The Conservative Nation

Merkel Not Impressed With Obama

Perhaps only second to Bill Clinton, Barack Obama is one of the slickest presidents we’ve ever had. Let’s face it, he is good when it comes to talking, and would probably make a great car salesman. (Hmm, a new career in about four years? Could be why he wanted to take over GM, but I digress.) However, his charm and charisma do not seem to working on my hero, German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

She does not appear to be impressed with his smooth talking, but rather wants to see something more concrete like responsible actions. According to an article by Nicholas Kulish, a rift has quietly opened up between Germany and the United States, despite the official statements of harmony. While not an outright crisis in relations, there are underlying tensions and disagreements on matters ranging from the global economic crisis to the future of inmates held at Guantánamo Bay. The German Chancellor’s views are very different than those of the President when it comes to borrowing money to stimulate the economy, worrying that so much debt will lead to high levels of inflation.

The Germans also feel slighted and taken for granted due to the fact that the Obama administration has yet to appoint an ambassador to their nation. “There is definitely this disappointment in Europe, complaining that there’s nobody home,” said Stephen Flanagan, senior vice president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Adding fuel to the fire, a low-ranking American official was sent for the negotiations to find a way to keep the GM owned German automaker Opel going despite the bankruptcy of its parent company. The potential failure of an important industrial employer before parliamentary elections is no laughing matter for German politicians, including Mrs. Merkel.

If you are having problems finding an ambassador to Germany, Mr. President, I would make myself available.

Subscribe to blog feed.

Leave a Reply