Cotton Candy, Popcorn, And German Chocolate For The Folks In The Back

David Brooks ignores Obama's dis of Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson and looks for the substance of Obama's speech.  He is still looking:

...[Per Obama's speech] The Berlin blockade was thwarted because people came together. Apartheid ended because people came together and walls tumbled. Winning the cold war was the same: “People of the world,” Obama declared, “look at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together and history proved there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one.”

When I first heard this sort of radically optimistic speech in Iowa, I have to confess my American soul was stirred. It seemed like the overture for a new yet quintessentially American campaign.

But now it is more than half a year on, and the post-partisanship of Iowa has given way to the post-nationalism of Berlin, and it turns out that the vague overture is the entire symphony. The golden rhetoric impresses less, the evasion of hard choices strikes one more.

When John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan went to Berlin, their rhetoric soared, but their optimism was grounded in the reality of politics, conflict and hard choices. Kennedy didn’t dream of the universal brotherhood of man. He drew lines that reflected hard realities: “There are some who say, in Europe and elsewhere, we can work with the Communists. Let them come to Berlin.” Reagan didn’t call for a kumbaya moment. He cited tough policies that sparked harsh political disagreements — the deployment of U.S. missiles in response to the Soviet SS-20s — but still worked.

In Berlin, Obama made exactly one point with which it was possible to disagree. In the best paragraph of the speech, Obama called on Germans to send more troops to Afghanistan.

The argument will probably fall on deaf ears. The vast majority of Germans oppose that policy. But at least Obama made an argument.

Steven Erlanger of the Times makes a similar point:

News Analysis

Obama, Vague on Issues, Pleases Crowd in Europe

By STEVEN ERLANGER

PARIS — For Senator Barack Obama, who came to Europe once in the last four years, making a stop in London on his way to Russia, the response of many Europeans to his potential presidency has been gratifying — emotional, responsive, replete with the sense of hope he seeks to engender about a more flexible, less ideological America.

European governments and politicians are not so sure.

On Thursday evening in a glittering Berlin, Mr. Obama delivered a tone poem to American and European ideals and shared history.

But he was vague on crucial issues of trade, defense and foreign policy that currently divide Washington from Europe and are likely to continue to do so even if he becomes president — issues ranging from Russia, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan to new refueling tankers and chlorinated chickens, the focus of an 11-year European ban on American poultry imports.

Kumbaya, baby - our next President.

NOT FEELING THE FEELING: Now this is just disrespectful. 

Comments

[Neo]

Banality with no hard solutions.

[PaulL]

Gerard Baker's column is, truly, classic.

[Appalled]

A specific programmatic speech would have been horribly presumptuous, don't you think? The man is not the president just yet.

[Danube of Thought]

"A specific programmatic speech would have been horribly presumptuous, don't you think?"

Can you possibly be serious?

[Jane]

Same ole same ole - Obama's soaring rhetoric takes 24 hours to digest - only to find out, again, he said nothing.

[bgates]

horribly presumptuous
That should replace "vero possumus" on the Great Seal of Obama. He should add it to the logo he has painted over the flag on his plane, and the campaign materials he brought to the Wailing Wall.

[bio mom]

Predictable bump in the polls, ras and gallup see about +4 from yesterday's tracking. Now about +5 or +6 over McCain. The clueless muddle fall yet again for the photo-ops without listening to what he says. I don't believe they really want us to be citizens of the world above our own interests nor that they think he should criticize his own country in a foreign country that dislikes us.

[MayBee]

I don't think he even got the details of the droughts in Kansas or his father's history right.

Appalled- he could have not made a speech. That was an option available to him.
I don't believe the whole world has one goal or wants to be as one. I don't want that. I love the diversity.

[kim]

Where's my goober peas? An' RC?
=================

[Barney Frank]

Obama's methods are so cynical and manipulative he makes the Clintons look like Rebecca of Sunnybrook farm.
The entire country had to spend eight years acting as a surrogate therapist for Bill Clinton's childhood trauma and insecurities. Now we're on the verge of having to do the same for Obama for the next ten and I'm beginning to think he's just as screwed up as Billy boy.

