100,000 expected for Obama Berlin speech »
Posted By smithichie 11 months, 2 weeks ago in NewsMore than 100,000 people are expected to attend a speech by Barack Obama in Berlin today as he starts the European leg of his foreign tour.
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smithichie11 months, 2 weeks ago
Keep in mind 100K is the LOW estimate, according to this article. Reports are calling for excellent weather today in Berlin.
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Neophile11 months, 2 weeks ago
We're going to be watching a live feed of the speech and chatting about it here at 1pm EST:
http://www.propeller.com/groups/politics/conversations/1602487/
Judging by those crowd shots, 100K is a WAY low estimate.
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BB6411 months, 2 weeks ago
Did anyone explain to Barack, Germans can't vote in an American election? This isn't the south side of Chicago or San Diego. Why would he go to Germany? This is a terrible campaign stunt that will back fire. He's doing the same thing Hillary did, assume he's won the election.
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smithichie11 months, 2 weeks ago
I don't think just any American candidate could hope to draw such numbers, I doubt McCain would be able to get 10,000 people to show up. This isn't a dig at McCain so much as it's evidence of the phenomenon called Obama.
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Daylight11 months, 1 week ago
Did anyone explain to Barack, Germans can't vote in an American election? This isn't the south side of Chicago or San Diego. Why would he go to Germany? This is a terrible campaign stunt that will back fire. He's doing the same thing Hillary did, assume he's won the election.
You need allies and friends, around the world for your foreign policy, that the reason he is there. Does that make sense to you?
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tiredofwhiners11 months, 1 week ago
Exactly, a pure and simple campaign stunt. A pitiful attempt at trying to copy JFK and Reagan. They were great Presidents who spoke in times of real crisis, the cold war and separation of Berlin. Merkel is a conservative and, if Germans could vote in our election, she wouldn't vote for him.
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Mdiar11 months, 2 weeks ago
Indeed, smithichie! I have to wonder about where it actually WILL fall, ultimately. Obama is popular in Germany and France but at the same time its just an American candidate! However, something like 70% of Germans feel the US election will be effecting them! In addition this is nice timing for Obama as well, in that local German politics are less likely to overshadow Obama's visit. I think we could see up to 200k people considering the high level of publicity this is receiving. The million estimate seems way to high... but 100k seems a tad low to me.
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Mdiar11 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree McCain wouldn't but I think he'd manage over 10k. We must also include protesters to the Iraq war! By the same token this is the Obama phenomenon... but really, would a charismatic politician from the UK who held a seat in Parliament for only a couple of years get this kind of response? The world is watching the US elections... very closely. I think the fact that he is an American candidate for President and the likely winner is going to bring a significant number of people so they can gauge him.
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PretkoComment removed: User banned.13 Replies
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fsev4111 months, 2 weeks ago
What I found interesting was Merkels comment that OBama was "physically, mentally, and politically able to be president." Could that be a little swipe at John McCain?
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RickyDawkins11 months, 2 weeks ago
It isn't a swipe if it is true.
"During a CBS interview on Tuesday, John McCain made a stone cold error on a subject about which he claims expert knowledge: the "surge" strategy in Iraq. In an interview with anchor Katie Couric, the Arizona Republican said, inaccurately, that the surge strategy was responsible for the much-touted "Anbar Awakening," in which Sunni sheiks turned against Al Qaeda, helping in turn to reduce violence in the country.
The fact remains, however, that the military official cited by McCain, then-Colonel Sean MacFarland, described the Anbar Awakening in September 2006 -- four months before the "surge" was even announced -- noting that tribal leaders were "stepping forward and cooperating with the Iraqi security forces against Al Qaeda." Moreover, a military review written by MacFarland notes that his unit actually left Anbar before most of the surge troops arrived; his success in the region came between June 2006 and February 2007."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/22/mccain-gets-history-of-th_n_114419.html
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RickyDawkins11 months, 2 weeks ago
Is it still a swipe if its true?
"McCain gets it wrong about Iraq timeline"
During a CBS interview on Tuesday, John McCain made a stone cold error on a subject about which he claims expert knowledge: the "surge" strategy in Iraq. In an interview with anchor Katie Couric, the Arizona Republican said, inaccurately, that the surge strategy was responsible for the much-touted "Anbar Awakening," in which Sunni sheiks turned against Al Qaeda, helping in turn to reduce violence in the country.
