(CNN) - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is taking aim at President Obama's decision not to travel to Germany next week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the latest in a string of conservatives to criticize Obama's decision to skip the ceremony on November 9.
"Some consider President Obama's refusal to attend the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany next week an outrage, I consider it a tragedy." Gingrich wrote in an op-ed published Friday in The Washington Examiner.
"To commemorate, after all, is to remember. And Americans need to remember, not just that the Wall fell, but why it fell," Gingrich added. "We need to remember that the Berlin Wall was the symbol of more than just the Cold War, more than just the division of Europe."
While the president had originally planned to be on hand for the event, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs confirmed earlier this week scheduling conflicts and preparation for his impending 10-day trip to Asia have instead caused Obama to stay in Washington.
"Obviously, we have a lot to work on here, and we have commitments for an upcoming Asia trip," Gibbs said Tuesday. The White House announced Friday that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will lead a delegation to Berlin.
But Obama's decision to miss the event appeared to spark derision from Der Spiegel, one of Germany's major newsweeklies, which declared on its Web site "Barack's too busy," and noted the president has not visited the historic city since taking office.
The move has also led to criticisms from conservative commentators who, like Gingrich, say the president's move amounts to a snub of all that the Berlin Wall's demise represented.
"Obama's failure to go to Berlin is the most telling nonevent of his presidency," wrote Rich Lowry of the National Review. "It's hard to imagine any other American president eschewing the occasion."
"This is unprecedented," Rush Limbaugh declared on his radio show earlier this week. "An American president not showing up at one of the most famous sites for the destruction of tyranny and the outbreak of freedom? Being invited by the chancellor, the leader of Germany, and not going?"
Obama did note the upcoming anniversary when he welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House Tuesday.
"We are now moving towards the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down and Germany being reunified after so many painful years," Obama said. "And this is a special moment for Chancellor Merkel, as somebody who grew up in East Germany, who understands what it's like to be under the shadow of a dictatorial regime, and to see how freedom has bloomed in Germany, how it has become the centerpiece for a extraordinarily strong European Union."
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
FLUSH rush!
"Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich"...KEY WORD....FORMER, FORMER, FORMER, FORMER. Let it go CNN, you are always trying to bring dead people back to life!
Any attempt to take out after the president you will always find a republican saying something stupid. Do this, do that... blah blah blah... I am sure that if he did go that they would find something about that to complain about. The GOP is nothing but NO and Whinning. So tired of it.
WOW, first he gets hammered for going overseas a lot. Now he gets hammered for not going. What does the GOP want?
Perhaps it conflicts with one of his many television appearances.
I thought Republicans wanted Obama to stay out of Europe. It does not matter what the president does. The Republicans will complain about it.
Tyranny was slavery in America. The Berlin wall symbolized a years worth of very little. More important things to do then go to Germany for something so meaningless.
Chicago Bulls must be on TV that day.
This really is insane!!! The German Chancelor inviting and Obama not going !!!
Why is Rush Limbaugh OR Gingrich not going???? Why do they need to be invited?? Anyone can just go – am not kidding.
We should show a symbol of purpose – complaining here does not represent that!! I would say our fat boy should be there – Go Rush!!!
There are so many things to do, the presideni is busy, he cannot attend all the ceremonies. pls , let him attend to more pressig issues.
Where were Newt when a certain canidate tried to rebuild the wall in this country by begin his run for the office of president in Philadelphia. Miss. Said enough.
Did anyone else pick up on the President's comment on Thursday about a Medal of Honor "Winner". Of all people the Commander in Chief of the Military should know that there is no such person who is a Medal of Honor "Winner".
if he went they would just say that he was shirking his responsibilities domestically. Just like if he had skipped the olympic committee meeting, when we lost chicago they would have blamed it on him not going there. You CANNOT appease republicans- there is no point in trying!
Of course Obama skipped the event. Socialists like him lament the wall's demise. Nothing, for him, to celebrate or recognize. He is not a man of freedom. He was raised on a health dose of Jeremiah Wright Marxism and Communism. In JW's words, in "the land of greed and the home of the slave."
The Fort Hood shooter has been reported to have bloged that terrorists are heroes, recently gave away his furniture, copies of the Koran to neighbors and witnesses of the shooting heard him calling out "Allah Akbar." Yes, Mr. President...let's not "jump to conclusions."
He can't win for losing. When he attends an event, Republicans trash him. When he doesn't attend an event, they still trash him. At least the GOP is consistent (consistently wrong).
Dear Newt- Our President has a few bigger things to take care of. Standing by a wall, saying a few words, and taking a few pictures isn't a priority. Shouldn't you be handing out awards to strip club owners?
And if the President went-3..2..1...Limbaugh "This is an outrage, the President spending your tax dollars to fly to Germany??!! Superstar Barack, just HAS to be everywhere! How about taking care of the US issues?"
See? No matter what the President does, blowhards like Limbaugh will have something negative to say. If the President waived a magic wand and ended the recession, created a zillion jobs and there was peace, Limbaugh would berate him for his magic skills.
Really, does it even matter what Rush and his ilk say anymore?
Really??? The man can not be everywhere, who cares about Germany he needs to focus on America.
Newt Gingrich is a tragedy.... AND a comedy.
If President Obama decided to put ketchup on his hamburger first instead of mayo or mustard, newt gingrich, sean hannity and rush limbaugh would have a problem with it. They're all a bunch of said little men who have no real purpose in this world currently but to breathe and disagree with the president.
I left their names lower-cased for a reason. Small minds, beget small treatment.
Grow up boys!
Gingrich is just another angry old white man who is as irrelevant as the Republican't party he represents.
No wonder he skipped it, he's trying to lead us down the same path that put that wall in place to begin with.
He takes heat when he goes, he takes heat when he doesn't go. He can't win because someone will be taking a shot at him.
I think he has enough on his plate right now. If he went the left would be upset he wasn't here still fighting for health care, the right would be yelling about Afganistand.
Man, who would want that job?
Oh how stupid. Are you telling me they can't find something more substantive to complain about?
Kind of like when Bush didn't go to New Orleans for Katrina???
Oh, wait, that was where American's needed help. It wasn't so important to Gingrich I guess.
He didn't attend the New Orleans anniversary either. That should tell you what kind of person he is.
No surprise here. Any good follower of Alinsky and Marx would do the same.
OBAMA doesn't care about the Berlin wall. He will not be satisfied until America is blockkaded behind a wall. Are we are not Americans no more which is fast happening with all the crossed illegal and mixed births in the United States.
Shut up Newt! And if he was to go, the GOP would be whining that he's not home working on the economy or jobs. It's no win with the GOP! Obstructionists, that's all they are good for.
And if he'd gone it would be
"He should be home dealing with "X" rather than running all over the world campaigning.
Face it ,east is west and up is down with the GOP.
Yawn.......this is all the rush limbaugh party has to complain about? wasnt it the same idiots that criticized obama when he went to Germany to speak in front of a quarter million people? wasnt that appeasing to the foreign elements of the world? pretty soon the republicans will be against the iraq war at the rate they are going.
So, when the President travels he is criticized for not staying home and working. When he stays home he is criticized for not traveling. Makes perfect sense.
I don't find this a big deal at all... Yes it would be great for him to be there, however scheduling issues happen. People who don't support Obama gripe about anything they can possibly think of.
Haters find fault in everything President Obama does, no matter what. If he did go, they would say he was a communist, or marxist, etc. Grow up!
Newt, please go away. It's not like you had anything to do with the Berlin Wall anyway.
It is a sad that the republican party is never, ever satisfied with anything that President Obama does. If he would have gone, they would say that he needs to be at home at a time like this. Now that he decides to stay, it is tragic. I am praying for my leader because nothing he soes satisfies some people. He makes decisions that he feels are best for the people at the given situations. May God bless President Obama as he leads this great nation.
If he did travel to Germany Newt would be complaining about that. By the way who cares what Newt thinks or says. He is a loser.
I live about an hour from Ft Hood, where an actual tragedy has happened. The president's schedule or decision to attend an event or not doesn't affect lives. It's not appropriate to throw that kind of word around when there are real tragedies. For shame, Newt.
He got the noble for nothing! why make the trip?
I personally hate those Nazi GOP supporters. Shame to Nazis Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich. They started the war in Iraq for NO REASONS!!!!! They have mental problems. I blame them for job loss and delaying Health Insurance bill. Wonderful Nazis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think Newt Gingrich is a tragedy.
It's a lot more important for President Obama to stay in this country in light of the shooting at Fort Hood. He can postpone his foreign trips.
If he went, the Limbaugh-GOP would complain that he was wasting time and American taxpayers' money on a flashy, symbolic photo-op with his adoring European fans, rather than spending his time at home with his nose to the grindstone trying to get us out of this economic mess he's gotten us into. Isn't it painfully obvious by now that Rush Limblowhard, and the rest of his sycophants, are going to criticize Barack Obama for everything short of that pothole at the end of your street and losing your luggage at the airport? The level of immaturity of these people is just indescribable.
