Evening Buzz: Obama's Ego Trip?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/07/24/obama.speech/art.obama.ap.jpg caption="Sen. Barack Obama addresses a crowd Thursday at the Victory Column in Berlin, Germany."]Maureen Miller
360° Writer
Oh, my! What a day for photo-ops. Two candidates with two very different snapshots. Barack Obama visited Berlin, Germany today. He spoke to a crowd of about 200,000 people. It was an event that brought up distant images of John F. Kennedy's "Ich bin ein berliner" speech and Ronald Reagan's "Tear down this Wall" speech. They each held the title of President of the United States. Obama doesn't, but wants to. Some of his critics are calling his overseas travels an ego trip. What do you think?
As for his opponent, John McCain ate some Bratwurst with voters in the German Village section of Columbus, Ohio.
No massive crowds at his location. His campaign put out a statement that reads, "While Barack Obama took a premature victory lap today in the heart of Berlin, proclaiming himself a 'citizen of the world,' John McCain continued to make his case to the American citizens who will decide this election." We'll have the raw politics tonight on 360.
Also tonight, is polygamy the new organized crime? That's what Senator Harry Reid called it today on Captiol Hill. He's pushing for a new federal crackdown on polygamous sects, like the FLDS. He says it's a crime that goes beyond state lines and the sexual abuse of young girls. He said there's welfare fraud, tax evasion, massive corruption and strong-arm tactics used by followers. Former FLDS members also spoke at today's hearing. Dan Fischer is one of them. He says he still has nightmares. Five current FLDS members attended the hearing but were not invited to talk. One of them was Willie Jessop. He told 360's David Mattingly after the hearing that all that's being told are allegations that "can never be proven in the court of law". Jessop also had some harsh words directed at Senator Reid, a Mormon. The details in tonight's Crime & Punishment report.
And, we're digging deeper on Soledad O'Brien's "Black in America" investigation. Tonight, a look at black men and the challenges they face. One of the biggest issues is police harrassment. Comedian and actor D.L. Hughley joins us tonight. He feels he has to teach his son's "how to deal with cops".
All that and more tonight on at 11pm ET, after Black in America.
Hope you'll join us.
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • T1 • The Buzz |
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Carriein in Sterling, VA
We are all proud to be American but it is time for the world to realize that we are not just about "our own countries" anymore. We have issues that not only affect America, but the entire world and the world needs to join together to solve these issues. Just think how much happier this world would be if we started thinking that we were "Citizens of the World". I am ready to see Barrack Obama as President of the United States and mender of all things broken by Bush. We need to fix the insides of America first and then go about to help fix the world – with the help of all Citizens of the World!!!
Go Barrack!!!
Barack Obama did an excellent job in Berlin yesterday.
Comparison.
Would you prefer millions demonstrating in London, UK & other European capitals as in the past? Demonstrations burning effigies of your President in the streets.
US Main stream media didn't cover those events that happened in Europe over the last 7 years.
Barack Obama is the LIGHT in the DARKNESS!
It's an insult to call this an ego-trip.The only ego trip we saw , was Mccain crying because of lack of attention.
Barack Obama's message about tearing down borders and accept people who they are no matter what was great.Everytime Barack speaks, Mccain shrinks to size midget.
It's clear who's gonna be the next president...no doubt about it!
i think the speech was great the only thing that i worry about is there is too much coverage of one man who is supposed to bring not only US peace but is now trying for global peace it makes me think this was propheised
gosh he cant even debate mccain, but he is set on the rest of the world liking him, well they can have him then
For all of you naysayers about Obama's speech, today, particularly those of you who don't think he talked positively enough about our great nation, the USA, I suggest you listen to his speech again.
I found his speech to be very patriotic as he talked about what the US stands for, the help we gave Berlin, Germany and Europe after WWII via the Marshall Plan, and etc.
Regarding his self introduction, other Americans have used the phrase, "citizen of the world", such as JFK in his inaugural address; and Ronald Reagan when he addressed the UN on 6/17/1982 stated, "I speak today as both a citizen of the United States and of the world".