[centralcal]

Barney, Barney, Barney . . . of course he is screwed up! He is a progressive liberal democrat.

[bad]

Obama uses so many words to say so little.

[Colonel Alfred graf von Schlieffen]

In the best paragraph of the speech, Obama called on Germans to send more troops to Afghanistan.
-

eeeexxxxxcccccccccellent.

[Neo]

Nevertheless, Obama had the demeanor of the skinny kid actor trying out for the role of a seasoned adult. He was pushing the leader’s tone a little too hard. He’ll get over that as he is tested over the years. Today, he was reciting Sheriff Andy Taylor’s lines but looking more like Opie.

[Sara]

A specific programmatic speech would have been horribly presumptuous, don't you think? The man is not the president just yet.

Actually he isn't even the nominee yet, so it is mighty presumptuous, especially in light of his potential nominee status is dependent on those fickle Super Delegates and they've got to be getting nervous.

[Sara]

RE: Polls. Fox is announcing as I write that the national polls have been stagnant the last few days and that McCain is pulling ahead in key battleground states.

[Appalled]

MayBee@1:38:

Agreed -- That would have been the better option.

[Rick Ballard]

"on those fickle Super Delegates and they've got to be getting nervous."

I think it's the reports from Chapaqua about strange lights and noises (not to mention the truly noxious odors) emanating from Hariworts between 12 and 2AM at the dark of the moon which have them nervous.

BHO really should have kept his word about paying off RW's debts.

[hrtshpdbox]

"..his potential nominee status is dependent on those fickle Super Delegates and they've got to be getting nervous."

They're not nervous in the least, they're all floating along on Obamacloud 9; Chrissy Matthews declared that the trip overseas is a "success by anyone's standards" (and I think he mentioned that his leg is still tingling).

[davod]

This afternoon, Drudge compared Obama's prepared speech in Berlin to Sarkozy's November 2007 prepared speech to Congress (Hat tip NYSUN). The speech is worth reading in its entirety but a snippet is included here:

"...America did not tell the millions of men and women who came from every country in the world and who—with their hands, their intelligence and their heart—built the greatest nation in the world: "Come, and everything will be given to you." She said: "Come, and the only limits to what you'll be able to achieve will be your own courage and your own talent." America embodies this extraordinary ability to grant each and every person a second chance.

Here, both the humblest and most illustrious citizens alike know that nothing is owed to them and that everything has to be earned. That's what constitutes the moral value of America. America did not teach men the idea of freedom; she taught them how to practice it. And she fought for this freedom whenever she felt it to be threatened somewhere in the world. It was by watching America grow that men and women understood that freedom was possible.

What made America great was her ability to transform her own dream into hope for all mankind..."

[Jane]

There was nothing in Obama's speech that compared with Zarkozy's speech. Nada

[Enlightened]

Did anyone see the speech on Fox? Firstly the traslator was atrocious and made it very hard to understand Sarkozy. But what really was a disgusting display IMO, was the first questioner - Christianne Amanpour. Her question to Sarkozy was race baiting 101. She referred to the race riots of France was it 2005? And Sarkozy must have called the rioters "scum". She asked him today, in light of standing next to Obama if he would like to retract that remark.

He pretty much said no, If I got the translation right.

[Sara]

Via Newsbusters:

CNN's Amanpour Bizarrely Connects French 'Scum' Rioters to Obama

CHRISTINE AMANPOUR: Mr. President Sarkozy, you know that in France, the presence of Barack Obama and what he's done in terms of breaking the barriers in the United States has, sort of, made a resurgence black consciousness movement here. The black people in France are very proud and very hopeful for their future. They also live, many of them, in poor situations. And you know, you've had your own riots here and protests and disturbances in the Banlieue -- in the city. At one point, when we were covering those riots, when you were interior minister, you called the rioters scum. And I'm wondering whether you feel, today, when you stand next to someone you clearly admire so much, and who has broken so many barriers, that you regret that term or that you wish you hadn't said it?