Gingrich really shouldn't be using words like "tragedy" if he has no clue what they mean. Fort Hood was a tragedy. Orlando today is a tragedy. Gingrich is just a disgraced politician.
Oh please. If he'd gone he would have been 'taking advantage of the work Ronald Reagen did do bring about th collapse of comunism' or some such idiocy. Whatever.
Ho hum…Newt is just saying what his boss, Rush, told him to say!
He learned this week no to cross Rush, when he apologized for supporting the GOP candidate in the New York.
Rush rules the rightwing!
And if he went, they would have complained that he's not spending enough time at home. Can't win with these people.
Honestly, who cares what Newt Gingrich thinks? If President Obama had gone to the ceremony, Newt had a cheap insult in his pocket for that scenario, as well.
Considering the source, I'm sure Obama doesn't care what he thinks...neither do I...
CNN, who cares? This is not news. This kind of crap is why I've stopped browsing the CNN website, and no longer watch CNN. Newt Who?
If he had went, then Newt would have complained about that as well.
Not surprised...bows to Saudi Kings, apologizes to the world...not sure where this President is coming from (or going to)
Personally, I'm proud to be an American, proud of what we've done for the world and especially proud that we knocked down that wall just by being Americans...on my watch, USAF 1977 – 2003
Hey Newt...STFU!!!
it sure hasn't kept him off the late night talk shows....ooops that the difference between a leader and a celebrity....
Obama travels to try to get the Olympics to Chicago, but won't travel to commemorate a historic event. What a joke....
Should he also attend all countries in Africa when they celebrate Independence day from colonialism? or when Israel became a state? or when Australia become a commonwealth?
So where is Pelosi? she called all of us avergae Americans terrorists but she will not say one word abotu this nutcase real world terrorist!
If Dems had their way the wall would still be up and functioning in Berlin. Why commemorate something you were sad to see? Stooopid!!
Some of you that are complaining, would have complained if he would have went. Then you would have said, "Why didn't he stay here and take of the job problem."
He couldn't win either way with most of you!!!!
Can this MORON, Newt Gingrich shut his dirty foul mouth? He couldn't even stand a blockhead like Sarah Palin in the NY 23rd District candidate endorsement and he is here shooting his mouth. You do not have anything to offer Mister. Just go home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Unbelievable. The Republicans moan if he leaves the country and they moan if he doesn't. Personally I'm really over this "Childlike" behavior.
If he had gone, in the midst of all that is going on in this country today, Gingrich would have condemned that too.
Oh my God, The dirty rotten republicans never cease to amaze me. If the democrats ever talked about Bush like that and criticized every move and non-decision he made, they would have been thrown in jail. The GOP is a total disgrace. This President has done more for this country in 10 months than Bush did in 8 stinking rotten years. Give it a break.
And that so-called "Press Conference" that Bachman and her cronies threw yesterday, was disgusting. I don't know how anyone could have voted for her, Foxx or Boehner. All of them are a complete and total disgrace to this country and to the office they hold. They should be thrown out.
True Fact:
Ronald Reagan became president in 1981 after Jimmy Carter left him with a very bad economy. One year later, 1982 for those republicans, the unemployment rate was 10.2.
I know how much you guys love Ronald Reagan, so if his greatness was so good and you like to follow his model of recovery then Obama is right on schedule; and it's not even a year into his recover.
GREAT JOB MR. PRESIDENT!!!!
This man cannot please neo-cons.
First the cons berate him for not working and flying too much on AF-1 and then start screaming because he does work and does not fly in AF-1.
Maybe if you neo-clowns put as much effort into working with the President as you seem to put into making sure he "fails", maybe more than 20% of 'Merikuns would not be embarrassed to admit publicly they are affiliated with the party of NO.
lets see what the republicans will say next ... the party of no ideas ... what or where did Bush 2 not do when he was president ? An outrage ? Give me a break.
To all those who worship at the shrine of Reagan and claim mistakenly that he caused the end of the Cold War, I must remind you that the quote is NOT, "Mr. Gorbachev, watch ME tear down this wall."
Not a single major American newspaper felt that Reagan's Brandenburg Gate photo-op speech was page-one material the day after it was given. Not one. You could check it out, but that might require rethinking the Reagan Mythology. Just sayin'.
Funny we have not heard from Pelosi.
She calls every other American a terrorist but doesn't say a word about this nutcase terrorist at Fort Hood.
Ok Newt – tell me, if Obama HAD opted to go ...would you not have whined that he shouldn't be making frivolous trips abroad when there are so many pressing issues which require his attention here at home?? That's the obvious M.O. of you Repugs...anything this man [Obama] does will NEVER suit any of you. I'll at least give you points for consistency .....
I guess he doesn't need any more points for the Nobel Peace Prize....
Are they serious...I know its important but one week going to do something means the economy, the war, healthcare isn't important.. now not going somewhere to focus on important issues means he is insensitive.... man if this is politics, we as Americans, are screwed..
And if he went, they would find some crazy reason to roast him for that.
Rush wailed that the President shouldn't be leaving the country and should be taking care of problems at home. He should take a pill and shut up!!
If he does not go... HE WILL LOSE IN 2012!!! No self respecting American will forgive him for not going to an event that came at the cost of hundreds of thousands of American lives... Asia can wait... DO THE RIGHT THING MR. PRESIDENT!!!!!!
So what? Was Bush there for the 15th anniversary? The wall came down, great. Bottom line is the president can't be everywhere he wants to be all the time. I never heard the republicans complain when Bush refused to accept invitations to speak at annual NAACP events. Republicans are just looking for an excuse to bash Obama. And it's another reason why I will never join the republican party. Stop crying and get your own house in order.
Probably busy watching Chicago Bulls next week. Maybe a fundraiser or two.
You know, when Obama goes overseas or goes touring the country to get something done, the GOP criticize him for not being here to fix America's problems. When he decides to stay here on a day where unemployment figures are showing they've reached past 10%, they criticize him for not going overseas. He'll never win with the GOP, and they'll never let up.
Maybe Odumbo will stay and work for once. Hummmm just a thought.
Funny thing is, if Obama had said he was going, the right-wing would find a reason why he SHOULDN'T! He can't win.
Gingrich is so full of merde! He cheats on his sick wife and suddenly he's holier than thou! What a hypocrite! Stay in your hole Newt where you belong!
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. One can imagine the faux outrage which would have ensued had he gone to Berlin...How can he leave the US when there is so much to do here? ..Just another photo op..Yadadayadada. Please spare us, Gingrich!
Can the GOP make up their mind. They get pissy when he travels at home and abroad and not taking care of issues at home and waisting tax payer money. Now they are pissy he won't travel to Berlin. Oh wait, Regan helped bring down the wall and Obama is not paying omage to the GOP saint.
Mr. Gingrich, the killings at Fort Hood is an example of a tragedy. President Obama's decision not to go to Germany is NOT a tragedy.
Obama would have been criticized by the R either way...they are the most negative people and will continue to lose membership until they are left with only the extreme....Be happy!
It´s quite sad that Obama decided to skip such an important step to show his sympathy for those who suffered so much behind the abhorred division between two Germanies. I have a hunch he was ill advised. If so based upon that wrong decision professional politician manipulators will feel encouraged to steer Obama in any direction they darn please.
Who cares
Newt and all the other fools should just settle down and chill out, They are such shameful fools, everything that this President does is not right according to them. Shut up and let this Man do his job, if we wanted your advise we would have asked you.
FYI-we didn't, and we want be needing your advise anytime soon for the next (8) years. Come, go sit in the corner and learn how to be slow to speak until you are told. in other words shut the (H--) up.
Why would the socialist go to the Berlin wall Newt? He doesn't want to go because it would show that he gave credit to somebody other than a democrat, socialist, or tyrant. Nice job calling out this tragedy of a so called president
The Republicans are getting annoying in their criticisms. If they just had something of substance to say, I would love to hear it. I LOVE OUR TWO PARTY SYSTEM, when it works!!
A tragedy???????
Do you ditto heads really believe that Regan or any American had a material impact on the fall of the Berlin wall?
I call BS.
...or is it "grow up"?
No disrespect to the critcs and conservatives, but I did not Ruch raising this much fuss when President Obama was in Germany and the leaders refused to shake his hand. Maybe oPresident bama had something much more mportant to do, i.e. like run the country. The People in the united States, are daily dealing with political unrest, random acts of violence and an unstable economy. Honestly, the last thing on our minds is whether or not he took a trip to Germany. Did Rush Limbaugh have this type of criticism when George Bush took forever to visit the victims of hurricane Katrina. No, in fact he said it was Katrina victims were whiners and moaners. So Rush... " Stop whining and moaning!".
Cry me a river, Newt. Maybe the President has more important things to do than fly to Germany to celebrate this anniversary. He's sending Hillary Clinton, you know, the Secretary of State, to go in his stead.
Not a big deal. Man, some people get all atwitter about the stupidest things.
And you know if he went these idiots would be saying he should have stayed here to focus on the economy, unemployment, Ft. Hood killings, healthcare, mowing of the grass at the White House, etc. etc., etc. Good grief, they just need to SHUT UP!
These people drive me SOOO crazy!! If he did go, they would be complaining that he was leaving the country to go to it! Nothing that he does can be right in their eyes. It's not like he's staying here to go golfing or to basketball games – he has things to do to prepare for his trip! Yeah, it's sad that he won't be there to represent the US, but he has to wrap some things up before he leaves the country for 10 days.
He would campaign in Germany yet he won't commemorate the falling of the Berlin Wall? I don't always agree with Newt but this time I think he got it right, it is a tradgedy indeed.
If he went the GOP would say there he goes again, he stay home and that's an issue. The party of cry babies is getting so old so fast.
wow who cares
It's hard to believe that President Obama would miss the marking of such a historic event. In the past few months, we have watched our President involve himself in a local police matter, take the time to appear on a talk show and travel overseas to make a plea for an Olympic bid. He seems like a very intelligent man. I am at a loss, however, to understand some of the choices that he is making.
He just doesn't want to admit that it was Ronald Reagan who drove the final nail in the communist coffin by spending on defense.
However the strong anti-communism stand by all previous presidents regardless of party built the foundation. It was one thing all presidents agreed on.
And if he WOULD have gone, the howls would be that he was globetrotting and neglecting his duties at home. Just more of the same from the conservatives. They would find a reason to complain about a sunny day if Barack Obama had anything to do with it. His plate is more than full right now, and I'm sure Chancellor Merkel understands. Commemorations of past events are important, but CURRENT events take precedence. GET OVER IT.
This is rediculas. If he would have went to it, all of these same people would be saying that he is being a "superstar" and he needs to be here in the U.S. concentrating on the economy. I think that is exactly what he is doing, staying here and working on America's future rather than looking at past accomplishments.
Typical Obumbles!
Like Gingrich wouldn't have taken digs at him for being too buddy-buddy with Europe if he had gone.
Gringrich obviously believes that making this symbolic appearance in Berlin would help America by.....ummm.....? Is it going to help our economy? Our war efforts? Is Obama struggling with an image problem around the world that he needs to solve? Is Europe going to revert to communism?
No matter what the man say or does, we are always treated to the snarky and snotty comments coming from the dark side! When Republicans become the perfect group of people that they think that they are, then they can express a comment. Until then, sit down and shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It pretty much goes without saying that Republicans would have been outraged if Obama had gone – as he had to represent the country in our Olympic bid. You can just hear them now: Obama's wasting time and money trouncing around socialist European capitals, trying to claim credit for something Reagan did single-handedly, while Americans are struggling here at home with job loss and foreclosure.
Picky, Picky, Picky!!!! If it's not one thing it's another , with this hypocrite. No matter what Obama does, the old man will never be happy. You're yesterday's news. Do us a favor Newt, you, Cheney, and the rest of the far right phonies, JUST SHUT UP!!! Nobody but the 20% give a ++++ what you think. Can't stand the phony patriots.
That means a lot coming from Gingrich, who's basically a foreign policy "expert" because he says so.
The president is a busy man, as one would expect. Newt has too much time on his hands, as one would also expect.
If he had made plans to go, the Repugs would criticize him for it. The Rethugs need to get over their loss and work with Obama not against him.
Oh for pete's sake, the man cannot be everywhere or everything to everyone. Besides, if he had gone, he would have been accused of
buttering up to Communists. Let the man alone and let him be president and get off his back.
If
Why would he do this?? He's done nothing else...
No disrespect to the critics and conservatives, but I did not hear of Rush raising this much fuss when President Obama was in Germany and the leaders refused to shake his hand. Maybe President Obama had something much more important to do, i.e. like run the country. The People in the United States are daily dealing with political unrest, random acts of violence and an unstable economy. Honestly, the last thing on our minds is whether or not he took a trip to Germany. Did Rush Limbaugh have this type of criticism when George Bush took forever to visit the victims of hurricane Katrina? No, in fact he said Katrina victims were whiners and moaners. So Rush... “Stop whining and moaning!”
Way to go Newt you had him no matter what he did. You know if he went it would just be a publicity stunt like visiting the dead American soldiers.
What scum!
What's really outrageous is that Germany provides their citizens with a better healthcare system than the U.S. and our President needs to bring down the GOP wall that doesn't feel Americans deserve the same. So Newt, Rush and the rest of the GOP, put that in your pipe and smoke it, or is it you really didn't think before spilling out hate.
So if Obama makes a trip somewhere its an outrage and then when he doesn't make a trip it's an outrage. I sure wish you repubs would make up your mind!
Why don't the Republicans get a life and worry about health care reform and putting Americans back to work instead of being like vulgers on poop; waiting to dig at whatever the president does. This is really sickening and I think most Americans don't find it amusing at all. It's just our tax paying dollars at work with ignoramuses in the Republican party.
Whatever, if he was going to go they'd be angry at him for ignoring the economic crisis in favor of nostalgia. What a crock.
and yet, somehow, Mr. Obama, found time to make a pitch for the Chicago bid for the Olympics.
President Obama can't win. He's criticized if he travels and criticized if he doesn't. I can't even stand listening to those whiners anymore. They can't get over the fact that their guy lost the election and they will do anything to see that this President fails.
Clinton didn't go in 1999 either for the 10th anniversary. He mentioned it in a speech at Georgetown University. So I guess we should retroactively tar & feather him for it. *eyeroll*
Newt – get a life. Or better, don't get one and blather on about meaningless stuff. Better to have you occupied with drivel.
Ok if he went, the wingnuts would be like, " why is Obama not in the Wh solving Americas problem". If Obama doesn't go its an outrage and so it goes to show, with the nuts of the republican party, Obama just can't win. The more the wingnuts speak, the more extreme they sound.
oh, get over yourselves! if we want to talk tragedy -let's discuss Bush, Cheney Rumsfield, 2 wars they got us into – a terrible economic situation thanks to the unholy trio. that's the real tragedy!
When unemployment topped 10 percent in the fall of 1982, President Ronald Reagan's Republican Party lost 26 seats in the House.
Why wouldn't republicans not want to go to Germany, they supported Hitler? True Facts....Look it up.
White Female – It's called punctuation and proper grammar...Look it up! Advice, not advise. Won't, not want. I guess you were one of the children that got left behind!
Why wouldn't republicans not want to go to Germany, they supported Hitler? True Facts....Look it up.
Will Porky Pig ever shut up!........Rush Limbaugh
No matter what he does, they complain. If he went I can just hear it, "he's spending our tax dollars" and if he doesn't this is what happens. I think he just needs to do what he feels is right because no matter what, they won't be happy. Jerks.
If Obama had gone to Germany. He would have gotten heat for "Flying off to Europe with all the problems this country has" The guy will never do anything right in Newt and Rush's eyes.
These whacko tea-baggers give Obama a rediculous load of crap for devoting an 18 hour trip to fly to Denmark in an effort to secure the Olympics for US economic gain, and then they whine about his not going to Berlin Wall wall for some cheesey photo op??
Enough of their fake partriotism and un-American fear mongering, these tea-bagger / repub people are evil.
they are critiizing obma for not wanting to socialize with his fellow socialist/commies/marxist/fascists. noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
More partisan bickering. If Gingrich feels so strongly about it, maybe he should go. It would give us a couple days of peace and quiet.
I wish the Republicans would make up their minds. The president takes a trip to try and gain the Olympics for our country and they say he is wasting time and he should stay home and work on fixing the economy. Now he's not going overseas to commemorate an event and they attack him.
I guess Newt was feeling like he hasn't had enough news coverage lately and just had to come out with something assinine to make himself heard.
if he had gone over there you can bet your sweet bibby that some GOPers would have said why is he over there when there is work to be done here? The GOP just looks like crybabies everytime they won't back the president on anything he does or doesn't do.
And what else in new with Republicans criticizing President Obama??
If he had gone to Berlin, the Republicans would have criticized him for leaving the country when he should be focusing on jobs.
He didn't go, so they are criticizing for that.
If Republican care so much about Germany they should apologize for aand denounce their lunatic tea baggers who once again held another racist rally with very distasteful and over-the-top signs like one showing piles of dead German concentration victims and calling it what American healthcare reform wil look like. This people are ignorant and SICK!
Republicans should worry about these dangerous people they continue to fund and support. Rep Michelle Bachmann should be censured by the House for taking more than 12 nutjobs in the Capitol to protest outside Nancy Pelosi's office. This was illegal and extremely dangerous. These lunatics carry weapons and claim to hate our government. Republicans are setting up an environment for viol violence instead of doing anything positive to help America recover and succeed. Who are these Republicans? Are they even human? Boehner made a fool of himself again but claiming healthcare reform is a threat to our freedom. Boehner is a threat to himself and his Party. He is a liar and a grand-stander who needs to stop embarrassing Ohio who support the public option.
Intelligent people know healthcare reform is about freedom: freedom from being tied to abusive insurance companies with the CHOICE to stay with your insurer or buy into the government healthcare plan
If Republicans hate the public option so much then why do they ALL use their Congressional healthcare plan which is a "Socialist" government-run plan they get for free? Why is that government plan just fine for them but scary and dangerous for Americans?? Sound like typical hypocrites to me. They should lose the government healthcare if they vote against us having a choice of using it!!!!!
