Obama Was Timid and Disappointingly Shallow

In spite of all the enthusiasm for the Democrat these past few days, the assessment of his Berlin speech is sobering. German commentators are largely in agreement: if Obama actually does become president, the first disappointments won’t be long in coming.

Yes, he can. That is, he can draw and thrill large crowds, even in Berlin. But one thing is sure: he will not be able to fulfill all the great expectations people have for him. He cannot. If one looks closely at the content of his speech, one can’t help noticing how timid and disappointingly flat it was. He sounded pacifistic and rousing when he called for a world free from nuclear weapons. At the same time, however, he didn’t fail to emphasize the necessity of a dense network of U.S. military installations around the globe. If he is elected, Obama is determined to continue the traditional role of the United States as the world’s policeman. In addition, he set no concrete goals concerning global warming. The parallels with George W. Bush were astonishing.

“Weser-Kurier” (Bremen):

The remaining assessment of his state visit is down to earth: nations have clearly defined interests when it comes to foreign policies. That’s also the case with the USA. Very seldom do these interests change, regardless whether a Clinton, a Bush or an Obama lives in the White House. As a result, Obama, if elected, will be able to do little to change trans-Atlantic cooperation; he may perhaps do a bit more with one country and a bit less with another, but maneuvering room is in any case narrow. The rhetorical skills of the politician, meanwhile, are fixed. Whoever was inspired by the speech can look forward to working with America to do good around the world. A brave new world. It would actually be better if Obama could remain an eternal candidate. Once he becomes President, that’s the end of emotionalism. Reality threatens.

“Rheinische Post” (Düsseldorf):

Now he’s gone. The “superstar,” the “superman” or, tastelessly, the “savior,” as many in the media christened him in their hasty enthusiasm. Are we party-poopers of just realists if we want to ask, as Berliners often do, “Don’t you have the same thing one size smaller?” Barack Obama is just a charismatic contender for the US presidency. The newness of his looks, his public image and his aspirations appeal to the romantic in the German nature even though we complain about the mediocrity of the current batch of local politicians. The lissome guest serves as a projection screen for unreasonably high expectations about America’s world leadership role. To be sure, the liberal Democrat is well on his way toward America’s political center, where diplomatic bulldozing and military might are seen as legitimate methods to further national interests. Obama is an inexperienced politician, not a head of state. Can he become one? His harmonious words in Berlin leave that question unanswered. Many observers consider Obama to be a political soufflé. If that’s the case, it would be better for American voters to take a quick look inside, if for no other reason than to save themselves from disappointment.

“Neue Ruhr Zeitung” (Essen):

It won’t be enough to give nice speeches if Obama becomes President, he’ll also have to act. In the war on terror, he wants Europeans and, above all, the Germans to do their duty. Berlin was a campaign stage, but it was also a signal. He wants to tackle problems cooperatively which means that he won’t find it sufficient to turn a coalition of the willing into a coalition of those willing to put up just money. He wants more – militarily as well, in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places. On the question of looming climate change, however, the German government has yet to have an answer from America. Only one thing is sure for the future: a President Obama is unlikely to get as friendly a reception as this was.

“Braunschweiger Zeitung”:

Barack Obama’s speech at the Berlin Victory Column remains abstract. The man who wants to be the new American President in November clung to empty phrases by constantly referring to the history and responsibilities shared between Europe and the USA. But even if the right message was missing, his appearance showed how high people’s hopes were for Obama. They want to have a superpower with a human face once again. A power that not only demands but also understands the concerns of others. The politician Barack Obama represents this as no one else does.

“Schwäbische Zeitung” (Leutkirch):

Enthusiasm for the presumptive Democratic contender for the presidency sprang until now from its newness and its energy. The principles for which Obama stands have been of less interest. It was enough that after eight difficult years with the clumsy George W. Bush, Obama was able to capitalize on the spongy concept of change. But even if successful in his quest for the presidency, he won’t be able to entice the world with gifts. He will require more than just the solidarity of words. He will hammer on the idea that Europe must accept the responsibilities of a major power. That may quickly decrease his popularity.

“Westdeutsche Zeitung” (Düsseldorf):

Yes, he can. What an appearance, what enthusiasm for an as yet unofficial candidate for the US presidency, much less an actual President of the United States. Until then, it’s still a long way for Senator Barack Obama. If the election were held in Germany he would probably get a democracy-endangering 90 percent share of the vote. But it’s America that will have the election, and it’s still open. If Obama actually wins, only then will he be President of the United States. And he will begin by addressing American interests , not those of Europe, much less those of Germany . . .

That Germans nonetheless cheer for the American is due to a yearning for the emotional. Obama is a tribune of the people, a preacher, for many even a political Messiah. Whoever looks for a German Obama runs up against people like Ronald Pofalla, Dirk Niebel, Claudia Roth or Hubertus Heil, the latter making himself ridiculous at a recent SPD rally when he tried to fire up the crowd with the Obama slogan, “Yes, we can.” The sobering result was, “No, he can’t.”

Mind you, the global climate can’t be saved, the economic crisis can’t be solved and a peaceful future in the Middle East can’t be assured through emotion and charisma alone. Politics isn’t a substitute religion. It distinguishes itself in that it recognizes problems and effectively solves them. We won’t know whether or not Obama really can until next year . . . if ever.