Comments on: Roundup on Obama from Regional German Newspapers: ‘No He Can’t’

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:51 +0000

This is the season for speculation, and we'll see lots more of it before this is over. The speculation will go back and forth, take the form of pretension to knowledge at times, admit bafflement at others, and even get fleshed out with facts now and then. Bottom line: We'll find out exactly what Obama is made of – and what he can and can't do only if he gains the office he seeks. Of course waiting for that is no fun for us political junkies, so we'll keep talking and putting forth our favorite story lines until we all cast our votes. Then a new chapter will begin and we can start all over again.

By: Ricorun

Ricorun — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:45:08 +0000

Actually, Obama's speech was pretty thin on substance. Then again, he is just a candidate, not the president. He couldn't very well talk about policy details, especially not on foreign soil. Had he done so he would have been criticized for his presumptuousness on this side of the pond. I think the most effective part of his speech was when he mentioned that the US has made its share of mistakes but hey, look at me, here I am running for president. Of course, some criticize him for pointing out that the US has made its share of mistakes, but whaddya gonna do. It's still amazing he's gotten where he has. And even if you're not an Obama supporter, it's hard not to feel good about that. And apparently it's started to get people in at least one European country to reexamine itself. A little introspection never hurt anyone.

And I couldn't disagree more with this passage: “The best thing would be if Obama could forever remain a candidate. Should he become president, reality will threaten to do away with the pathos.” I for one welcome doing away with the pathos. Bring reality on!

By: DLS

DLS — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:31:22 +0000

These are foreign sources. Maybe they were expecting too much and after their night of swooning, they re-examined what an Obama presidency really would and would not mean, as well as realized that Obama's speeches are mainly sound bites.

Had only Obama voted in favor of the Iraq war, Shaun would have already written

"But Obama also hasn’t failed to stress the need to maintain a tightly-woven network of U.S. military bases around the globe. In the event of an election victory, Obama is determined to continue with the traditional role of the United States as the world’s policeman. And on climate change, he proposes no concrete objectives. Unfortunately, the parallels with George W. Bush are striking."

By: Neocon

Neocon — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:24:43 +0000

I suspect this piece was put together to assuage the fears of the heartland. I suspect the majority of Germany and their opinions are still pretty high of the good Senator.