Obama: How the speech is playing

Mr. Eko — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:23:41 GMT

"Mr. McCain's aides are trying to feed a perception that Mr. Obama is overreaching as he tries to bolster his foreign policy bona fides and present himself as a credible world leader."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What a bunch of hypocrites. McCain just gave a speech himself last month in Canada. And what's worse, it was actually a policy-based speech talking about NAFTA. But when Obama gives a speech abroad (that was NOT a policy speech), it's "overreaching"? I'm beyond sick of the McCain campaign's incredible hypocrisy.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Dan, New York, NY — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:25:17 GMT

In general, the morning papers decided to downplay the speech in a big way, take a look:

http://strategy08.wordpress.com/2008/07/25/what-your-papers-decided-for-you-this-am/

Obama: How the speech is playing

Biased — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:26:41 GMT

"It was as if four different Obamas made an appearance at Berlin's Victory Column -- in the space of less than 30 minutes..."
Wow thats what the GOP has been saying all along, who is he? he was 4 diffrent people in 30 min.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Ian — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:30:28 GMT

Conservatives are showing traits of the political eqivilent of penis envy. It's true. His (audience) IS bigger and size matters.
If you had a clue you wouldn't have spent the week whining about what Barack Obama was doing and, instead, focus on your own agenda, such as it is. McCain needs to cut down on the dairy.

Obama: How the speech is playing

They're Just JEALOUS — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:31:06 GMT

The speech was very bland for a reason. He was not trying to make it political. YET the REPs. are trying to have it both ways with the criticism. They taunted him to go overseas and when they saw that the trip was going better than anyone thought it would, they cry about him being there. NO ONE in the rep. party would ever command over 200,000 people on foreign soil to come and hear them.

Heck, McLIAR could barely get 200 people to listen to him spew his smears in Ohio yesterday!

They're Just JEALOUS !!!

Obama: How the speech is playing

ujw, ny — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:32:01 GMT

The press is in CYA mode this morning after McCain joked about their Obama adoration. I don't know what they were expecting but they're certainly backtracking to make sure any possible negative is brought to our attention.

Nevertheless, you cannot deny that Obama's ability to attract 200,000 Germans to hear him speak in English, is remarkable. Period. I think he demonstrates an amazing potential for our country in our relationships around the world if he's elected in November.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Jen, MI — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:33:36 GMT

Simply.... this week told us a lot about both candidates, regardless of which one you support.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Al in LA, CA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:37:12 GMT

It's amazing that anyone could expect Obama to give any other speech than what he gave. If he was more concrete, he would be skewered for acting like he's already president. If I had not been following the primaries I would have been moved. But I found it boring.

But the selfish, pre-globalization thinking on the right will try to confuse the frustrated blue collars in this country. Obama's loyalty to this country will continue to be questioned in ways absurd to any serious adult.

When will the press question John McCain on his lack of honorable campaign tactics? Katie Couric relentlessly questioned Obama on the surge 4 times. Yet pampered McCain with questions that reinforced his arguments.

Global warming, war on terror or free trade, we need the rest of the world more than ever.

China now has more internet users than the US. How many stats does China have to beat us in before we realize that we are not so powerful that we don't need other countries?

Obama: How the speech is playing

Unity, Monroe, LA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:37:35 GMT

Win or loose, I am so proud of Senator Obama. His speech brought tears to my eyes. My heart was truly touched. I am really proud to an America right now. I cannot believe we have come this far and are about to elect this good man as POTUS.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:37:54 GMT

People saying he can't garner that kind of turnout here need to understand how spread out we are as a nation. If Obama did an event in Central Park (or say, the Mall in DC - dare I say 'inauguration'?) he would probably get that type of crowd.

The dense population in Berlin lends itself to these numbers. Regardless, it was historical and many Germans (and others abroad, including Americans) realize that.

I don't think it played unfavorably, at all.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Full Moon — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:38:22 GMT

You can't believe the New York Times. This liberal rag mag has lied, cheated and done everything it can to prove it's bias.

Obama: How the speech is playing

ohio — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:42:05 GMT

Voters don't like broccoli and they don't want to "keep on keeping on". They want a change. Obama is it.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:49:50 GMT

I thought the speech was so sophisticated in how Obama reminded Europeans of the effort America made to defend them during and after WWII, to powerful affect, before bringing up the fact the United States was attacked on 9/11, by the same people who could set off a nuclear bomb in Paris. I thought he masterfully connected Europe's history, culture and fate with that of the US. Watch for more cooperation from Europe to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan, under an Obama administration.