So, I do really suggest to any of you with your panties all in a knot, check your history, and realize that there were over 200,000 people at Obama's event today, the majority of them Germans/Europeans who chanted USA, USA, USA, USA, USA over and over.
I say thank you Barack Obama if you can restore the standing of our great nation in the eyes of our allies and the rest of the world.
Obama has the potential to unite America and the world through commonalities towards the ultimate betterment of us all. When he is elected, that moment too will be reticent as "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind"...
Icing on the cake...He will be American.
the twist is that he will be black.
The final frontier is about to be conquered...not space. But our minds.
God Bless Mankind.
carrie – keep living in your dream world, that "you as an American" and not a citizen of the world are happy caring about your own planet only far away from all others! How ignorant! And I do think, that Obama very well sets America and American reputation and American prosperity and American but Global health and wealth on priority!
I am a black woman republican, however I always vote according to the candidate and the issues at hand. Right now the issue I am seeing is a confident democratic presumtive nominee, who is constantly being scrutinized. McCain opened his old mouth and suggested that Obama go overseas. Well I guess it came as a big surprise when it appears that the world is also ready for change.
Interesting enough is the fact that no matter who becomes President United States and the rest of World must come together to create a stable environment for its people. United States is not the only nation going though economical changes. We as a nation proud need to see into the future and how we all must make changes in order to turn these leans times around. I listened to Omaba's speech and was driven to actually come looking for a blog to read the reactions of fellow Americans. I thought his speech was brilliant, forward thinking, and I am excited to see United States taking a lead in new directions to bring a global economy. Together we can make a difference.
Brooke
Remember when McCain sayed Obama should go abroad? He did and did not fall flat on his face. Like all of you wanted him to. Look an how many poeple came hear his speach. UNBELVABLE JUST WONDERFUL. A Man speaking for you here in AMERICA.
GET OVER IT.
If anyone wants to know just how effective Obama is, They should tallie up the hours spent by the media discussing "being black in america" since the speech he gave on race...It still continues today with CNN's special "Black in America"...Amazing that someone can set a stage for such a thing that is being discussed on more fronts by more diverse people...And, it carries over to Germany....He is proving once again where his strength lies, not in solving a problem, (which no one man can solve) but getting many different sides from many different walks of life to listen and discuss...This is a gift that no amount of experience can overcome...Race and the world is shifting from physical attributes like color or origin to beliefs. We need someone that can accurately engage this debate...And John McCain with all his "experience" will never have that...It is no longer our country, It's our world and we need a proper rep.
I am a South African on business in America. The world has become flat. Humanity in gods beautiful creation is all interconnected and the United States being the most powerful country in the world today has a responsibility to exercise this power with great care and in the interest of humanity as a whole. Barak Obama inspires hope and inspiration to a nation and a world who desperately needs strong leaders who inspire and has the leadership skills to build bridges and relations among nations.
Viva Barak Obama Viva!!
I am proud to be an American (or was until the last 8 years) But for those who do not see themselves a citizen of this world, then exactly what world are you a citizen of? It does not matter what country we live in or are from. We all live on this Planet. Our President does not concern himself with just what is going on in the USA but has to concern himself what is happening in all the countries of this world. Obama gave a great speech today. And he does not have his priorities wrong. For the USA to survive as a leader of nations in the world of tomorrow, the USA will have to step up and prove it can. If we do not change our world image, the USA will end up a third rate nation and its citizens borish.
I am very surprised that CNN would air a show like "Black In America" and then continually show such a racist view of Obama and his run for the presidency. You ask for leadership then question Obama when he does so. Please show McCain doing something besides talking about Obama in his blatant smear campaign. I question why no one worries about McCain speaking on the issues and why America a "world power" would be so disturbed by Obama reaching out to the world in his preparation to take his seat as a "world leader". Wake up CNN, wake up world.