More proof- If Obama went to Germany the Republicans would call him an egotistical narcist (or complain there is a war on; there are people unemployed: yada, yada...); if he doesn't go, it is a tragedy.
The Republicans have finally made themselves and their inane complaints almost irrelevant!
Oh Mikey Boy...cheer up! Doesn't it just bite when the tables are turned. Although in this case, the criticism is well deserved. He probably turned it down since it's billed as a non-teleprompter event.
Taking down the Berlin wall was a watershed event that signified that communism and socialism had failed and are fundamentally flawed. Obama has already brought under government control over 30% of the economy and is trying to put a strangle hold on another 18% through government option health care. Why on earth would he want to celebrate the fall of socialism while, at the same time, trying to implement it in the US? “A house divided can not stand…”
Obama has done an effective job at “ceasing the means of production” Marx would be proud.
What’s next after grabbing health care, the internet?
I understand your reticence to celebrate democracy and freedom, comrade Obama.
Honestly If he had gone, republicans would be saying that he cares more about pr and shoring up his rockstar appeal than coming to descisions on american issues... get bent newt no matter what obama does you will have something negative to say and no matter what you say you will be obnoxious 90% of the time.
A tragedy?? It's a freakin' ceremony Newt. If we allowed them to rebuild it, that would be a tragedy, but to miss the ceremony and let the Secretary of State represent us instead. Come on!! You've got too much time on your hands. Had he gone, you'd have been complaining about all the improtant work he was skippign at home to take a European vacation. Not getting health care passed would be a tragedy. Not getting fiancial regulation reform passed would be too. Not addressing the looming physical disaster of global warming even more so. I'm guessing you'd like him NOT to be minding the store on those given your fellow travelers in the corporate world.
What a sad comment that the "nobel prize" president can't take the time to participate – probably because he couldn't find anything to apologize about on this American involvement.
Obama represents the left... the left was not happy about the collapse of communism, which is symbolized by the fall of the Berlin Wall. Therefore, he has no reason to go.
If Obama walked on water and raised the dead, some right-wingnut whack job would criticize him! You lost! Get over it! Gee, where have i heard that before?
))
Had he gone, these same detractors would be complaining he's not paying enough attention to the economy, or to Afghanistan....whatever! Its rants like these from these right wing nuts that make people just want to put their fingers in their ears and go La La La La La La...to avoid hearing the dribble nonsense.
Some considered Gingirch's ceaseless pandering and base partisanship to be a tragedy. I consider it to be an outrage.
First they say he travels too much to Europe, is too much on the world stage and isn't paying attention at home. Then they are critical that he is not going?????
This 'non-event' has everything to do with mending fences with Russia after 8 years of horrible diplomacy under the Bush administration so that Russia will pressure Iran to back down from it's nuclear weapons program. This interpretation is consistent with President Obama's decision to scrap the land-based missile defense shield in eastern Europe. Someone as intelligent as former Speaker Gingrich surely realizes why the president has made this decision. Sadly, it appears that the eschewing of diplomacy as a means of achieving our nation's goals is a central tenet not only of the failed Bush administration but rather of the GOP as a whole.
Newt needs to take a chill pill...or 50...lol
Him and his 'followers'...i used to have a lot of respect for the Republican Party..but during the election and over the past several months...they are loosing the respect of their OWN party members...
Newt is an ego-loving, hypocritical, loud-mouthed, biased politician that should go back to school to learn a few manors and values on Being, Staying and Lasting as a politician....
Newt, when do your ethics and morales entitle you to speak in public? If he went the same small meaningless voices would blame him some how for the shooting in Texas. Oh, Bridgett, the lizard is trying to rise fromkthe dead. But I agree he and Chaney need to be ingonred and for similar reasons. At least Newt meerly committed morale offenses against his wife and not war crimes.
Newt isn't happy if he can't shut the government down or try to impeach someone. Maybe he should go meet the next wave of caskets coming home with our boys in them since his president didn't feel like it
Seems Newt needs a bit more to do.
Had he decided to go, the same group of hypocrites would have criticized him for “wasting tax payer money” while unemployment numbers have gone up. I can just hear them saying, “How dare he fly all the way over to Germany, when there is work to be done here in DC”. Criticize is all these clowns do. If President Obama could walk on water, they would write an op-ed about how he was trying to show up Jesus.
Rebubicans have become so obnoxious and irrelivant. The bottom line is they don't care about the American people anymore. All they care about is power, and they will stoop as low as they can to get it. Shame!!
"He's doing too much. He's doing too little. He's going on too many trips. He's not going an enough trips. " The GOP is stupid.
You sure he's not going to watch the Bulls game that day
The President's plans are made SO far in advance, I can understand this being a scheduling issue. I am not Obama's biggest fan, but saying it is "Un-American" that he isn't going is ridiculous. We have a delegation headed by the Secretary of State going, I think that is a darn good compromise.
They denied him the Brandenburg Gate, so he is having a weewee fit and wont attend the Berlin Wall. He is a man-child. He is in way over his head.
Give the prez a break! He can't be everywhere at the same time! I am sure he wighed everything on his plate and decided to do what was needing the most of his attention right now.
Gingrich's comments are as predictable as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. It was not okay for Obama to travel to speak to the Muslim community, nor was it okay for him to travel to make a pitch for the Olympics. You don't even need to read the story to predict the Republican response. Just think the opposite of what Obama is doing, and you've got it.
This is sad. There is no excuse for failure to attend the ceremony.
THIS JUST IN: The president refused to eat broccoli with his lunch this afternoon. The world is anxiously awaiting GOP criticism over this stunning development.
-Quick someone inform Rush Limbaugh and his houseboy Michael Steele of this outrageously insulting snub!
Republicans have become so obnoxious and irrelevant. The bottom line is they don't care about the American people anymore. All they care about is power, and they will stoop as low as they can to get it. Shame!!
I read the German officals asked Obama not to come to Germany, because of the security problems and logistics.
Communism and socialism are not the same thing. Make up your minds people; is Obama a communist or a socialist? Either way, you would find a reason to criticize. If he went, there would be outrage. He stays and there is outrage. You will complain no matter what he does and it is tiresome. If the man could walk on water, you would complain that he couldn't fly. You lose credibility when you complain about EVERYTHING.
That being said, I think it is a mistake not to go or at least send a credible and important replacement.
@ anne CT - The fact is he DID win. Hope triumphed over the Republican scare tactics and, slowly but surely, it's working.
That's what makes the Conservatives miserable. They want Obama to fail. They want America to fail. Only when they can play to base instincts or fear do they win.
Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and Newt couldn't put HIMSELF back together again. The commander in chief has a full plate and it seems Newt has been at the feeding trough for seconds and thirds.
If it is such a big deal Newt make the trip yourself and quit your WHINNING!
Laughable that they complain about him NOT going. If he had gone they'd say he was being irresponsible given the situation at home. I wonder if they even see how whiny they sound. I have learned recently that it's all just noise. Their master plan is to fill the atmosphere with so much negative energy against this president that everyone will eventually lose faith in him simply due to the weight of it all. That is what the, so called, tragedy is.
Newt Gingrich is the tragedy.
Why does the most immoral of ex-power craving suckers think his words have any relevance. We know that guys like him are just hitmen for the right.
He is not attending because he has scheduled another $300,000 date night. Priorities
The President cannot win with you guys. If he decided to go the Republicans would say he was trying to be a rock star again and is ignoring the economy. Now he does not go and they want to criticize. All the Right is doing these days is watching the President and then spitting their criticism out. Many of my friends who happen to be Republicans are embarrassed by all of this alienation and are considering leaving the party. Go back and review the record of what Bush did in his first 9 months before 9/11
BO's agenda is just for himself and his party , and as usual Gibbs has an excuses for everything. Who does the scheduling , Lame
And now that we've had a tragedy in Texas and the Prez wants to be available for the memorial next week, doesn't Newt look like a petty fool?
Criticism of President Obama from the right is not only getting old and stale, it is becoming puerile and idiotic as well! Between the Republicans in Congress and their "Tea Party" cohorts, they should be lumped together and known as The Ship of Fools! It is much more befitting. It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic. I am so happy that I left the republican party, although I must admit that the republican party of old is vastly different than the one of today – they had class.
Mr. Newt, I am only going to say one thing here, and that is think about what you are going to say before you say it. That only not applies to him, but everyone in America and the world. Newt, in saying what you said in the above statment, "Some consider President Obama's refusal to attend the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany next week an outrage, I consider it a tragedy."
Who do you mean by some. When you argue, you are supposed to be specific in what you mean. By using "some", you could very well mean that only your party has the right to attack him on this issue, and that it does not apply to you if someone in your party did the same thing. Considering what happened yesterday, we should all put aside our political differences, and support, honor, and give thanks to the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty. CNN, please at least try to post this comment.
