Struggling German SDP searches for its "Obama"

[thewiseguy]

At a recent rally in Nuremberg, Hubertus Heil, the deputy leader in the struggling SPD, tried to inject a bit of the charisma and can-do spirit of the Democratic presidential candidate by asking delegates to chant: "Yes, we can."

It didn't go down well.

After a moment of mumbled 'Yes, Vee Kahn," the English chants fizzled out. But since that rally in late May, German media and dispirited members of the centre-left SPD, which has slumped to post-war lows in opinion polls, have been asking: "Where's our Obama?"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080709/pl_nm/germany_wowereit_dc_1

Its worthy to note that the mayor of Berlin and Germany's foreign minister who are both from the SDP party have welcomed Obama's speech.

And to ease concerns that Obama will use his speech as a "campaign rally"

A weekend poll showed that 72 per cent of Germans would vote for Obama if they had the chance, against just 11 per cent for his Republican Party rival John McCain.

[Captain Hilts]

1. It's easier when you have Worst President Ever to run against. nt

[thewiseguy]

2. Obama's Berlin speech will most probably help SDP

Thats why Merkel does not like it. Thats also why the SDP likes it.

I think Obama should go there and boost SDP's chances of winning.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Can't hurt.

Though I'm a bit uneasy with us being involved, even tangentially, in another country's politics while in their country.

[thewiseguy]

4. Merkel's support for the Iraq war makes that uneasiness go away

If she is too concerned then she could ask McCain to drop by and appear with her. :evilgrin: