Why Merkel Prefers McCain

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffers from xenophobia when it comes to U.S. presidential candidate Barack Obama. The reason? If he wins the election, Chancellor Angela Merkel will have to change her foreign policy style.

The chancellor seldom takes part in governmental press conferences, having done so only twice this year. Now she needs to answer a question concerning Barack Obama’s visit to Berlin. Why did she absolutely refuse to allow Obama to speak at the Brandenburg Gate? This location, she says, “is reserved for presidents,” and she mischievously adds, “You may find that old fashioned, but that’s my opinion and I have a right to express it in a free country.”

Single handedly, Merkel made the question of where Obama was allowed to speak into a major governmental issue. Brandenburg Gate-–yes or no-–became a question of faith, the cause of a bitter difference of opinion between the CDU and Social Democratic Union (SDU). That Merkel now sees it as a right to free expression is more than just understatement.

Obama could have made an appearance Ronald Reagan-style. The CDU chief didn’t want that. The CDU went xenophobic on Obama. Why, essentially? The helpless attempts by the SPD, who themselves chant “Yes, we can” in arenas across the country, couldn’t faze the CDU. What, then?

Ruprecht Polenz, Chairman of the German Foreign Committee, admits, “Traditionally, the CDU has had closer ties to the Republicans.” In truth, there are more reasons why Merkel would prefer John McCain. Ever since Bush and then-Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder parted ways over the Iraq war, the CDU has tirelessly tried to portray itself as the only true friend America has in Germany. In contrast to Schroeder, Merkel was critical of Russia and China. Despite George W. Bush, Merkel was able to strengthen trans-Atlantic ties with the US. Thanks to this particular conjunction, Merkel’s international appearances were seen as brilliant. It was she whom Bush praised openly in Washington as a true ally despite several criticisms about Guantanamo she made as a champion of human rights.

If Obama wins, Merkel will have to substantially revise her foreign policy style. Her role as the stalwart ally who didn’t go along with Schroeder’s betrayal over the Iraq war will be played out. Obama was against the Iraq war, too.

Our elections come in 2009. The economic data are miserable and that can hurt Merkel’s popularity. If her foreign policy radiance suffers as the new star, Obama, takes the stage, it could get tight. On the other hand, with John McCain continuing many of George W. Bush’s policies, Merkel could continue playing her well-tried role.

Merkel gives curt answers to journalist’s questions about Obama and McCain. She finds the Senator from Illinois “spirited.” When asked which candidate she would prefer, her answers are more diplomatic. In foreign policy matters, she says, “there’s always the importance of continuity.”

That’s true in general, but not especially in Merkel’s case.