Republicans would have criticized the President either way, if he did or did not attend the fall of the Berlin Wall ceremony. Doesnt matter to the Republicans, wether he does something right or wrong, Pres. Obama is going to be criticized. One thing Republicans should get is, they had eight freaking years to do something, especially the last two years of Bush administration, they could have changed the whole thing around, but instead they sat around did nothing. So if Pres. Obama is cleaning their eight year mess in a right way, which they didnt, why wouldnt the republicans take aim at him on his every single little move. Give the President atleast two to three years to clean this up, afterall, he is cleaning a eight year mess.
Obama/Biden '12
Obama could not support a very positive moment in American history. Nuff said. The man is weak and should be voted out in 2012!!
In the mind of the average GOPer, the Berlin Wall is a sacred place; it is where Saint Reagan singlehandedly vanquished communism, so I can see why they'd take great offense, but I can see how there's any rationality in their rage.
Also, these sorts of criticisms are becoming increasingly hollow, since anything and everything Obama does or doesn't do gets criticized by the GOP.
The GOP is predictably stupid and hypocritical considering their hissy fit over Obama's other trips, but I do think Obama should be there.
Of course that would have brought on another round of GOP whining because they're nothing if not desperate and moronic (winning combination!).
I guess Obama takes running the country and helping its citizens more seriously than attending some pompous symbolic celebration.
Oh, Newt and Rush, we know Bush or your Republican conservative friends would be quick to be at this event – trying as best you can to claim some sort of credit for it (as Reagan did) or do your grandstanding while pretending to represent the people in your country. Of course, we know from you agenda, you have no interest in helping the people, so why should you associate yourself with this historic event?
Sorry, but Obama is too busy trying to correct the horrible mistakes and corruption of the last eight years of a Republican conservative administration to have time for this pageantry.
Is there ANYTHING the President can do to please you guys? Nope. You are just a bunch of belly achers who have no workable solutions to any of the messes that we are in all over the world. Note: We don't care what you think!
if he would of went they would of had something else for newt the toot to say
If he had travelled to Germany, the GOP would have criticized him as not paying attention to domestic issue lik the economy or the war in Afghanistan. They are becoming more and more irrelevent.
President Obama would get heat if he sneezed, the one’s who hate him will cry about anything and everything!
The Repubs will find any reason to critisize this president, no matter how irrelevent, and yet they had to gall to call people traitors when we questioned the validity of the (flase) claims by by Bush and Cheney leading up to senseless Iraq war (which will end up costing more than health care reform in dollars, not to mention the lives lost)...
I read in another news article that Germany requested that Obama not attend because they wanted the issue of the wall to be the focus – not Obamania.
The new-cons can never be pleased. They are angry and illiterate for the most part. Unless you sign up to their right-wing doctrine – no sensible discourse will follow. If you do sign up – well, then no need to talk about the issues – you're one of them. The problem with the left (if you want to divide all political philosophy into two camps – a terrible way of looking at the world, but it is the only way the US sees it) is that they are actually having a real debate about the issues and cannot find solid agreement while the right-wingnuts serve to distract and divide.
Wow, a republican not liking something the president did? what a shocker!! Guess its a good thing most republicans are old men soon to kick the bucket. then we wont have to see retarded news articles like this one anymore.
With what is going on in OUR own country, I think that President Obama's decision to stay and not go to Berlin is not only smart but TRULY patriotic. Of course we all should remember the Fall and the reason for the Fall of the Berlin Wall. But with the chaotic state of Americans in Fort Hood, you would think that fellow Americans named Gingrich and the Limbaugh's of the world would show patriotism and TRULY understand WHY we have soldiers having a hard time getting a grip on how we all Americans can be protected and be allowed to roam our own country, let alone overseas.
All the critics of our President should chill out and let our leader do his job and focus, instead of criticizing each and every move to distract him from leading our country. Stop already. Pres. Obama has not been in office one year and criticisms are all around.
I say to the critics, where were your guts to step up and challenge the presidential runners to run our country? You are all satisfied to be in the background criticizing, collecting outrageous salaries, living the good life while Americans get distracted by your criticisms instead of giving our leader the chance, right and opportunity to lead. I say shame on you!
Our president was handed an 8 year challenge by the previous administration. Any person who has managed, whether in a company or at home knows it takes a lot of scrutiny, patience and work to direct a situation where it can be manageable.
We elected President Obama to lead, please allow him to lead. The American people is so powerful that should our leader be proven that he can't lead, then let's all gather together and ask for him to step down. But less than a year in correcting an 8 year or more challenge??? Come on, even Superman will probably not able to do much.
Look at what's happening all around us,. Isn't it REALLY time to ACT on unification and support each and every American to do what's good for OUR country and stop the negative everything including shooting one another and criticizing your own elected leader?
I challenge you all to step back a little and let our leader lead, you and I might actually like it and might benefit by being able to roam freely in the Land of the Free.
how strange – Obama will run to Europe to embarass himself pleading for the Olympics only to be embarrassed but will not fly to Berlin to commemorate one of the biggest events of the 2nd half of the 20th century. Could it be that he was disappointed that his comrades were brought to their knees by western values and moral convictions????
gop get a grip try telling us something you would do versus telling us what you dont like. it would be refreshing to see some positive ideas instead of the scripted comments that try to ppin everything on the president
It is getting very evident that the Republicans HATE this President and will say and do anything they can to throw dirt at him, to put Road Blocks up in anything he tries to do........did Bush Go when he was President? NO The GOP complains when Obams goes to Europe and now they are complaining because he isn't going.......anyway Obama's agenda is more important than the agenda the Republicans think he should be doing.....so Shut UP Republicans we are getting tried of you whinning and complaining.......do something constructive for this country and mind your own business........
Just send Reagan's brain; I'm sure it's in a jar in the RNC's basement. If memory serves me correctly, he was the one who ran across the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, leapt over Portugal in one bound, rolled up his sleeves, and said "Mr. Gorbachev, get your silly birthmark outta the way, I'M tearing down this wall." With a mighty blow, Reagan demolished the wall and destroyed Communism at the same time.
Anyway, Obama may be attending a Fort Hood memorial in the next few days. God knows what the right would say if he went to Berlin instead of that.
CNN-exactly why should we care what a bunch of GOP LOSERS think? Just asking....
Typical Republican foolishness to emphasize pomp and circumstance over State business. Dude, newsflash - this is a new president - one who actually WORKS rather than jet around for photo ops. And BTW, you are also yesterday's news. Why anyone quotes you at all is a reinforcement that our "news" media operates much like the tabloids.
Yeah, and right in the middle of historic decisions, the President needs to go and celebrate an event, albeit important, HISTORIC event which has NO bearing on the critical issues facing this nation.
Republicans - get a grip on your party and bring it back from Beck and Limbaugh's right wing lunatics.
And if he had gone, the necons would have complained that he should stay home and take care of the economy. It's quite amazing to me that all the neocons do is complain, block and say no to everything but never come up with solutions. Oh, that's right they want to cut taxes for the rich so they can buy another vacation home.
Newt Gingrich is a NON-ISSUE...if this is the continued face of the Republican/Conservative Party in America...
...GOP: Evolve or die
Newt makes want to puke.
Why don't you right wingers just be man or woman enough to come out and admit it that no matter WHAT this president does you're not going to like it nor support it. It's becoming more obvious every day and even stupid. If Rush and company care so much about the Berlin wall let them and the teabaggers go over there and represent the country. They think that they are the only REAL Americans anyway. We have a national tragic situation going on here and just hours ago another shooting in Florida. I guess if the President goes to pay his respects at Fort Hood the GOP will moan about that as well.
Ok... so when Obama tries to get the olympics, which brings money to the states... he's attacked for going to another country when he has more important things on his plate.
But when he decides not to go to a dedication that yields, well, nothing but a photo-op, he's committing a "tragedy".
It really doesn't seem to matter what Obama does, repubs seem to criticize him regardless. Honestly, they're looking for any excuse to lay blame on him, and what's worse, the constant "ohmygodobamasucks!" is actually having an effect on the American people. Apparently the republicans have realized that it doesn't matter if their statements hold water, just so long as they're attacking the president they can get people to dislike him.
Truthiness seems to be the crux of the Republican party right now.
Duh! If President Obama goes somewhere, he is criticized; if he doesn't go, he is criticized. This is all politics, who cares what Gingrich thinks?! Whatever President Obama does or not decide, it will be criticized by the conservatives and their Republican lackies. It's really getting old.
Call it a tragedy, or what ever you want to Newt, The fact is we have a huge current tradgey at Ft Hood. Maybe you saw it on the news. Its only been on 24/7 since yesterday where AMERICAN PEOPLE WERE HURT, SOLDIERS KILLED ON OUR SOIL. Pardon me NEWT BUT YOU ARE AN IDIOT. I feel this is the right choice. Handle the home situation before you go to an anniversary.
Pick pick pick pick.........these people are so obvious.
I'm sure president Obama could care less what these frustrated losers have to say. Their childish whining is so lame. Are these the "responsible" leaders of our country or some kind of school yard cry babies. You just can't seem to get over that election.
Good....I hope it keeps you awake at night and then when you lose miserably in 2012, we can finally slip on the straight jackets and put you where you belong.
"Obama turned me into a NEWT!!!"