NICOLAS SARKOZY: Thank you madam for your exceptional knowledge of French political life and your contribution to friendship among peoples. But, precisely, if there was the need for change, it's because change was needed and I'm so glad that you should mention in front of Barack, a situation that prevailed before I became president in France. Now, this was in 2005, you remember, madam?

More...

[bad]

Typical Amanpour, totally predictable.

I thought Sarkozy was a lovely host, charming, but remain skeptical that he would prefer Obama as POTUS. Good hospitality and impeccable manners are not the same as a meeting of the minds.

[clarice]

I thought the quoted snippet was a very civilized ,very sharp put down of Ms Amanpour.

[bad]

Clarice

She probably didn't get it...

[Elroy Jetson]

Holy cow, Sara....
Amanpour has to be the dumbest journalist on the planet. She gets to ask one question and she busts that out? She's not worth a nickel of her salary and has rendered herself incapable of critical thinking.
Sarkozy made a pretty good attempt to put her in her place, but she probably wasn't listening to his answer.

[clarice]

Probably not.
But most French listeners did.

[Elroy Jetson]

I hope so, Clarice. As a reminder that it was a damn good idea to elect him.

[MayBee]

I got it.

I also got this from Christiane:Barack is black. I bet he rioted a few times in his ghetto neighborhood. Do you think he's scum?

[Elliott]

Today, we have a report (via Drudge) that DOD says they told the Obama campaign the Senator and senate staff could come, but not media or campaign personnel, while the campaign says that DOD advised against a visit by the Senator.

I am engaged in the noble struggle to reconcile this with the campaign's statement of yesterday in which the heroic, statesmanlike, Solomonic decision of the President presumptive was described thus:

During his trip as part of the CODEL to Afghanistan and Iraq, Sen. Obama visited the combat support hospital in the Green Zone in Baghdad and had a number of other visits with the troops. For the second part of his trip, the senator wanted to visit the men and women at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to express his gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The senator decided out of respect for these servicemen and women that it would be inappropriate to make a stop to visit troops at a U.S. military facility as part of a trip funded by the campaign.

[bad]

Maybee

Do you suppose Barack got that too?

[clarice]

Elroy, That elegant putdown was quintessentially French. Every word of it an insult apparent to be so only to the intelligent listener.

Obama has mastered another Clinton trick--when caught out send out a phalanx of forked tongues, have them wag in unison so that the average normal person who gives very little time to this sort of carp has no way to make sense of it and the candidate's actions get a pass.

[centralcal]

Good for Sarkozy. Ms. Amanpour earns that kind of disdain in nearly every report she does.

[bgates]

I didn't think much of Sarkozy's answer.
You know, how many years has it been since you haven't had an American sounding name for your secretaries of state? Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, Condi Rice. That's why I love the United States. And that's why in France, we have Rachida Dati, Fadela Amara, Rama Yade. Precisely so that each be given an opportunity, that everyone have an opportunity.
In reverse order, affirmative action is a bad idea, especially for something as important as Secretary of State, and I hope and expect each of those three were chosen for better reasons. Besides that, what trio of names could sound more American than Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, and Condoleeza Rice?

[bio mom]

Remind me. In any past presidential elections have any of our candidates held press conferences with foreign leaders as if they were meeting as a president there on equal grounds? I don’t recall even other senators or congresspeople doing such. Am I incorrect? Are the American people going to be allowed to actually vote for their next president this year or are we to accept this coronation of Obama meekly?

[ben]

"Are the American people going to be allowed to actually vote for their next president ....?"

That would be an unnecessary distraction...

[bgates]

In any past presidential elections have any of our candidates held press conferences with foreign leaders as if they were meeting as a president there on equal grounds?
He didn't go as a candidate, he went as a proud citizen of the United States. My parents are going to France in the spring, and I'm trying to schedule their press conference with Sarkozy right now. (For anyone else who's trying, his least busy time is Thursday afternoon.)

[ben]

"A specific programmatic speech would have been horribly presumptuous, don't you think?"

I think it was horribly presumptuous as it was, thank you.

[centralcal]

You know, isn't Clarice also going to France? I think she should have a press conference with Sarkozy too!