In fact, as Spencer Ackerman and Ilan Goldenberg have reported, the record firmly establishes the opposite: instead of being caused by the surge, the key signs of the Anbar Awakening occurred not only before that strategy was implemented, but before it was ever conceived.
Yet McCain's error was not seen by any CBS Evening News viewers. As MSNBC's Keith Olbermann noted (video below), "CBS curiously, to say the least, left it on the edit room floor. It aired Katie Couric's question, but in response, it aired part of McCain's answer to the other question instead." (Ironically, this edit came on the same day that McCain's campaign released a video mocking the media's "love affair" with Obama.)
The fact remains, however, that the military official cited by McCain, then-Colonel Sean MacFarland, described the Anbar Awakening in September 2006 -- four months before the "surge" was even announced -- noting that tribal leaders were "stepping forward and cooperating with the Iraqi security forces against Al Qaeda."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/22/mccain-gets-history-of-th_n_114419.html
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nightcrawlerX11 months, 2 weeks ago
Ich Bin Ein Riding coat tales. Why are Americans obsessed with the image of that mediocre president. Wouldn't it be better if Obama could surpass him or at least do a better job.
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Dionys11 months, 2 weeks ago
Ooopsie. Accidentally gave you a positive.
People are obsessed with Kennedy because for many he represents an idealized picture of the presidency -- with a president who actually loves his country and cares for the people as opposed to one who tries to figure out the best way to drain the treasury into the pockets of the corporations. Add to that the romance of a solidly-connected family (sorely lacking in American society today) and the challenge of an underdog fighting against bigotry (anti-Catholic) of the time. Add to that the solution of the Cuban missile crisis. Add to that the curiosity of people concerning how our country might have looked if he hadn't been murdered (in direct opposition to people today who wonder how much better our country might be if some leaders *were* murdered).
Sure it'd be great if Obama could surpass expectations and the example of Kennedy. Let's see, shall we.
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Candida11 months, 2 weeks ago
I'm sure he would draw a lot more and very few protesters unlike President Bush and Condoleezza Rice.
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Spinward11 months, 2 weeks ago
I had the meatloaf and it was special, so I'm forced to neg you for that major gaff.
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AlexiaComment removed: Spam
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Klarissa11 months, 2 weeks ago
It appears that Obama is running for President of the world.
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Perhaps he should hold the election in Europe.-
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GWHayduke11 months, 2 weeks ago
Its an indicator Klarissy! You know, collaboration and such...none of the unilateral cowboy politics that has driven this country into the sewer.
Its odd to have the support of other countries after these past 7 years, huh?
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GLee11 months, 2 weeks ago
Only if Obama wins will he be proud to be an American. He pretty much made that clear. He 'kicked' Americans several times in his speech. Sad.....
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TLovesTeddyComment removed: User banned.1 Reply
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Sabretooth11 months, 2 weeks ago
"Yes, they may all bow before him now."
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Perhaps he may make allies that you do not have to pay off to support you for a change. -
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spkguy11 months, 2 weeks ago
What a contrast! , !00,000 plus smiling Germans cheering and waving American flags, contrast that to the last time George Bush traveled to Germany!
Whoa!
Thousands Protest Over Bush Visit to Germany
:"Berlin: Thousands of demonstrators waving banners that read: "Not Welcome Mr War Criminal" overshadowed US President George Bush's first visit to Germany since the Iraq war yesterday, despite efforts by both sides to stress that their differences over the conflict belonged to the past."
http://www.globalpolicy.org/ngos/advocacy/protest/iraq/2005/0224germanprotest.htm
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BB6411 months, 2 weeks ago
Actually, had the US fought in WW2, there is a very good change the Germans would have eventually beat the Russians. Had they been able to push them a little further back, Turkey would have joined in and taken back areas in the middle east lost during WW1. Without the Suez, Britain would have fallen and then it would have been a matter of time. The Germans were working on rockets and recently released records indicate they were working on dirty bomb technologies. Without oil, weapons and food from the US, the Red Army would have been destroyed in 42. German would be the language and Lintz the new capital, of Germania. BTW-the current EU flag was actually designed by the Nazis as is the current Olympic flag. Funny how they had such a force of evil could design a few unique things.
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mesodude11 months, 2 weeks ago
Well, all I can say is that at least "we" made it there in 1945 as a country, for the most part. In contrast, today "we" sit around crying about the price of gas, whining about when our next tax cut is coming and talking about what "we* are doing in Iraq (from the safety of our pc keyboards) and how "we" have to stay until "the job is done." ;-(
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DropkickaLib11 months, 2 weeks ago
I don't thik that the Germans cheered us too loudly in 1945 but it was a good thing we made it there, don't ya think?
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normallysilent11 months, 2 weeks ago
Now take a step back from the screen and take a good look at what you just posted.
Myself when looking at what you just posted see someone whose mental stability is definitely in question.
I find this typical of Obama supporters. Foaming at the mouth, name calling,ranting about all the problems they have blamed on this person or that.
You want change do ya, You better keep in mind things don't always change to make you happier. You better be real careful what you go wishing for. Sometimes some good hard thought goes a lot further towards fixing a situation than a roll of the dice and a wish. You might want to take a good look at what Obama plans on changing and how.
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dissent11 months, 2 weeks ago
sounds like you've broken your silence with weeping, howling and the gnashing of teeth. good, heh.
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antibrainwasher11 months, 2 weeks ago
Germans want to respect America again, where a person can become president even though his father was not an elitist big shot, like McSenile's and the Villiage Idiot the evangalical trailer trash voted for twice.
The hate the neocon zionist chickenhawk cowards who have been running this country and the world into the crapper while enriching the military industrial complex and the oil companies, while ignoring the environment.
The grand old party of the rich, by the rich, for the rich. The global aristrocracy, which knows no borders, and would do anything, kill anyone, if it made them another nickel. The lowest scum ever to infest the planet, and their army of evangelicals who think jesus was a status quo worshipper of the rich.
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smithichie11 months, 2 weeks ago
Obama staying in Germany might give McCain a fighting chance. Then again as poorly as McCain has preformed this week, maybe not.
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Sabretooth11 months, 2 weeks ago
"You want change do ya, You better keep in mind things don't always change to make you happier."
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Well, i guess you could elect McCain and continue on your present path towards bankruptcy and moral decay. -
TLovesTeddyComment removed: User banned.2 Replies
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Locky1211 months, 2 weeks ago
I watched Obama's speech and it just showed his inexperience. He is not ready.
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In one part of the speech he talked of the Berlin Airlift that dropped food and clothes, and then in another part spoke of ridding the world of nuclear weapons.
Does Barry even KNOW why not a single plane that was involved in the Berlin Airlift wasn't shot down??
Apparently not. -
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AlphaGnosisComment removed: User banned.38 Replies
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scott426111 months, 2 weeks ago
I posted this in your "Love Child" thread, but I'll say it again:
I am certainly TRYING HARD not to launch any personal attacks on the new propeller. But with you, it is REALLY difficult!
Did you watch Obama's speech? If you had - EVEN THOUGH you don't agree with his politics - it would be hard to deny that it was a history making speech. Only JFK and Ronald Reagan had done so before they were President.
My God, you REALLY DO believe that Obama is the AntiChrist, don't you? Funny...I recognized him in Dick Cheney nearly eight years ago...
Oh, I CANNOT WAIT to vote in November. And when Obama becomes President
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(and he will), I hope you feel even one-tenth of the nausea those of us on the left feel every time George W. Bush opens his mouth!-
TLovesTeddyComment removed: User banned.
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DeadXXXManXXXTalkin11 months, 2 weeks ago
''Our country is being raped by the antichrist.''
seems a tad rabid, don't you think?
not a particularly good metaphor either
after all, Bush was the prez who God talked to[if you know yer bible, you know the antiChrist actually poses as one who is sanctioned by God]
also there will be a voluntary vote, which doesn't go with the 'rape' part
so please, if you're going to continue with the demagoguery, pay better attention to yer metaphors
and yes, the new propeller still blows hard, even if this posts[haven't posted successfully here yet]
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AlphaGnosisComment removed: User banned.1 Reply
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Candida11 months, 2 weeks ago
AlphaGnosis: "This media love affair with Obama is nauseating. I can't stand to look at him now. "
You never could, so what's the difference?
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Candida11 months, 2 weeks ago
Yes, not2needy, but isn't the Antichrist of the Left Behind (or whatever) series supposed to be a man of peace, a uniter, a charismatic person? How could a semi-incoherent adulterer fit that bill? So be afraid, be very afraid of anyone who wants peace on Earth because he may be the Antichrist? (BTW, are women safe, or could the Antichrist be a female?)
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Candida11 months, 2 weeks ago
AlphaGnosis: "Our country is being raped by the antichrist."