"But... you're a washed-up has-been politician, you're not a newt."
"I got better!"
====================================
"Tragedy", Newt? Really? How about you take some time to reflect and see if you can't come with something more reality-based.. For example, you could say, "President Obama's decision not to attend Berlin Wall ceremony is a "disappointment" or perhaps a "mistake". But, no, it isnt a tragedy. A tragedy would be a president who lied this country into a needless, catastrophic war in the Middle East. A tragedy would be leaving poor dark-nskinned people to suffer in a drowning city. A tragedy would be bringing the economy to the brink of disaster and leaving 15 million unemployed people in his wake. Those are tragedies. Look it up.
I rest easier knowing that the POTUS is not doing what the Republicans want. He is not doing what I want or what you want. He is doing what he thinks is best for the country AND for the world. So far, he's been right!
For freedom lovers the anniversary of the tearing down of the Berlin wall is a celebration. For communist democrats it is known as black monday.
I bet if they were building a new wall, he would go help lay the cornerstone.
Obummie skips everything that shows what a great nation we are. It's probably better that he doesn't go. He would find something to apologize for.
These are the same folks who criticize him for not being around enough-pathetic hypocrites....
Newt and Rush should know by now that opinions are like you know what and everybody has one. They need to simmer down and settle in before they burn themselves out. If the president cared about what they think he should or should not do he would be ready for an asylum.
"his plans are made so far in advance"...like going to stomp for th Olympics?...gimme a break...he is sad the communism fell and an egotistical maniac who will not show goodwill to those who did well before him...the real tragedy is his approach to health care and the laughable stimulus tothe economy...con-man extraordinaire!!!
and to the idiot "dave" who said it was a year's worth of nothing..please don't vote...
To Jon:
Do you really think that, in three years, people are going to remember that President Obama did not go to Berlin for the 20th Anniversary of the wall coming down? Most Americans won't remember this next week, let alone 3 years from now. Nor do I think most Americans really give a crap if he goes or not.
So funny how the conservatives whine about all the international trips Obama has been taking when we are hurting on the home front. Now he decides to stay home and he still gets flack from the right.
Conservatives: Wake up! You can't have it both ways. Also, as upset as you are with Obama right now is how us liberals felt for the last 8 years. It hasn't even been a year since Obama's been in office! At least we waited until the Iraq war before we really started disliking Bush. Give Obama some time to work things out!
Republican leaders need to make up their minds as to whether they want the President to be taking trips to Europe or focusing on issues at home. If I remember correctly, they were quite upset when he flew over there to help bring the Olympics to Chicago, something that would have benefited our country. While the fall of the Berlin wall was a great moment in history, I think we can wait another five years to celebrate it's 25th anniversary. Republican leaders should stick to pretending as though they care about their country instead of the past.
Ya. Well we have all come to find that this really isn't the best prez we have had. Giving shout outs and laughing for two whole minutes before speaking about fort hood. How disrespectful can u be? What a true loser. One term......if that. I know so many people who put Obama bumper stickers on their cars for the election. But, they are all long gone now. Doesn't it hurt to know you voted for a failure? It's like investing in a comp. then you find out they are funding terrorists. Kind of like Obama wanted to do. Give terrorists our money so they can "switch sides"? He must have been born in some other country. No true American, in these times, would have ever thought twice about that. They would just use it against us. Like they are already doing. Only this time Osama...oops...i mean Obama would be giving it to them with a nice bow on top. Wow.
My Goodness, the repubs are like 2 year olds. No wonder their followers are such nit-wits. President Obama does not take instructions from such idiots and has-beens. Repubs are the laughing stock of the world. Just ask anyone that has traveled out of the country this year.
Why travel all the way to Germany when he can fight the Teabagger right-wing fascist nazis right here at home?
Eric in Denver, saying he's a socialist does not make him a socialist, it doesn't help the conversation, it doesn't mean you understand what socialism is as that would require some sort of independent study and not just provocation from Fox News. And calling someone a "so called president" only applies if they did not actually win an election. If Obama had gone, it would have been hailed as a waste of time and money by the rebuplicans. He could not possible do anything right in their eyes save for deciding that the republicans are the totalitarian authority on everything that has ever been discussed in American politics. If he says they sky is blue they will say it is a light cyan. It is stupid, destructive, juvenile, and media outlets that pretend this is news and not mindless bickering only make things worse.
Bulls don't play on November 9th.
CNN this is the most stupid sttory I have ever seem. This is exaclty why I have stop watching CNN because we take whatever the right is shoevling out and try to make a story out of it. Answer me this, how many time did Bush Go to this event.
Send Newt............maybe he will stay there forever.!
He must have a Democratic fund raiser to attend or maybe he is starting to begin his re-election campaign? He must have something to do that is so much more important than say...running the country.
Obama is a tool. What has he done right? Oh, I forgot: it's all his imaginary friend, George Bush's, fault.
"The buck stops there!" – B. Obama, 2009
While the predictable GOPer noise chamber STILL criticizes, the Obama administration plans to send Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as proper protocol and statesmanship to respectfully commemorate the anniversary.
Dang, go th Berlin or stay here and mourn the victims of the recent shootings. HHHHMMMMM I think I see a no win situation here.
Hypocrits those who critizices Obama....They want him to go to Germany when they are pushing to built one in the border with Mexico.
Oh come on! You idiots need to give this stuff a rest! There is absolutely not one thing this man can do or NOT do that you jackels will be satisfied with . . . and that's exactly what all of you conservative, narrow-mined, short-sighted bigots are . . . JACKELS!
Careful everyone........
Those that agree with Newt will be picking apart your grammer and spelling here in the comments. Not much else they can do when the majority still rules this country with sound logic.
Oh and did any previous presidents go to these anniversaries?
No...they didn't. Shut up NOOT.
So...if he GOES somewhere, he gets skewered for not staying home and taking care of business...if he DOESN'T go somewhere...."TRAGEDY."
I'm not even a huge fan of the guy but this is ridiculous.
If President Obama goes to Berlin, then goes to Asia, the critics will accuse him of not taking care of the most important interest, the well being of Americans out of jobs, soldiers in the battlefield and healthcare issues raging on and on. What do they want? I know the answer, 'failure' but they will not get their wish. This is but one man and maybe he will send an emissary which is what he should do given all the attention we need in our country. Besides nobody comes to see us on July 4th!
He has no sense of history, unless it's about him.
You know Barack's motto: Golf before Wall
Why would he support the downfall of communism when he's trying to recreate it here? He's busy supporting terrorism in Fort Bragg and calling it a man made disaster.
Treating Limbaugh's opinion as news is one reason why I stopped watching CNN some time ago. Why no countervailing, positive opinion of President Obama?
Straight out of Alice and Wonderland.... Mad Hatter Newt, Cheshire Cat Cheney, and Sarah, Queen of Starts ... – all the republicans getting curiouser and curiouser!.
President Obama is "darned" if he does... and "darned" if he doesn't ...
but, not to worry...
They'll just have a tea party!
The good old GOP. Their president was a lazy bum who took more vacations than any other president. He was a warmonger, had the IQ of a chimpanzee....sorry to all the chimps out there, I know that is insulting to you all....carried out war crimes and did more damage to this country then any other administration in the history of this country. He was hated, not only by the people in this country but by those in every country on earth. The only reason he became president or was "re-elected" is because of the diebold machines. It is common knowledge that they were stolen and they would have been again in the last election if Obama hadn't been elected by such a landslide. Even with their machines we blindsided them. Now they can't handle their loss and spend all their time trying to put down everything he does. Perhaps they should take a look at their own party which has been taken over by a lunatic base. They might even try to do something that will benefit the people in this country and stop being the party of NO. Their voice is the lunatic fringe and Faux news. Let them keep screeching, more and more people are seeing them for what they are....obsolete.
To th eperson who made the comment that the President was wrong for saying we should not "jump to conclusions" about Ft. Hood, the REPUBLICAN Texas Governor and State Senator said the same thing, but I guess it is A-OK when a Rethug says that, right???
Republicans suck! If he had decided to go, they would have criticized him just like they have on all his other foreign trips. He can't win, and the GOP just wants to make him look bad. It's un-American to not support the President, regardless of who he is!
Insanity from the Right Again...no matter WHAT HE DOES they complain.. If he did go theres No Question they'd attack him Now that he's here and also planning another major trip to Asia...they are attacking.
Sadly...all the venom the Right has been spewing for 7 months Non stop about any & everything...is having an effect.
Creating Fear & Hate with their Right Wing Extreme rants
I say the Left needs to become Loud & Boistrous!! Time we make noise and be on Offense!
I am sick & tired of the Extreme Right Hate casting a cloud over National & World Progress
Just another little item for the Obama haters to pick away at. Guess they have never heard of conflict of schedule or interest. Oh, and by-the-way, there happens to be a country to run. Darned if you do, darned if you don't. That's the way of life when the GOP is on your tail. What obvious childish and petty sniping. Americans deserve better. I heard the president forgot to pet his dog this morning,(you know, that country to run thing).
What an insensitive loser.