Obama: How the speech is playing

cmaie — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:51:05 GMT

the speech was great and i hope the media doesnt try to downplay its signifigance

McCain made another! gaffe during the CBS interview that the media didnt pick up on
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/another-mccain-gaffe-during-cbs-interview/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

Obama: How the speech is playing

Benny, SFBayArea, California — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:55:47 GMT

John Sydney McCain III has just not been up to the task. He had what, a four month period after he clinched to set himself apart from Obama and Clinton and what did he do?

Nothing.

Now, he has the United States all to himself after he "dared" Obama to go overseas and what has he done?

Nothing.

All he is capable of is complaining (the media won't pay attention, Obama won't admit that "my surge" worked, George Herbert Walker Bush won't let ME drive the golf cart) and I am getting sick of it. He obviously picked up some cheese (great visual BTW) to go with his whine.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Jen, MI — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:56:51 GMT

The media can slice and dice this speech up, down, backwards, forward, spin it, critcize and downright hate it..BUT the clear message to every American is:

Europe likes Americans, not the Bush Administration and their policies.

I ask, can any truly patriotic American not take pride in Germans waving our flag and showing support for the United States?
Apparently the right (McCain, Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Joe Watkins, etc.)finds the entire display sickening.
Why? Because right wing conservatives believe they are the arbitors, keepers and sole definers of PATRIOTISM.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:59:15 GMT

Keep on, keeping on - where have I heard that before? Oh yea - FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS WITH BUSH!!!!!!!!

Obama: How the speech is playing

Teri from Ohio — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:00:12 GMT

I don't understand this whole "vague on issues" criticism about Obama's speech. Someone on Race to the White House also complained that Obama didn't give many specifics?!?!? Are you kidding me? This wasn't a speech that should have been specific. Some people need to get a life and stop trying to find something wrong in everything. The press was trying to outdo itself over there trying to trip Obama up. I wish both sides could just campaign without everyone trying to dissect what they say and put a spin on it. It's not the press's job to the effect the outcome of the election. They are trying to keep this race close because it's more exciting and they get more coverage that way. It's irresponsible journalism!!!

Obama: How the speech is playing

Class Warrior, D.C. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:02:51 GMT

"Vague on issues..." Obama never wanted to give a wonky campaign speech, he only wanted to introduce himself to the world stage as the next President of the U.S. And he did a beautiful job of it!

Obama: How the speech is playing

laughaday — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:03:03 GMT

Ian you completely rock dude

Obama: How the speech is playing

Wanda, Florida — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:04:18 GMT

You can't believe the New York Times. This liberal rag mag has lied, cheated and done everything it can to prove it's bias.
Full Moon (Sent Friday, July 25, 2008 9:38 AM)

I think you're absolutely right! After all it did endorse John McCain.

Obama08

Obama: How the speech is playing

GP Chicago — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:05:53 GMT

Why would he talk of details...this isn't a campaign?
I thought it got the point across which is:

Even though we lost our way for the last 8 years, americans are still good people and we want to work to make this world a great place to exist.

Soooooo media? Is the lack of drama making bad business for you or something?

Obama: How the speech is playing

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:06:01 GMT

It is quite an impressive turnout. Could he do that here? Is there a venue that could handle that number of people?

He did mention problems that the world can solve together. It seems a lot more hopeful than the Republicans and their politics of fear. I think that they fear being out of power again.

Obama: How the speech is playing

JM, Tampa, FL — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:07:48 GMT

The New York Times and David Brooks is obviously right wing. Countries all over the world would much rather see and deal with Obama as president base on international polls. They already know what kind of administration McSAME will have - provided he does get elected. (God forbid)
So my message to all Americans - are we gonna be like frogs in slow heated water? Same analogy - since 2000, we have been slowly cooked with the start of the Bush admin. Some did feel the heat, and tried to jump ship out in 2004 but someone(GOP) put the lid on the caldron (Ohio election suspicious fiasco). Come November the lid will be removed, and here is the chance for those who have not become lethargic and brain washed with the RNC toxic gas to jump out and start a new beginning.
Isn't the excitement and belief of people of other countries over Obama a big sign, and show us Americans of who we should be voting for? They don't live in our country - yet they do NOT want more of the same! The world's respect and trust towards America is as LOW as Bush's rating. Do we really want to continue this trend with McSame?? Choose wisely (choose Obama).