I've just checked it out in another thread, and I have it on good authority that Obama can't possibly be the Antichrist. Pastor Hagee explains in the video at the link below, that the Antichrist is part Jewish and gay. On the picture he shows, he also seemed to have really evil eyes and perhaps some horns too. I don't think either his description or the picture fits Obama.
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http://newsproject.org/videos/100 -

Ratskii11 months, 1 week ago
Gee Alpha, then you'll know how I've felt for the last 7.5 years.
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djn3nunez311 months, 1 week ago
"Our country is being raped by the antichrist."
Yes but our savior (Obama) will redeem us from the clutches of the Bush Administration.
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AlphaGnosisComment removed: User banned.6 Replies
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Sabretooth11 months, 2 weeks ago
Let me help you get used to something Alpha:
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Welcome President Obama... you are going to have to get used to that phrase.. Fool me twice, shame on me, fool me 3 times...well...ahhh...lets face it, nobody is that stupid..
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AlphaGnosisComment removed: User banned.5 Replies
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Spinward11 months, 2 weeks ago
I love black people.
...and if he wins it will be because he's black.
That's not bigoted, it's just the facts.
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Klarissa11 months, 2 weeks ago
With all of the adoration, it would go to anyone's head. Obama has to think he is the next coming. Chances are, he will start telling his staff that he know best, and ignore what they say.
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It is like the corporate CEO with only "Yes" people surrounding him/her.
There is no way O can keep his cool from now until November. He will get more and more arrogant, and people will start to say, "Well, just who does he think he is?".
Also, when the items he intends to spend money on are all put together, there will be some dismay. -
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slate11 months, 2 weeks ago
Man that's a lot of leg tingles.
What I like most is the O camp already referring to him as the 'president'.
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Spinward11 months, 2 weeks ago
Honestly... 98% of the black vote going for Obama... and it has nothing to do with him being black? Really?
I have no problem with his race, but to say it has nothing to do with who supports him is blind.
It's racist to support a guy because of his race... but nobody's talking about that.
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bluetexasvalley11 months, 1 week ago
He traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan as a senator, along with Hagel. The rest of the trip is on his own nickel.
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Candida11 months, 2 weeks ago
vidman04: "I still have a hard time seeing what's so special about him"
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He is not Bush and not a Bush clone. That in itself is a big plus. -
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scott426111 months, 2 weeks ago
I'll survive. However, I'm worried about the country and the rest of the world should McCain win.
Bush has been an unmitigated disaster and McCain would be more of the same. And you and AG and LibsR and all the other Bush apologists may poo-poo that off as liberal whining....BUT I DON'T CARE! I mean what I say...
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FSU92grad11 months, 2 weeks ago
"I am so looking forward to voting for Obama in November!"
me too.....Maybe you're one vote will make a difference since they're almost neck to neck in some polls...
But then again, maybe the moon is made of swiss cheese....
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tiredofwhiners11 months, 1 week ago
Try to hold back your leg tingling until the election is over.
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globalwarmer11 months, 2 weeks ago
Reporters followed up by pressing the chancellor on the now-famous shoulder rub Bush gave her during the 2006 G8 summit in Russia. Asked whether she anticipated getting another massage from Obama or McCain, Merkel quipped: "That's not really up to me. But I wouldn't resist."
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I thought that was kinda funny but seriously, a 100K people show up to see Obama in Germany, he doesn't even sing or dance... oh wait a minute, I could be wrong. -
AtheismIsRealityComment removed: User banned.
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dissent11 months, 2 weeks ago
coming out of our corrupt, imperial and fascist Dark Ages that actually sounds refreshingly optimistic. a new beginning. woo hoo. i look forward to it
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BillieMaxer11 months, 2 weeks ago
"This man is a Carni, a phony, a Shyster with a capital S. Going to Europe to run for President of the U S is not sitting well with real Americans. They are are not impressed. He just might have over done it this time."
Hmmmm from the mouth of a true American, a real American "RACIST". Phony ? There is only one phony in here, take a look in the mirror. They are not impressed? Speak for yourself you pathetic excuse for an American. Real Americans are not racist bigots!
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eyesopenComment removed: User banned.
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UnusualSuspect11 months, 2 weeks ago
Don't tell us about repeating things...remember Bush in 2004, saying in one of the debates with Kerry how hard the job of President is? 15....let me spell that out for you...Fifteen times in a 1 1/2 hour debate Bush repeated, and repeated how hard the job is...
If it's that hard for him, why did he run again for the job?
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