Tuesday
22Jul
From the Obama Campaign Director of Hubris:
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 14:04At a morning background briefing, reporters parried with senior advisers on the characterization of Obama’s speech Thursday in Berlin as a campaign rally. The outdoor speech at the Victory Column could draw thousands of people, similar to the size of Obama events in the United States.
“It is not going to be a political speech,” said a senior foreign policy adviser, who spoke to reporters on background. “When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally.
“But he is not president of the United States,” a reporter reminded the adviser.
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Reader Comments (3)
Wow, that's almost a distinction without a difference. I would suggest that every speech by a candidate is a "political speech." Saying otherwise is, as you implied, a big chunk of spin/hype.
Having said that, there is a difference between a "political speech" and a "campaign rally." I would suggest that this distinction will ultimately hinge on his actual remarks. If he takes cheap shots at John McCain or starts talking at length about what he'll do as President, I'd call that a "campaign speech" and consider him in the wrong to do so from abroad. If, on the other hand, he speaks to more general issues and themes, such as the overall relationship between America and Europe, I would think that more appropriate (but still a "political speech"). In that sense, I'll withhold judgment until we hear what he has to say.
Did you miss the meat of the quoted text, or did you just ignore it?
“When the president of the United States goes and gives a speech, it is not a political speech or a political rally.
“But he is not president of the United States,” a reporter reminded the adviser.
No, I didn't ignore it. It just wasn't worth a comment. (laugh)
They're all political speeches, including those of the President.