People may comment that for Obama to make such a grand event in Germany is "presumptuous", that he is assuming he will be the winner of the outcome of the General Election, but do not forget, that he wouldn't have been able to have such an event without the HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of Europeans GOING TO SEE HIM!
Is it a 'victory lap' event for him if the reason he is in such a spotlight is due to the fact that he actually DOES warrant the spotlight because of his popularity around the world, ability to speak to the people of the USA and the world, and his often unrecognized talent and experience in foreign affairs?
"Obama's Ego Trip" I don't get it and probably never will but I recognize the media has a job to do and knows how to provoke us to our emotions.
Enlightening as it was, we just watched a Black in America documentary that has highlighted a range of issues that blacks have to deal with regardless of their class, educational or economical backgrounds. This is the very cynicism that Obama or any black person in America is confronted with everyday. The question thus remains – are the blacks willing to go head and achieve their dreams despite? My slant is, believe in yourself, focus on your goals and soon or very soon the ground will begin to shake. Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and others World history shakers did it even when none believed them. Go go Obama, you have my support, blessings and prayers!
Now that is what i called double standard. First Sen Obama get critisized for not going to Irak and for being amateur on foreign policy, then when he goes, he is an egomaniac. so damn if he does and damn if he doesn't. Sen McCain went overseas, for his campain with tax payer money, nobody said a word. Sen Obama goes, praises america and the good it does to the world, he presumptious, Republican are a bunch of hypocrites discussing
Maureen,
I think YOU are the one on the ego trip! To command 200k-300k foreign folks to come out and see an American politician, running for president, in a global climate, where America has truly fallen from "grace" – you are dreaming if you don't see the positivity and beauty in that. We truly need to "mend fences" around the world and improve our global image and relationships. If Barack is making effort to do what so many haven't and cannot, how is that an ego trip? Our current President cannot even go to Berlin and accomplish that. Could you go out to Berlin tomorrow and do the same thing? Probably not.....sit down hater!!!! The one thing I can't stand about the "opposition," is that you idiots aren't even rational!
Is it just me or does John Mc Cain have that sinking feeling. Everything he has tried has failed.Obama is raising twice as much, he tries to curtail that it didn't work. Said he had no foreign policy experience and now it looks like he has more in just one week of diplomatic travels than president Bush and McCain together. Well received and working hand in hand with foreign dignitaries as equals and not a mile away as if to show that they are not. Liked and admired all over, without a demonstration or an outburst mentioned from the people that came to hear him speak the whole week.
When Mc Cain talks, it seems like he his talking to himself, laughing at his own jokes and trying a little to hard. Yes Obama is getting media attention because he is simple, he dresses moderately, he talks with great enthusiasm, like he has a plan and a vision to lead and guess what that is the mark of a leader, that makes him presidential. I guess someone should inform McCain that is why the media would rather hear Obama speak. No one likes a sore loser, whinnying and complaining get you nothing and no where.
But I guess we cant blame Mc Cain, I guess it is starting to dawn on him that he might have lost and is literally hanging on the last strands of few threads his campaign has left and hoping the republican convention would come a little sooner so he can take a break from the butt whooping he is receiving from Obama.
And finally I am sorry but McCain does not look presidential and Obama does period. You have to look the part
First, why did I not hear none of this when McCain toured Europe and the Middle East.
Second, many Americans need to stop thinking we have been angels in this world. All be it , the tragedy of the World Trade disaster was terrible. We are currently fighting our ghost of the past Iraq. Iran, Mexico, Korea, China, etc...
We have been kept ignorant of wrongs of the past by the media and our government.
Before anyone ask, I have served honorably 6 years in the military (all but 6 mos. in Europe). So I do have some insights into things prior to 1987.
Obama looked like the president today in Germany? To me he looked like a Q-Tip with oversized clothes.
He is weak. He looks weak and he will make this Country look weak in the eyes of the world, specially those who already hate America.
And what is all that noise about "What it means to be black in America. It means you are Black in America people, 'if you are' , what else; just others are Asian, Hispanic, European, etc.
Damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Come on people, you can't have it both ways. Senator Obama has energized Americans and attempting to do the same globally. He is the voice of a "New" America; a forward thinking and forward moving America. He represented America well abroad and did not come with a "I'm bigger and better than you" attitude.He is trying to build a bridge of understanding and working together.
We are all interdependent- importing and exporting our goods and services. Gas prices and housing issues will not be changed overnight in America, no matter who gets the presidency. However, it was a great gesture to reach out to the world now, and continue the conversation later.
Senator McCain is disingenuous at best in his criticism of Senator Obama’s foreign trip, and the media coverage it is receiving. It was Senator McCain’s allegation that Senator Obama was naïve on foreign affairs in general, and on Iraq in particular, that was partly responsible for the trip. It was McCain who tried to score political points by maintaining this drumbeat, by broadcasting the number of days that had elapsed since Senator Obama’s last trip to Iraq. He publicly double dared Senator Obama to go abroad to learn about foreign policy…all the time hoping to set a trap that would doom the Democratic nominee’s election prospects.
Now that Senator Obama has taken up the dare, the mega success of his trip so far, and its attendant publicity, seems to be exasperating Senator McCain. The trap that he thought he had set for Senator Obama is having the opposite effect, making the junior senator look positively presidential, and reducing Senator McCain to empty fulminations. His protestations against the press, and his railings at Senator Obama’s meetings and conversations with foreign leaders, smack of naked desperation now that he has been hoisted on his own petard.
What did it help? I'm still waking up tomorrow to go to work as I'm sure I will do the exact same thing after the election. Has anyone on here been to college and realize that Congress makes the decisions. A President does Pardons and photo opps. No one but me is putting gas in my car, or get a better job, or put food on the table. America has turned into Dr Quinn Medicine Women!!!!! We want everything given to us and when we don't get it want to but the blame on everyone and everything but ourselves. No president is going to make your life better so go out and do something that will help yourself. You got a Socialist class in Europe loving Barrack...great! Where again is this vote supposed to happen?
Obama... is he the Antichrist the one who will oppose Christ and substitute himself in Christ's place and rule the world?
What "ego trip"? First McCain puts Obama down for not ever having been to Iraq and McCain supporters were also criticizing Obama's so-called inexperience in dealing with world issues and world leaders. Now McCain is pouting because of Obama's natural ability to draw people to him and to give them hope for stronger international relationships! Please stop your whining and grow up! Technology has made our world so much smaller and anyone who follows current events knows that we should all consider ourselves as "citizens of the world" now more than ever before. I say who better to lead us than Barack Obama! Then there are the McCain spokespersons who shamefully pretend that McCain is not implying that Obama is not as concerned with the safety of Americans as he is. It's really sad that the McCain campaign feels they must stoop to such dishonest tactics.
hey Wes, grow up and open your eyes to reality – what are you trying to say he doesn't care about his fellow Americans? nice try – do you work for the McCain campaign? lol
Talk about hateration!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one wants to admit that Obama has renewed the worlds respect for America even if he is not yet officially the President. Honestly most of the countries that we deal with have leaders who are not white and they identify with another person of color better than they would with a white american, If we as americans dont take advantage of this oppurtunity to be better in the eyes of the world we have failed as a world power that has been given the chance to make a difference!
No it's not an ego trip. Obama is making an opportunity out of a challenge, McCain threw down the gauntlet.. It doesn't matter how Obama does or what he does on this European trip, people who are afraid of his being black or afraid of his being Democrat, or just plain afraid of change will find whatever words they can conjure to try to prevent his running ahead of the pack. Truth is that whatever they throw at him, Obama has been prepared since childhood to face. There is a perceived stereotype of Black men as arrogant. Is it arrogant to believe you are just as good, intelligent, worthy as the next man. Even as he has out paced, out ran, and out distance every other candidate are we to believe it is due to any other reason except Obama is committed to changing this world for the better. No it's not an Ego trip. It's more of a face the man in the mirror trip. Can You?
Obama..you are doing a great job and doing America proud. Let the critics continue to itch...