[MarkJ]

Obama's speech? Leslie Gore did it better over 40 years ago:

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together,
Brighter than a lucky penny,
When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear,
And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine.

My life is sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
That's how this refrain goes, so come on, join in everybody!

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is sure to come your way
When you're in love to stay.

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together,
Brighter than a lucky penny,
When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear,
And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine.

My life is sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
That's how this refrain goes, so come on, join in everybody!

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is sure to come your way
'Cause you're in love, you're in love,
And love is here to stay!

[Ann]

Great Idea Centralca! And let's make sure Ms. Amanpour gets to ask Clarice a question. LOL LOL LOL

Clarice could start off telling her we don't care what the French think. (Where is that brilliant post Clarice had on the French, I am still laughing about it)

[hit and run]

"Are the American people going to be allowed to actually vote for their next president this year

Yes. And if you vote for Obama, you will get to dip your index finger in red ink to proudly show your friends.

[Ann]

I think you are right Hit:

"Nicolas Sarkozy's advisors received only one demand from the team of the Democratic candidate: no American flag for the press conference, because it's a candidate being received, not the president of the United States."

There was no world flag available!

H/t Corner

[Jim Rhoads aka vnjagvet]

Obama has mastered another Clinton trick--when caught out send out a phalanx of forked tongues, have them wag in unison so that the average normal person who gives very little time to this sort of carp has no way to make sense of it and the candidate's actions get a pass.

I always thought our buddy Lanny Davis was the best of the sorry phalanx toting those messages. He always sounded so reasonable taking outrageously ridiculous positions. A true artiste. Bless his heart, he hasn't taken up this role for He Who Walks On Water.

[Sara]

Thanks MarkJ 5:59 PM

[bad]

A French General and a Britsh General walk into a bar in 1700ad. The French General makes fun of the red coats worn by British officers. The Brit says, "We wear red so after we are shot the blood is hidden by the color of our coats and our men continue fighting with none the wiser."

The French General thinks about this for a moment then decrees to an aide, "From now forward, all French officers will wear brown trousers."

[Sara]

Oy

Breaking: Proof That Obama Thanked the Troops In Germany (Photo)

[clarice]

Jim, Funny you should mention that. As I was typing it I thought I'd name it the Lanny Davis gambit.

[syn]

Have to wonder how many superdelegates are weary of Obama's magical mystery tour; the youngster should know better than to diss his elders.

[SukieTawdry]

Now we're on the verge of having to do the same for Obama for the next ten and I'm beginning to think he's just as screwed up as Billy boy.

Agreed, Barney (love that "next ten"). Obama has some serious issues: abandonment, disillusionment, identity crises, superiority/inferiority complexes and then there is the whole "I am the one we have been waiting for to fix the nation's broken soul" business. Yech. The Clinton years were amusing and entertaining, albeit perversely so, but ultimately exhausting. I'm not sure I have another eight to ten years in me. For all his faults, Dubya is a man comfortable in his own skin (and psyche).

[PeterUK]

"NICOLAS SARKOZY: Thank you madam for your exceptional knowledge of French political life and your contribution to friendship among peoples."

You have insulted the President of France you ignorant bitch!

" But, precisely, if there was the need for change, it's because change was needed "

I too can talk the sheet.

"and I'm so glad that you should mention in front of Barack, a situation that prevailed before I became president in France."

You really are a tactless cow,where have you been all your life.

"Now, this was in 2005, you remember, madam?"

Are you having a senior moment you old bat?

[Jim Rhoads aka vnjagvet]

Giving the Messiah (it would be gauche of me to call him the Devil) his due, even Krauthammer thought he did a pretty good job with Sarkozy today.

Largely due to Sarkozy's skill as a host it seems to me.

[clarice]

PUK--I knew you were fluent in French (repartee).

[PeterUK]

Clarice,
OT,The Labour Party has lost Glasgow East,a tribal stronghold.The equivalent of a Kennedy losing in Massachusetts. There is dancing in the streets.

[Porchlight]

Are you having a senior moment you old bat?