Dear Newt Brain,
I hate to break this to you, but the Reagan glory days of your time 20 years ago, are now a distant memory.
The extremely pressing need of our country here and now is Health Care Reform. The President is absolutely correct in staying in Washington and focusing on the Health Care Bill that is about to be voted on.
Here's a good idea for you Newt. Why don't you go over for the commemoration and STAY THERE!!!
Not a big deal if he's not going.....Republican's are just crying because Ronnie was there 20 years ago and now he's gone.
He double talks, and his actions also speak loud and clear.
response to blue,,,bush should have been called out for what all they did and he and his croonies should be jail
americans are getting less educated every day, please read a history book. Otherwise, we are *doomed* to repeat history. This is an important issue, but newt is nit picking, because Bush didn't go either, but the fact that all these comments are about Obama's personality and not his politics are a scary testimony of where I fear this country is going to be in 10-20 years.
What does the US get out of this? Wasn't it less than 60 days ago some people were concern about the president going on a trip to try to get the olympics for the US. Seem like we have gotten to the point where everyone in Washington is playing games. If the trip to get the olympics was a waste of tax payer money, where is the money coming from to pay for this trip? This is why we can't get anything accomplished in this country. If one party does something it is wrong in the other party eyes.
I believe that we have more pressing things going on here in this country that Pres Obama needs to be focusing on. We just had a shooting at Ft Hood, economy,the 2 wars, etc and you republicans are
whining (like usual) that he should be in Germany. Get over it!!!! I am a military wife of a active military member and I would rather have him here attending to our needs (the country's ) than having him stand in front of a wall. I know that the fall of the Berlin Wall was a important event and all but he needs to be here right now. Newt is the last person to be talking about anything, along with of course Cheney, Bush, and the other incompetent people from that side.
Tragedy? As usual the overly dramatic Newt goes over the top again.
The president can't be everywhere. Isn't there some right wing South American dictator Newt Ginrich can visit instead? Since that is the legacy of his party's foreign policy.
So who really cares what Gingrich has to say. No matter what President Obama does Gingrich and his gang will continue their ridiculous criticisms.
These do nothing Repubs need to just shut up. Their opinions are empty words and nothing else.
newt is a nitwit
Yeah, he has his priorities straight! He cant go to Germany so he can stay home and be at war with FOX!
I'd rather have Obama here and working than flying off for yet another ceremony. These conservative folks will whine about ANYTHING! Criminy, people, grow up!
if he had gone, the conservs would have hit him with jet fuel cost to taxpayers.
I was in Berlin when the Wall fell, and Newt was in the good old USA having fun, as I recall. Now we are a divided people, almost equally divided, and we are trapped together in a country without any walls. Please, Lord, send me back to Berlin. The dream is dead and this country is dying.
No matter what he does some people are going to complain. The man got stuck fixing a horrible mess that the Bush government made of this country. He can't be expected to fix Bushes disastrous mess overnight! Instead of constantly bashing Mr. Obama these critics should be praying for him to get this country back on its feet! But no, some people would rather sit back and gripe....
God bless President Obama!!!
I have decided that no matter what President Obama does, the radical right wing talking heads are going to say that it was wrong. They do not want him to succeed and will do or say anything to prevent him from accomplishing what he was elected into office by a majority of Americans to do. They will oppose and inhibit Obama regardless of the cost to America, because all they are interested in is regaining the power they lost in the recent elections. I just pray for the sake of my children and grandchildren that the public sees through the right wing radicals lies and gives Obama a chance to pull our country out of the ditch that the republicans have put us into.
To everyone who is defending obama for not going to Berlin because he has more important things to do like health care, jobs, economy, etc.
So, why again is he going to spend 10 days in Asia? How will that help solve these problems. Maybe he's going to take his golf clubs along. I hear the Asians have some really great courses...You obamites need to get a clue...and a new leader.
It's sad to read these comments. Notice how the left resorts to personal insults when they can't factually debate issues. My guess is that of the people spewing personal insults in this blog can't articulate anything regarding the issues. It's interesting how the left passionately complains about their right to speak out on illogical principles but attempts to crush the views of others. Sounds like a social facist state. As Americans, we have the right to speak out against administration policies and decisions just as democrats spoke out (often in a rude, disrespectfully and personally insulting manner) against President Bush. True, personal attacks on our current president are unwarranted and tasteless. Just like the same that occurred during the Bush administration. But, debate of what continues to show are misguided policies are fair game. Please withhold your comments (both sides) until you understand the issues please.
Another CNN piece designed to bring out the liberal wacko comments you'll find below this posting. Read them, then you'll see why America is in such trouble with these rude people running the show now.
Conservatives are by definition cold-hearted, stubborn, and evil. There's no reason to pay attention to them anymore because they're never going to do the right thing – they're hopeless...we (liberals...by definition the good guys) just have to fix the country ourselves.
As long as Obama ignores the GOP morons and listens to the left, he'll be doing his job as being a good President.
I think he has a golf outing that day. Or does he have to go pitch the Olympics?
thats the past ...we have too many problems going on at home; the wall is gone...that is all that matters.
As others are saying – I know.
Who cares about the Berlin Wall when our country is in bad shape. FU Gingrich – if Obama did go you would say he is a US sellout – you useless POS complain about everything and hide behind the idea of patriotism. Useless, useless. People like you need to stop pimping themselves – we don't care what you have to say. When the likes of you were in power you sold out our country and left us in debt and now have the audacity to talk the talk when in reality you only care for yourselves.
The real tragedy is, from that night when the Berlin Wall fall, nothing positive has been achieved. What speech can Mr. Obama deliver if he makes a visit? That United States and the Western World free from the Soviet threat has make a big ZERO!
Where is the World Peace and prosperity?
Why are you upset at his decision? Lets take care of house and home first. he is not obligated to make an appearance there. beside...him not going just saves the taxpayers money..so get over it. There are more important things to worry about with our country than the fact that our president didn't show his face in Germany .
Let's face it – you idiots that voted for him wanted change – and now you have it. Every move he makes – or doesn't make – goes against every decent thought and act a virtuous person would make. If anything, Obama is becoming boring – anyone with half a brain can predict what he will do – just think about what is ammoral – then wait and see what he finally decides.
What do they want from the President? Whatever he does is wrong anyway. Mr. President do your job as you are guided by God.
The fall of the Berlin wall was arguably the single biggest geo-political event since 1945. It began the death Soviet of communism, the end of the cold war. It began a restoration of freedom across all of Eastern Europe. It would therefore seem Obama could find the time to commemorate that event. But perhaps his political DNA is a little too sympathetic to communist ideas to have real enthusiasm for such a celebration. After all, he is and has been surrounded, by his own choosing, by various communists and their fellow travelers.
WHO CARES. So bored with a bunch of morons making stupid issues out of nothing instead of focusing on working together to do their jobs and work together to address the economic and plethora of other issues facing this country and the world at large. So boring and people like Newt G. should just permanently disappear in hopes someone who cares about the well being of the American People at large show up and start doing a job not based on solipsistic ideals
The fact that the likes of a Palin Limbaugh and such get the nod from some of these people is really frightening. Apparently some of the American public is so either blinded or just plane stupid to even listen to the these nuts undermines the deomcratic process. I think that is what the far right is counting on. Just throw out anything and they eat it up . You don't have to back it with facts just start an E mail and make up a story. Some of the people that write in here belong on Fox . Look at the headlines today. Is Fox stirring up the public into a frenzy????.
I usually agree with Newt Gingrich, but on this one I give Obama a break. If he went to Germany to commemorate the fall of the Berlin wall he would inevitably be compared to Ronald Reagan standing there defending freedom and democracy and saying "Tear Down This Wall". Obama's comparable moment so far came as Neda lie dying in the streets of Teheran while Obama was saying "We Don't Want to Meddle"! Obama's far to arrogant and vain to fancy that kind of comparison. Where Reagan made himself and the U.S. larger than life, Obama would make us seem small and no different than any other number of countries that don't want to defend freedom! Also there is the fact that UNEMPLOYMENT is at 10.2%! Not that Obama has any plans to do anything about it, but he is busy trying to get his corrupt multi-trillion dollar Government takeover of healthcare plan passed. So somebody else can go commemorate freedom on this anniversary....Obama has some arms to twist so he can plunge us 4 or 5 trillion deeper into debt!!!!
This is the kind of event that former presidents usually go to.
A statement of respect and honor but not taking away the current chief from home business and current crisis.
Its a tragedy GWB could not go and frankly would not have been welcome.
Republicans should wake up and realize that the cold war ending, was just the beginning. Republicans want to end government. They that the less people working on a problem, the better. The problem with their theory is that China and India are throwing a lot more people at problems these days, and sooner than later, their number of college graduates is going to over take ours, People we low on the global education list, and lower on healthcare, we need to be number 1, and the problem is that republicans won't even consider the problem because that would mean accepting government. Republicans demonize government work, you know, roads and such. I will not apologize for being able imagine a efficient government regulatory system on business and healthcare, I don't mind, and that is what republicans call socialism, well I call it the solution. If socialism means throwing a group of highly dedicated individuals that are educated to the teeth in, physics, political science, history, law, you know Reality, if we have these people, instead of teabaggers, we will be fine. The republicans are by definition the problem, President Obama is looking so far past them that they can't even imagine the befits Obama will have.