Obama: How the speech is playing

The Waa Waa Express. Str8 talk my arse! — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:09:45 GMT

Um Der Spiegel, he wasn't campaigning in Europe. They don't vote in American Elections...so why would he "lay out his plans" to Europeans? He's not POTUS yet. Had he done as you asked he would have been called arrogant, etc. It's bad enough that McCain likened his European trip (which he goaded him into along with the Iraq and Afghanistan trips) to a victory jaunt (or something of that nature but in essence called him arrogant) that would have just been more ammo for McCain to try and use. Get with the program already.

So this week went horribly for McCain and he came across as looking mad, envious, angry and any other words that you can think of. He pushed Obama into this trip with his count up calendar on how long it had been and when he picked up the gauntlet that was thrown down on the ground, McCain got smacked right upside the head with it because it went MUCH better than he wanted it to. Oh well. Maybe you should be careful what you wish for.

As for the "4 different Obamas" um, that just means he's well rounded and like Teddy Roosevelt he's speaking softly and carrying a big stick, but instead of whacking people over the head with it, he's showing that he can be diplomatic (that's the carrot he's also dangling out in front)and compromising which is what we need instead of a President that pi$$es on the Constitution and then uses it to wipe his @$$ with it afterwards. That's what Bush has done and that is what McCain will continue to do.
I, like many others, don't want that anymore. Time for Bush to leave (I can't WAIT so I can actually watch a news cast that doesn't contain him in it I miss the news haven't watched it in 8 yrs.) and if McCain wins...it'll be another 4 yrs. without the news...

Obama: How the speech is playing

jo chicago — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:17:06 GMT

You left out the best line of David Brooks' column, which are my sentiments exactly as a former Democrat and current Barack Obama constituent.

"Obama has benefited from a week of good images. But substantively, optimism without reality isn’t eloquence. It’s just Disney."

"

Obama: How the speech is playing

Here He Goes Again — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:19:12 GMT

One Munich newspaper summed up Obama perfectly:

"Obama had proved himself to be a clever tactician, capable of shifting positions to suit his audience."

Obama: How the speech is playing

Ron Indiana — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:22:50 GMT

I thought the speech was visionary, not vague. People with vision become great leaders. Kennedy, Clinton (remember that vision thing) In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king. McCain is blind.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Class Warrior, D.C. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:25:17 GMT

Maybe Bush will put Obama n the No Fly List, which is the ONLY way Mclame could win!

Obama: How the speech is playing

Ann, Palo Alto, Ca — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:31:59 GMT

One could have predicted from the moment he left Israel with all the good press from the flawless Middle East trip (and McCain's ridiculous performance at home couple with his complaints at the media) that Obama was cruising for a bruising with the MSM in Berlin.So when he delivered an eloquent, thoughtful, rousing, appropriate and uniquely intelligent speech, we who appreciate such things from our leader (and we seem to be few and far between) expected the cowering press to begin its backpedaling nitpicking to :"bring Obama back down to size" How shamefully predictable. Do you have absolutely no principles???

Obama: How the speech is playing

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:33:38 GMT

The speech will bolster the Obama campaign. The takeaways for an attention deficit American electorate are 1) Obama drew 200,000 Germans, 2) Obama looked comfortable representing the U.S., and 3) Obama can function at this level.

The common thread of the criticism is lacking substance. Der Spiegel even threw out a question about how many European troops would be requested for Afghanistan.

I think this thing is going to work like a pendulum, as many things do in politics. Right now the conventional wisdom is Obama lacks specifics. But when people get tired of that conventional wisdom, they'll look for another. For instance, the claim of lacking specifics will be met with the realization that no one can recall ever hearing from any other candidate in their lifetimes the level of detail now being asked of Obama.

Quick quiz - name one specific, metric-laden proposal candidate Reagan made. Or candidate Bill Clinton. Or candidate Dubya Bush.

If you can do it, you have a better memory than me.

Obama: How the speech is playing

England 4 Obama — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:35:39 GMT

I watched this speech in England last night, and I was sooooooo excited, i had a little tear in my eye!! Never forget that Europe loves Americans, we just don't like the Bush Administration. Obama is a true statesman, elegant, well-spoken and believable - Vote for him!!

