rises above the pack and doesn't rhyme or smile and shuffle for whites he's now labeled as arrogant. Meanwhile, an ignorant coward who states he wants to be known as a "the greatest president" has the support of people who could easily replace him and do a better job. You are all racist assholes who weren't going to vote for Obama anyway. F-U all. By the way your man McCain challenged Obama to go to the Middle East and when he answered the challenge he starts whining.
I am with AL in Pines, FL. I am seeing that in America there appear to be many ignorant people and it will be our downfall. Obama is so far above McCain in every way and will lead our country out of the abyss that we are in right now. McCain is old and living in the 20th century and Obama wants to lead us into the 21st century.
a socialist giving a speach to socialists. of course they love him. our downright mean nation should just bow down and kiss every country's feet. maybe if we all gave osama a big hug he'd leave us alone. we should completely change our culture and our capitalist way to please all those that hate us. obama is full of hot air. he's mastered giving speaches with no real plan to do anything. liberal dreamers act like they are so intelligent and that other's just can't understand obama but there are those of us living in the real world that see through the smoke and mirrors of his speaches and aren't willing to blindly follow a man with NO PLAN.
daniel,
There is no point in discussing your fact-less fantasy world screed. So I have 5 words for you:
GEORGE BUSH. WORST PRESIDENT EVER.
ethan,
funny i feel the same way about you. you can't discuss it because you got nothing. who said i like george bush or mccain for that fact. i just really don't like obama the socialist.
How do you know I "got nothing"? You've never bothered to ask. I actually have a ton of ideas on how to help America. Just like you've never bothered to look at Barack Obama's MANY MANY plans for solving our multiple disasters/crises.
Btw, I suggest you look at the definition of Socialist. It doesn't mean "Democrat".
So. Go read up on Barack's plans and the definition of Socialist and quit your fact-free ideological rhetoric and then maybe we can discuss something substantively.
Yes of course he was speaking as a citizen. I am sure if I called Germany they would let me speak there also!
But then he also told us he was on a senate fact fidnging mission; while flying in the campaign plane!
ethan,
Please tell me some of his plans to solve our many disasters and crises. i know the definition of socialist and i fear he's leading us in that direction. i just don't buy into all the doom and gloom the liberal media is constantly feading us. i don't think the government should be so involved because they've shown time and time again that they fail and they feed us with lies and dreams. obama is the biggest dreamer of all and he is going to tax the hell out of us working folk to try and fund his dreams.
why would i ask you about your ideas when all you seem to be doing is patting liberals on the back and attacking anyone who doesn't agree. do you think you're earning any respect or winning people over to the obama wonderland by doing this? i don't think you are. i never post on these blogs until i read some of your attacks on others and i thought i'd chime in with and opposing view. you're the reason i'm here. thanks:)
>>>Please tell me some of his plans to solve our many disasters and crises
Again, read Obama's website. If you can't bring yourself to overcome your own partisan bias to research Barack's legitimate proposals then it is your loss.
>>>i know the definition of socialist and i fear he's leading us in that direction
Social programs are a part of government, right? Support for social programs does NOT mean he wants to "lead us" down the path of turning this country into a SOCIALIST form of government. Any such fear is just that, a FEAR, founded on absolutely zero fact and zero substance. If you want to live your life afraid of some unsubstantiated partisan political talking point, then be my guest, but again, that is YOUR loss.
>>>i just don't buy into all the doom and gloom the liberal media is constantly feading us
Economy, jobs, health care, energy. These are legitimate issues, are they not? How is the "liberal media" feeding us "doom and gloom" when those issues and others are clear and present dangers to the well-being of this country? Are they not? Of course they are. Once again, your partisan bias -- most likely from "conservative media" -- is leading you to regurgitate false rhetoric. It's a shame b/c I am 100% positive that you care about the USA as much as I do -- and we have a LOT of work to do to solve these crises.
>>>i don't think the government should be so involved because they've shown time and time again that they fail and they feed us with lies and dreams
Another myth. The GOP has been spreading the myth that "Government doesn't work" from day 1 of the modern political era. It is not only a myth, it is patently and provably false. The Federal Government under George W. Bush, George HW Bush and Ronald Reagan was DE-FUNDED. Of course government programs will fail when they aren't adequately funded. Duhh! It's a myth that govt doesn't work, and a false choice at that. Some progs fail (tanker deal, dubai ports deal, no child left behind, Iraq, Katrina), others are wildly successful historically (social security, medicare, SCHIP, LIHEAP, Community Development Block Grants, Brownfield remediation grants, Superfund, etc etc). How anyone can say unequivocally that government DOES or DOES NOT work is totally flabbergasting to me. Some progs work, others do not. It is not -- and never has been -- a black and white issue despite how the Right tries to frame it.
>>>obama is the biggest dreamer of all and he is going to tax the hell out of us working folk to try and fund his dreams.
First of all, I WANT someone with a creative and thoughtful approach as President/Commander In Chief. "Dreamer" is an inappropriate term, but yes, we need someone with VISION. That, my friend daniel, is the very definition of LEADERSHIP. Secondly, he is NOT going to increase taxes on the working or middle classes. Look at his tax plan. He is giving the entire country below the TOP 2% of income-earners TAX CUTS. Listen. Yes. TAX CUTS for working and middle classes. Tax CUTS!!! Look at his policy on his website, I'm not making it up. This, plus a sound economic policy will REDUCE prices of things like health care, food, energy, other necessities. So, my friend daniel, not only is he going to DECREASE YOUR INCOME TAXES, but his policies will DECREASE the cost of living. More money in YOUR pocket. A stronger DOLLAR. The GOP frames EVERYTHING the Dems do as "The biggest tax hike ever". Right? You've heard it a million times. I'm sure. It is FALSE, daniel. False. Designed to SCARE good socially conservative Americans into supporting GOP policies. Barack Obama is going to DECREASE income taxes for all below the top 2%. Add to that sound economic policies and you will be BETTER OFF for it financially. We all will. Just look around. We are living in a society crafted by the GOP of the last 8 years. How do you like paying these ridiculous prices for EVERYTHING. It is NOT an accident. Remember that.
>>>attacking anyone who doesn't agree
Maybe your side should have thought about that when you accused Democrats and Liberals as being UNPATRIOTIC after 9/11. Maybe you don't remember that, but I, daniel, WILL NEVER F-ING forget it and I will never forgive the Right of that no matter how many times they/you apologize for it. I'll work with the GOP, fine, but I will NOT forgive your party of accusing me and my political persuasion of being ANTI-AMERICAN, terrorist supporters, etc. I will NEVER forgive you for that. Not EVER. Period.
>>>do you think you're earning any respect or winning people over to the obama wonderland by doing this?
I'm here to post my opinion publicly. Don't like it, tough. I'm certainly not here to win your approval or anyone else's. Once again, if you or anyone else is afraid of taking a long hard look at your political party and their policies then I'm going to call you a coward. B/c if you can't have intellectual honesty and you are afraid of going against your party then that's what you are, a coward. If you have some intellectual honesty and want to talk about the real world and real world issues on a FACT-BY-FACT basis, then fine, we can debate policy in a substantive matter.
>>>you're the reason i'm here. thanks:)
Good. You're welcome. Glad you're here. We live in a great country. I'm sick of seeing it like this, and the only way to reverse our course is to elect Democrats.