Why dont all you socialist liberals go help them celebrate. Thats where you belong anyway. It is obvious that none of you love America. That's evidenced in your wanting to change it so much. If you really loved America you'd be happy with it the way it is. Move to Europe where they already have socialism. It will be easier. Someone else has already done all the hard work. You're ok with that, right?
I think Obama should have gone. But really, the only reason Gingrich and the dimwits on the right are so upset is because they see this as a snub of Ronald Reagan. They still see the the Fall of the Wall as Reagan's Triumph, rather than the inevitable result of the flaws of totalitarian communism and 40 years of unflinching vigilance by the West. One man didn't take down the Wall, not by a long shot. It was a convergence of people and events at the right time. The greatest heros, the people that brought freedom to Central and Eastern Europe, are the ones that were at the borders and working behind the scenes in intelligence to prevent catastrophe for 40+ years. And the people within the Soviet Bloc who risked their lives for basic rights. People like Sakharov and Walesa. Not to mention others in the West like Pope John Paul II , and Zbigniew Brzezinski who wrote the gameplan before Reagan was even Governor of California. Obama should have gone, but really it's not that big a deal.
Who cares about a washed up crook Gingrich. I know i don't.
Since Obama has come into office, the Conservatives have been blasting him for traveling all over the world wasting US tax money, and not focusing on the economy. Now he decides not to go somewhere, and he still gets heckled from the Right. I have HAD IT with you conservatives playing Debbie Downer.
People need to wake up and see what is going on here. Funny how the Right said NOTHING, when George Bush was spending money hand over fist. But now it is an outrage. What a bunch of hypocrites..
A comment addresses the "hatred and ugliness" of the right-wing posts against Obama. I am increasingly frightened by the hateful tone of right-wing politics, and the negativity of far-left anti-Obama activists. I voted for him, I support him, and I am a moderate person with moderate normal views. I wish people would mature.
You are all dopes for engaging in this divisive rhetoric. You make me ashamed to be an American.
Leave Obama alone. The people got sick of Comunism just like some enlightened people in the U.S. are sick of Robber Baron Capitalism.
Figure it out, folks, he's a socialist. He has no interest in celebrating or remembering the destruction of a key socialist tool. He's a racist and a disgrace to patriots and he makes me ashamed to call him our president. My only hope is that his presidential term will end before he implements all the 'changes' he has planned for our beloved nation and that our next president will be able to undo all the harm he'll have done in his sorry four years. Republican or Dem, CNN or Fox News, it doesn't matter, the fact is the guy is a skunk.
Scenario 1: Gingrich criticizes Obama for skipping Berlin Wall ceremony.
Scenario 2: Gingrich criticizes Obama for leaving the country during healthcare debate.
The President didn't come to my birthday party either! Pleeeeeazze. Have you thought that there might be a real reason such as other top priorities? Give me a break please. He talks to the children about education and gets critized, tries to get us work and he gets critiziced, extends unemployment benefits and gets criticized, takes his wife out to dinner and gets critized. Give me a break please.
The president has walls of opposition here in the U.S. that he needs to face to try and break down. He can't be in all places at once and I think he should stay here to try and make the health bill pass. Best of luck Mr. President
Unbelievable how il informed and uneducated some of the writers of these comments are , when it comes to world affairs.
You are so blinded in your rabid following of either party , be it Democrat or Republican , that you have lost the ability to think in a civil manner.
It wasn't that long ago when Obama wanted to use the Brandenburg Gate for campaign propaganda and now that he is President fails to see the importance to attend a ceremony to celebrate the falling of the wall , an historic moment not just for Germany but the free world.
Shame on you Mr. President for not attending , where this an election year I bet you would be there.
Obama isn't going because that would mean we have to reflect back on Reagan and JFK...two Presidents who meant business and stuck to their principles, of which this President has none.
Who cares what Newt Gingrich thinks. He no longer has any integrity. Ask one of his former wives ! They are the party of the stupid and the haters. Of course after 8 yrs of failure to govern what do the Republicans have left to talk about?
The Berlin wall is a symbol of freedom from communisim! Why would he go to that?
So – I get why people are all over the Repubs saying that Repubs will never be happy – after all, there have been several reports about the money/time that Obama has spent on "trips".... ok, granted– but I do have a problem with him not going to this.. The man spent time/money to campaign for the olympics.. he spent time/money to go campaign for govns, he has taken vacations, spent time/money to appear on various news/televisions shows.... but he's not going to the 20th anniversary? This anniversary is huge (and yes, as odd as it might be anniversaries in multiples of 10 are more impressive than those in multiples of 5).. It marks a historic change for – quite literally – the entire world. And its a change that came about in large part because of the efforts of the United States. He should be there. As for the arguements that he's too busy with everything else stateside - really?? Then how did he have time to go to copenhaguen and how does he have time for his upcoming trip to Asia??
Criticized if he did, Criticized if he didn't
So he thinks it's a good idea for he and the first lady to travel across the world to attempt to get Chicago an olympic bid but won't travel to be part of the anniveriary of the Berlin Wall falling. Hmmmm, why did he win the Nobel Peace Prize again?
The President is invited to attend thousands of events each year. But considering all the issues concerning America at this time, it's understandable that he may need to cancel events not relating to the American Economy, Health Care, Housing, Terrorist, Education, etc, etc.....
I'm sure this has been said, but I'll say it anyway.
When Obama went to Copenhagen he was criticized for traveling when so many domestic issues needed attention. Had he traveled to Germany they would have said the same things. Since he didn't travel, they of course criticize him for that. You can't win with these nuts so don't even try.
Gee, I apologize for not being able to be in two places at the same time. Are we trivial, Repubs, or what?
Shut up, Gingrich. Why don't YOU go?
not surprised. after all he's a communist. it's even more evident now.
It is difficult for me as an Independent voter to actually give much credence to the rhetoric coming from the republican party. It will be a long time before we forget about the damage done to our country under the Bush Jr. Administration and his side kick Chaney. Obama continues to demonstrate intelligence in his decision making process which is much more than what I see coming from most of the Republican party.
I love the name calling between the two sides.
However, perhaps the most notable quote correctly said "it seems appropriate that our President is not going since the falling of the wall represents freedom." This is what our current President, as well as the previous administration (as well as the congress' during the past ten years) have all attempted to do. From allowing Paulson to write a blank check and a two page proposal called "bailout," through Bush allowing his VP and cabinet to run the country, to Obama initiating a proposal, getting a feel for the public's thoughts and then recanting, why are we surprised?
The falling of the wall is symbolic of what needs to happen right here, right now!
Enough of the political-correctness, backroom deals and pandering to the lowest common denominator already!
We can't even call these folks leaders.
To answer the obvious question: I hate both sides and wish someone, somewhere, could truly unite this country through openness, making tough decisions that have no political bias and grow a pair.
And to answer your next obvious question: Yes, I'd LOVE to get out, but sadly, the US System is the best that exists.... and that is simply pathetic. I do not envy the brave men and women who defend our rights each day, knowing that none of their leaders give a crap and the American public cares even less about the mission or the cause.
I appreciate all that they bring and all that they represent. True freedom.
Rush can flush, Oberman can follow. I hate them all at this point.
Politics in this country is an obscene spectacle. Coverage of the blowhards on both sides is excessive and over the top, way out of proportion to what it merits. No one will deal with or talk about facts. Spin and distortion are the currency of national discourse. All these people are making the USA a joke in the eyes of the entire world. It's becoming a joke in my eyes. The ideas on which America is based are great. America itself is not great. It is sadly flawed and unable to get out of its own way. Money and corruption rule the day. Where's the good?
Republicans, want some cheese to go with all the whine?
Connie November 6th, 2009 5:01 pm ET
Look..Barack Obama is the President of the United States... for at LEAST 4 years. I hope 8!! We need to be supportive and stop trashing every thing he does or doesnt do. People who consistently bash him sound far more anti_American than he ever has. He is honest, intelligent, hard working,and focused. Give him a break.. One thing is for certain...if you didnt have a problem with W its imporssible for you to rationally have a problem with Obama. Cry-babys, Give it a break!
***********************************************
Connie I didn't think it was possible to be wrong about every thing, but you did it. Are all the people who critisized Bush for 8 years just as anti-American as the one the do Obama? Think before you write.
was reading this and it is so cnn, all the left loons here thinking this is ok, turning down the invitation to go of one of the greatest moments in history, I will never forget watching this spectacular event , you could not help feel the compassion for these people, they way they ran to freedom, it was ok for obama to go there to make his famous speech during the election, all he wanted was the photo opt and all these so called adoring , worshipping fans watching him, but there was a concert going on afterwards, they were giving free beer, it was not all for him as the press and media wanted us to think, now look, people are waking up to this incompetent, egotistical, conceited far left liberal, and everyone is getting buyers remorse little by little, it is arrogant of him to not go , makes him look bad.