I used to think Ms. Amanpour was attractive, but lately she's been looking like a cross between Camilla Parker-Bowles and a latter-day Chrissie Hynde. *shudder*

Okay please forgive me JOM, it's Friday night and I'm 2/5 into a bottle of cheap Malbec.

[centralcal]

PUK: I don't speak French, but that is pretty much how I heard it too!

[Nenicho]

I have to thank all of you at JOM. You've lifted my spirits. I can't wait to read you every night. I know I can get through the election cycle if I just have you all to read, otherwise I would go crazy watching the press. And for all of you who have wondered about the uneducated being aware of what BOM is all about. We do, and with you to articulate what we think with such wit and clarity I can at least sleep more soundly. My sister, niece and mother talk about each and every one of you and enjoy, learn and relax. Honestly I love every one of you. Thanks

[Sara]

Thank you, thank you Porchlight. I've been going crazy trying to remember who Silky Pony's squeeze reminded me of and you gave it to me. Camilla Parker Bowles

[Sue]

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/>Wow, the John Edwards soap opera is ongoing. Reorters for the National Enquirer have filed a criminal complaint agains the security guards that kept them from questioning John Edwards. John Edwards is being named as a witness. ::grin::

[PeterUK]

centralcal,
Sarky is a bit of an old goat who would naturally call any pretty girl mademoiselle,he called her "madam",the kiss of death.

[Porchlight]

Wow, that is a really horrible photo of Ms. Rielle, Sara. But you are right - I do see Camilla resemblance.

[Rick Ballard]

Does anyone have a clue as to what Axelrod might drag out as Lightweight Vibrator's Profiles in Courage moment? He's using the Sorenson songbook but I haven't seen anything close to Christmas In Cambodia, let alone PT-109.

Getting an opponent thrown off the ballot by challenging signatures or getting a judge to unseal an opponent's divorce records just doesn't ring the "There I wuz" bell.

What can Axelrod dress up to look like courage?

[bad]

Welcome Nenicho!!

[Sara]

What can Axelrod dress up to look like courage?

Campaigning while half black?

[clarice]

Nenicho--how generous you are!

PUK"OT,The Labour Party has lost Glasgow East,a tribal stronghold.The equivalent of a Kennedy losing in Massachusetts. There is dancing in the streets."
I saw that! Thought of blogging it even, but everyone seems more interested in reading the entrails of the grand tour ..

[Porchlight]

Nenicho, I don't know what I'd do without JOM either. Glad to hear you feel the same way! I am glad you de-lurked to say so. :)

[bad]

Rick

What can Axelrod dress up to look like courage?

I saw a blurb on Lucianne that he has the courage to not give gifts to his daughters for Christmas or their birthdays because he is teaching them limits. Would link but I am experiencing tech difficulties.

[Rick Ballard]

Bad,

Doesn't count - Uncle Tony showed up with a fake beard and a big sack of money on Christmas afternoon.

[bad]

Rick LOL

[clarice]

C'mon that pic of Reille was taken in the last month of her pregnancy--she's actually rather physicallt attractive. In any event, Edwards seems the type who looks for women less attractive than he is so he'll always be the cute one in the family.

[bad]

I was surprised to see that interview info. Thought the Obama's regreted the previous exposure and weren't doing more.

[Ann]

You just beat me to it, bad:

People magazine in the issue out Friday that he and his wife, Michelle, do not give Christmas or birthday presents to their two young daughters

Nenicho, I totally agree and you should join us.

[bad]

Our houshold is strictly low rent. Slumber parties don't cost us "hundreds."

[PeterUK]

Clarice you should blog it.Whilst American reader may not have much interest,we are witnessing the total meltdown of a left wing party.Labour may not recover from this for decades,the party is detested for its dissembling,incompetent, politically correct,prodnose interfering Obamaism.
Gordon Brown keeps muttering "Right man for the job" like some demented Energizer Bunny,any moment now he is going to start singing "Daisy".A joy to see.
The Conservatives are just staying schtumm and letting the babbling loons cackle their way into oblivion.There is a lesson there somewhere.