It's sad. I was IN Europe when the tide turned against the US–Bush's stupid aggression has cost us the friendship of our traditional allies, and the respect of everyone ELSE.
Barack Obama's appearances in various capitals throughout Europe are almost CERTAINLY being viewed with relief and barely contained glee-SIMPLY BECAUSE HE'S NOT BUSH.
The Europeans used to WORSHIP us– because we saved their collective butts in WW2–and they NEVER forgot it –until 70 years later, Bush STARTED A WAR FOR PROFIT–and then tried to drag the rest of the EU into it.
Obama brings the promise of a return to an honorable america-one our friends can respect again–THAT'S why the huge crowds-that's why the overwhelming approbation-they still want to believe in us.
I really don't know how to tell you this (directed to Americans) but the damage to your countries reputation in the world is extreme – on vacation in Europe last June until we identified ourselves as Canadian and not American people were very cold to us – it will take more than a speech from a candidate for president to erase the damage done to your countries reputation around the world but it appears to be a step in the right direction – even if things improve under an Obama administration most of the world really thinks those that tricked you into an illegal war should be convicted of war crimes – you owe that to the tens of thousands of people killed on all sides. Only then can the United States of America move forward – I can certainly see why McCain is afraid of the Internet, lets not promote something we cannot control lol
To Loretta from California
Sen Obama, is he PRESIDENT or KING? Man how is his speech over in Germany helping this Gas problem or Mortgage Crisis?
I hope PRESIDENT!!! Because if you think McSame is going to help this country when it comes to Gas problems and Mortgage crisis, you're in for a rude awakening. McSame is all about staying in Iraq which would mean any financial assistance towards gas and mortgage crisis will go to Iraq to pay for the WAR. Hello?????
Obama's speech was to assist in bringing Europe over to the side of the US and other countries to band together to fight nuclear weapons in Iran and other countries and to bring ALL races together.
It's sad. You missed the whole meaning.
im a 15 year old from canada, and tonight i want to tell you how inspired i am by Barack Obama. the main resson im inspired by barrack is because he gives me hope for my generation and the next generation and the worlds youth. i think with barack obama as presidant, it would make me feel safer when i sleep at night and when i travel because he acts as if he cares about all citizens of the world. since the bush's came into power the world has become a scarry place, since bush came into power a second time i have lost hope for another four years of my life. mccain doesnt look like someone i can trust. ps, barack obama please make me feel SAFE again.
Opponents of Obama, and the angry and disillusioned Right will find anything they can wrong with Obama being overseas. Fact is, they could only wish for such a candidate for the GOP. I've been fascinated with politics since I was a boy. That's quite a few years. I have never witnessed a candidate such as Obama. I wasn't around for Kennedy. Two very different people, yes. But Obama is also very unique and polarizing.........................Obama 08
carrieinSterling, Va
First of all McCain can take his challenge and shove it. I am proud of his representation of this country and prouder that my month contributions allowed for his to take that challenge and see four countries over. Take you bitterness, stew it in a pot and have a huge bowel. Your only one vote just like everyone else in this country. And it is not welcomed.
It would seem that Obama get's criticism for anything he does. The size of the crowd in Germany idicates that this is a very special man and a different kind of politician. Obama may look as if he is on the campaign trail but I believe this is man who cares about the citizens of the world. Have we gotten to the point where we mistrust everything a politician does that we can't conceive the idea of someone being in politics because they want to change many lives in a profound and positive way. Take the time to listen to Obama's message if you have any faith in mankind you will see the good in this man.
