A University Setting?

by: psericks

Sat Jul 12, 2008 at 00:40:52 AM CDT

The Berliner Morgenpost adds yet another possibility, a speech before students at the Free University (Freie Universität) in Berlin.  (The Humboldt University would be more centrally located and with stronger backdrops, though perhaps without the unique history of the Free University.) 

Speaking to the youth of Berlin could be compelling.  It would be another way of keeping the narrative on change, on freshness --- and away from the event being portrayed as elitist or decadent.  But I still find Gendarmenmarkt (and the Cold War) the stronger backdrop.

The rumors have been all over the place, and perhaps aren't worth following anymore.  But the Obama campaign was no doubt counting on the Brandenburg Gate and is now working in overdrive to think through a replacement.

How to Make A Berlin Appearance Count?

by: psericks

Fri Jul 11, 2008 at 16:22:09 PM CDT

The Obama campaign might not end up getting the Brandenburg Gate as a venue.  Sidestepping Merkel's objections would probably be wise. 

And there may also be good reasons not to choose the Schöneberger Rathaus, where John Kennedy delivered the "Berliner" speech:

First, Kennedy spoke from a balcony, which isn't Obama's style. 

Second, the Obama advance team is all about spectacular backdrops, which the Rathaus isn't necessarily.  (See picture of Kennedy in 1964) 

Lastly, the square probably isn't large enough for the size crowd that the Brandenburger Tor, Gendarmenmarkt, or other locations would allow.  Berlin is a more expansive city since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

But here's an idea.  Andrew Sullivan suggests the hands-down easiest way to make any Obama event delivered anywhere within the city limits of Berlin all about the Kennedy legacy and earn paragraphs of good press in the German media: 

Take Caroline.

Update:  I uploaded a satellite Google image below of the square.  The square is narrow.  Holding a rally there would also involve shutting down a busy street, whereas the Gendarmenmarkt involves a pedestrian zone and a broader square.