I'm curious. What are Merkel's reasons for opposing this? From what it says here, this is a wonderful idea, a chance for him to symbolize both his call for unity and his global approach and appeal.

By the way, I wouldn't have a problem at all with a German politician giving a speech at the Statue of Liberty.

Germany? Brandenburg Gate? Is Spielberg producing this? I understand the implications this election has on the world, but sheesh.

i'd like to add, if McCain tried to do this (don't know if he is planning to speak at a famous world monument) I would laugh. This seems like something you'd do AFTER you become president! Maybe that's what Merkel is thinking.

There's my qinciniera outfit!

Hypno, that was just a like, 6 years ago, right? I mean judging by your photo. And I hope you didn't have a big ol dude cameltoe when you wore it.

i dont understand why we have "its up to the germans to decide" as an option... i mean, aren't we being asked in the poll? anyway - i think its a great idea and i'm also curious about what merkel's real issues with this are. also, i wonder what it is like for her to have a last name that sounds so much like 'merkin'. don't know what a merkin is? look it up people!!

The mayor thought it was a great idea, and the Obama camp was looking at multiple locations in Germany. When I read about this earlier, I thought they jumped the gun just a little bit...I would think they would wait until he decided where he wanted to speak.

(and I think the Statue of Liberty would be a great place for international friends to speak...since She is all about immigration and everything!)

I think it's a good place for him to speak, especially since it has become sort of a traditional place for American leaders. His candidacy is historic and the potential international impact of his election is significant - it's useless to pretend the world isn't watching his campaign with special interest.

Oh gee thanks KrisSugar more like 23 years ago. Well this is a case of the elitist speech giving spots isn't it?

I suppose that's the only problem I have with it. and when i say problem, I mean it just seemed dramatic. But whatever!

I wonder if they're going to play the Scorpions "Winds of Change" when he's there?

Ha! Nice one, Kris!

it wouldn't make me vote for him but I would definitely close my eyes, put my arms around someone's neck, and slooooow dance!

Kris, pick me, pick me!! :flirt:

OK, in all seriousness, why are we even going overseas to speak? Isn't the election being held in America? Have I been on vacation so long that we've become one world united under one government? If we aren't, come home and speak in front of an American symbol of greatness, like Mount Rushmore.

I think Germans shouldn't be allowed to hold rallies. I've seen some of their earlier work on the History Channel and it usually ends badly.

I pick you Dave!!! sorry I had to step out for a meeting. Let's slow dance!!!

What an odd option on the poll. Why the heck would I want to keep a foreign leader from speaking at the Statue of Liberty? That would be a wonderful and appropriate place.

Woo Hoo!!!

Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
In the wind of change

(whistling...)

:hugs:

(Closest thing to slow dancing)

(darn) :embarass:

Speaking of speeches how did those pre-school commencement addresses go UnDave?

Haha! Just kidding.

it's just hug.

better go make sure those kiddies are tucked in!

Mommy took care of them tonight, 'cause I drove the family all over God's green earth for vacation.

Dang Kris, I didn't notice it before, now I can't look away from the man camel toe!!

Kris, we could dance and it would look like a mirror!

"'Ich bin ein Berliner' means 'I'm a donut'!" Any Eddie Izzard fans in the hizzy tonight? I think it's a pretty cool idea, though, but only if Obama can squeeze into that Fat Elvis jumpsuit up there. Kidding, of course.

What if he had been in Frankfurt? I am a hot dog.

Thanks for making me spray soda out my nose laughing, rac.

Actually, I'm sort of with Merkel on this one (I'm surprised myself). I would have no problem whatsoever with him speaking there, if he was already President, but he hasn't even been elected yet. The Brandenburg Gate is a very special place and it's only used for this sort of thing on very special occasions (never for election campaigns), so it actually strikes me as a bit presumptuous of him to want to give a speech there.
Actually, news now is that they're trying to find a compromise. It's possibly he'll just walk through the gate (obviously accompanied by the press ) and then give his speech at another spot.

Ah, what you say Madchen makes sense. Why doesn't he hold off in making that speech there until AFTER he's elected? It does seem a bit presumptuous that he wants to speak in a spot that's traditionally reserved for leaders (not candidates).

Someone else brought up a good point in this thread - why is he making a speech in Germany exactly? Shouldn't he be focused on speaking in his own country during election time?

"It is unusual to hold election rallies abroad. No German candidate for high office would even think of using the National Mall (in Washington) or Red Square in Moscow for a rally because it would not be seen as appropriate."

That is why the Germans are saying it is odd. Wait until you make the presidency to make speeches there like everyone else.

Why did McCain tour South American and Mexico? This election will have great global consequences and the world is watching it very carefully. The candidate on both sides are very aware of this and are acting accordingly. I agree that it is a strange choice of location considering the history but I don't have a problem with it. I also agree with Jillness, The Statue of Liberty would be a great place for international speakers.

The statue is a great place for an international leader to speak from. It isn't a good place for someone from, say France, to give a "elect me" speach.