U.S. Ambassador Murphy: The Infotainer

If the new U.S. ambassador to Germany, Philip D. Murphy, follows through on his debut appearance Monday evening in Berlin, Germans will at least have the expectation of entertaining years to come. Most of the academics and students assembled in Humboldt University’s Senate auditorium were probably humming “That’s Entertainment” during his speech. Only a few taking part in the question and answer period following his speech got an inkling that there might be more to the new ambassador. One person asked, “Why do you need so many security personnel? Surely there’s a cause for so much hatred?” Murphy made it clear that a partnership does not always run smoothly, despite commonly shared interests when he said that the past is not completely erased just because there is a new U.S. president. But he relied on candid language saying, “One doesn’t always agree with a brother or sister, but the bottom line is they all sit down at the table together.”

On the first day of his seventh week in Berlin, Murphy offered 90 minutes of infotainment, fast-moving and loaded with symbolism. After the opening niceties concerning German-American relations as early as Humboldt’s era, including reading from Humboldt’s model of research from notes in German, he impishly remarked, “My English isn’t very good, but it’s better than my German.” Then he rolled up the sleeves of his light pink shirt, loosened his necktie and started by asking, “Anyone have a birthday today?” and was soon humming “Happy Birthday” for Martin. If there had been any ice in the room earlier, it was broken after several questions about football and the latest music.

“History, Today and Heroes” was Murphy’s theme. The 52-year-old former investment banker held up enlarged photos of the Marshall Plan’s namesake, the opening of the Berlin Wall, 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan and, of course, Barack Obama at the Victory Column in Berlin. Murphy calls Obama a friend, but considers him his hero, even if he does not openly say so. Murphy urged people to give him time to accomplish his goals.

His main point: German-American friendship is the most important partnership of the past 60 years and the new generation must carry it forward. Americans and Germans must work for global progress and for the benefit of mankind, and not just focus on smaller issues. He dedicated his most important picture to the young people in the auditorium: he took a photo of them, calling them his heroes of tomorrow.

Earlier, he enthusiastically addressed those subjects of importance close to the hearts of the German people: Iran (new talks are a good beginning), the environmental summit in Copenhagen, the problems in the U.S. Senate, Al Gore (another of his heroes) and “green technology.” He called the Tesla Electric Roadster “a dream” and then adds, “If I were thirty years younger and single . . .” He used that as a cue to introduce his wife, Tammy, seated in the rear of the auditorium and called to her: “I don’t need that car, I already have the girl.” Murphy went on to talk about the huge debate over healthcare reform, the financial crisis, Angela Merkel’s “great ideas” and himself as an enlightened capitalist. But he also touched on Pakistan and Afghanistan, which he called a joint responsibility. Although he had no ready answer to one student’s question as to what the U.S. expected of Germany there, a great difference did become apparent: “George Bush is no longer president, but our strategic goal remains the defeat of al-Qaeda.” NATO and the U.S. are discussing a change in tactics, he said. Then he grew rhapsodic about those children who would go on in school, some to study medicine, and how Germany would thus be a key player globally.

Some in the audience remained uncertain and not completely clear about Murphy’s goals. Most, however, were impressed, like Ahmad Chatle, a 20-year old Palestinian who was born in Lebanon and is currently a graduate studying at the Theodor-Heuss-Secondary School. He had expected a “stiff-as-a-board politician” but found Murphy “refreshing and likable.” Chatle said he hoped what Murphy had predicted in his case would be realized, namely that he would be able to someday continue his education in the United States. He and his fellow students also hope to enlist Murphy’s support in helping their alma mater, which is currently threatened with closure.