mr cooper why every day ms walls in on cnn, she have no ideal what goes on in a black world, she have black skin, but white on the in side. i am a black woman i cant stand her, just she think she no it all an dont no anything about black people. she dont like mr O. b. is because he is black, she so out touch with black people cant you guys fine some one else to talk about black, because she is a rep. she steel black. bennie from texas,
I feel that this falls in line with the topic and speaking about "Blacks in America," so I must speak my heart when saying this...It really bothers to hear analysts trying to tear down and intellectually question Obama's ability to draw people's attention span to something bigger than McCain’s incoherent daily babble. His success is viewed as presumptuous, he’s been pegged as being Un-American, and he’s painted as being weak on being able to protect this country…why? We give more negative press to men’s ability to change their minds and consider this weakness… All while this country wades hopelessly in deplorable conditions because of the Cowboy Rhetoric of this current administration, and our position and ability to lead ourselves is debatable. We spend more time trying to assert our strengths to the rest of the world, but here at home, either you have it or you don’t. It is truly unfortunate that we exhaust our mental acuity on issues that have nothing to do with anything that matters. Leave Barack Obama alone and let him run for President, just like Bush did and anyone else who’s walked this road before. If he couldn’t draw a crowd of people to listen to him speak…then I would be worried!
I think america should be proud to see a fellow citizen eliciting this type of intrest in america leadership in a foreign country.This is a great moment for Obama and the US,it should give a cause for hope for world peace instead of criticism of Obama.
I care deeply about the world, have relatives in South America and Europe-but I do not see myself as a citizen of the world.I'm an American and proud of it. Everyone wants to be well regarded but just like my mother told me -it's not the most important thing.America needs a president who will put the American people and American interest first-and I feel Obama has that priority wrong.
I'll try again....
Sen. Obama did an outstanding job in Berlin. We all should be pleased and proud to be an American represented by Sen. Obama. It is awful to hear the fallback from the media and John McCain about Sen. Obama over stepping boundaries by giving the speech. Yet, I heard the media (in another instance) expressed several times that any senator, politician, or even Sen. McCain could have given the same speech. You all are doubled tongued, not Sen. Obama. Make an analysis and stand by it! Please stop the filp flopping on Sen. Obama.
I am a moderate Republican and I have not yet decided who to vote for. I am amazed by the venom spewed by my Republican friends when they learn that. According to them, you are Republican "do or die". As a Republican, apparently, I am never to question our leaders. I have Democratic friends, too. They question everyone.
So, I listened to Obama's speech in Berlin today. I have questions. I also listened to McCain's response to Obama's speech today. McCain sounded old and tired and, dare I say, whinning. Yes, Obama sounded Presidential...after all, someone has to. McCain doesn't sound Presidential...at all. He just sounds old, tired and like a broken record with no new ideas.
Obama is looking toward the future of not just America, but the whole world. McCain is just looking at America as it is now. I listen to McCain and I don't hear very much at all about the future. I just hear same BS, different day.
I have other moderate Republican friends. They also are not decided who to vote for. This is going to be a difficult election for us. "Do or die"? Or, should we vote for the future of not just America, but the whole world?
As a voter I am happy we have a real choice for change with Senator Obama. I am also amazed that so many people who have endured the last almost 8 years seem willing to support Senator McCain who clearly is willing to continue the unbelievable mistakes of the past. More people need to think about how many good ideas and innovative solutions have been lost over the history of this country because intelligent African Americans are considered uppty and presumptuous. The situation is much to serious to let prejudice rule. Senator Obama has proven over and over that he is prepared to lead this country. This trip was just another example.
I think Obama is doing exactly what he should be doing. Why is he being looked down upon simply because he is being PROACTIVE in his role as an ambassador of the United States?? I think it is wonderful that he is actually getting out there and encouraging the involvement of other nations in the events surrounding them. It is great that he is preparing for the role and doing the things that BOTH he and McCain as well as Bush should be doing.
I'm really surprised by the posts on this blog – what would you expect of Senator Obama? He's an educated man with a well run campaign. I would not have expected anything less than what I've seen. But I would expect the same of Senator McCain. Why would we expect the person who wants to be President of the US to be a complete and total moron? Ego trip? Sometimes I'm not sure if CNN asks these questions simply to be provocative or if they really believe them. Before Senator Obama's trip, it was all about how much he had to be careful not to make any mistakes and now that he's not made any mistakes, its all about how arrogant or presumptive he's being.