[Porchlight]

Us too, bad. I think I bought a box of popsicles for the last one. Otherwise it's frozen pizza and Disney DVDs all the way.

Well, good thing Michelle's mom knows the Seven Rules of the Obama Household, since it appears she's doing the bulk of the work, for the time being at least.

[bad]

How soon will the NE's legal issues with the Hilton be in the courts?

[Sue]

Hannity is discussing the Edwards/NE story.

[clarice]

OK,PUK--I'll try a quickie blurb on it..PUK. Helen at EUReferendum must be walking on air..I have't checked since I saw the news.

Any antique you want me to look for in Provence.

[Elroy Jetson]

PeterUK,
Thanks for the translation. His verbage makes a hell of a lot more sense to me.

[centralcal]

Nenicho: I kinda wandered in during the Libby nonsense. Lurked and read, lurked and read. Finally, I just had to say something (didn't know a durned thing, leaned heavily on Clarice and Jane for education) and now, I am a JOM-ite, still learning to speak JOM-ese. But, it is a great place to learn and to vent.

You just join in any old time you want.

[centralcal]

PUK: 'Madame' the kiss of death.

How do you say leftist Hag in French?

[tina]

Hannity and COlmes right now has the author of the great piece (Bakers) on air right now...reading it on air, with pictures!

LOL

[Ann]

It seems to me that that People magazine article is just asking for some fun with the “Obama House Rules”:

Like:
1.No whining, arguing or annoying teasing,” says Michelle Obama.
NO DISTRACTIONS EVER

2) Make the bed. “Doesn’t have to look good—just throw the sheet over it,” says Mom.
YOU CAN LIE BUT MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU DIDN'T

3) Set your own alarm clock. “They get themselves up, get their own clothes,”
OBAMA WILL MAKE YOU WORK

I'm not very good at this but I know JOM is. :)

[Ann]

Tina, It is even better with pictures. LOL

[tina]

Too funny! I truly enjoyed it.

[centralcal]

Damn! Ya gotta love Fox News! Yea, verily, I say unto you . . .

so speaketh Saint Gerard.

[Enlightened]

"What can Axelrod dress up to look like courage?"

Maybe he should check some back issues of McHale's Navy. Since sriptwriters seem to abound in Obamalot.

[Enlightened]

"How do you say leftist Hag in French?"

'Le Leftist Hag?

[Jane]

Nenicho,

What a nice thing to say. We all learn from each other here - I actually feel so honored to be able to hang out in a place where I am constantly learning.

The water is warm, jump right in.

[Ralph]

Enlightened,

Actually, I think it's "La Hag Gauche," it should be feminine, after all!

All the Best,

Ralph

[centralcal]

Ah, enlightened! That is a French even I can speak and understand!

[centralcal]

But, Ralph, you're the one that made me laugh.

[Enlightened]

I watched Obambi this morning on the Frenchy thing, and I could have sworn I heard him call Sarkozy the President of the EU. I haven't had time to listen to the whole thing again, I will after some tequila shots, but I swear I heard him say it, and there was a pause in the audience and Sarko even had a little smirky smile - I'll check it out.....

[bad]

Info from Weekly standard about Omama's missing thesis.

LUN

[Enlightened]

Leftist Hag translates to:

VIEILLE SORCIERE DE GAUCHE (so says ets.freetranslation.com)

But it looks too cool for that fugly hag. I like La Hag Gauche. Perfecto.

[Enlightened]

Heh - that post above - EU prez etc? Nevermind. Emily Littela has spoken.

[Rick Ballard]

Bad,

His thesis will turn up as soon as Ted Sorenson finishes polishing it up a wee bit.

Was anyone ever able to translate Michelle's opus?

[Sue]

Via http://hotair.com/archives/2008/07/25/phoning-it-in-obama-calls-wounded-trips-at-landstuhl-after-skipping-visit/>Hot Air, Obambi is playing damage control over skipping the wounded troops.

[newscaper]

Tom - BIG TYPO ALERT!

Your
"In Berlin, Obama made exactly one point with which it was possible to disagree."

I believe you meant IMPOSSIBLE to disagree, *or* possible to AGREE..