Obama: How the speech is playing

Dave, Tn — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:38:44 GMT

This is the best take on it :-)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article4392846.ece

Obama: How the speech is playing

kaycee sharma.Boston,MA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:39:37 GMT

what a speech.we are proud of you,obama.you have done out great county proud.Criticism of short of specifics is non sense.he is not president yet and gave speech as a candidate.Hence he rightly choose to be general.He is all brains.MaCain,better pack up and stop whining.

Obama: How the speech is playing

jackieblu — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:39:47 GMT

Obama's speach was fine! He still has the convention speach coming up. Just imagine McCain standing there trying to make a speach in that setting. Of course the crowd w/b a wee bit smaller! That grocery store speach was awesome, love the cheesy backround! He was so nice to let us all know what the surge really means, and when it really started. Does he just make things up as he goes along, or is he senile, and losing it. His true colors will come out even more soon, he's seething, nasty old man! Nice for CBS to cover for him, & of course Fox, and a few others. Sorry, hero POW (Thanks for your service), however, that doesn't make the guy who graduated last in his class foreign policy expert, or anything else. Imagine, Obama making the same stupid mistakes this week, you would never hear the end of it. Obama has proved, he is better on foreign policy issues, goes w/o saying the economy! McCain's good at the BS express! (Not even that good at that anymore).
Obama 08

Obama: How the speech is playing

tania — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:41:24 GMT

I'm an Obama supporter and I know that he needed to make this trip overseas. He has done a spectacular job. However, when he gets back home he needs to hit McCain hard and deep with economic issues. "Roll up his sleeves".

Obama: How the speech is playing

A.H.Jessup, San Diego, CA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:51:59 GMT

Obama has demonstrated beyond question that he is a capable and articulate statesman; understands the dynamics of international relations; and can lead a large number of people toward a goal. His Berlin speech brought the very best of America to the fore for the first time in a long time. The man is a breath of fresh air in a smoke-filled room.

But more, he has demonstrated throughout this campaign that he is an excellent manager, fiscvally responsible and able to make plans become realities for the betterment of the whole.

What more do you want?

Obama: How the speech is playing

Jack, Santa Cruz, CA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:56:44 GMT

Wasn't McCain just in Colombia pretending that he rescued some hostages?
What a hypocritical old man.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Joyce, NY — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:58:02 GMT

While Obama is out there trying to find solutions and convincing the rest of the world we are not that stupid despite Bush's 2nd term, what has the Repubs done for the country?

The world has turned into a global village. We can't survive alone and everything will just be fine and dandy. If we don't heed towards the right direction, future American's will suffer. That is the big picture. We happen to be lucky enough to have someone vying for the Presidency who can actually see that.

I am a Hilary supporter. I've posted here many times to defend her. Although I am very angry towards some of Obama's supporters, I have to look at the bigger picture. And that is America can no longer afford to make another mistake in McCain.

It truly is a race between the two of them. And they represent the opposite spectrum of things. We either vote for someone who can take us forward and gain the respect and support of the world or we continue where we are now.

Forget about party affiliations and personal preferences. Put the interest of your country first.
I am proud of what Barrack is doing for America. I can never say that with any Republicans who claim to be patriotic yet acts otherwise.

MSNBC please post this.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Steve O — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:59:33 GMT

Watching the speech on TV, what impressed me a was not so much it's content but the number of American flags waving in the crowd. In Europe these days, you just don't see that, especially since Bush invaded Iraq. The election of Senator Obama as President would do much to repair the damage that George Bush has done with our traditional allies and help restore our position as leader of the free world.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Mark, Northern MI — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:01:50 GMT

Paul Miller

High complements for so eloquently stating the glaring realities of all of the controversy surrounding specifics: your takeaways were spot on!

Obama: How the speech is playing

Riley, Charlotte, NC. — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:17:52 GMT

Outstanding speech for the audience. The world as a whole was being spoken to. Clearly those who don't understand how to give a proper speech will try to tear it down and attempt to act like they could do better. Obama will be one of the best President we have ever had. It's been a long time since we had a real President but it looks like we are going to get one this time.
I couldn't be more excited about an Obama Presidency.

Obama: How the speech is playing

Rheem, North Carolina — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:27:31 GMT

The media builds Barack Obama up so that they can slap him down. I believe that this is all a media ploy to keep the nation at odds in-order to boost their ratings.