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She's talking about Schroeder's 2002 reelection bid, I think.

A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith
by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 at 08:43:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Yes.  And Zapatero.  And all of the others who've come to power in part by opposing US policy or those who've supported US policy.  That's not bashing to you and me, but "bashing" is a moronic and subjective term (that is, like "propaganda," it's only "bashing" when those who oppose you do it...) and a lot of Americans would consider it to be so.  It's the nature of national identity to define yourself against another - and even Europeans do it.  FWIW, I honestly do not see Obama going the freedom fries route.  He's a highly educated, liberal fellow.  That's just not his scene, any more than a heated discussion about Derrida over a bottle of wine with Charlie Parker blaring in the background is G. W. Bush's scene.  Like, you just can't see it happening in this universe.  Being a bit of a Europhile is part and parcel for liberal elite in America.  Not to mention the rather unique historical relationship intellectual African Americans have had with Europe...  

Also, the American public is no longer looking for a scapegoat in Europe.  We know we've completely botched our foreign policy and we're probably going to have to do some serious fence mending in your part of the world.  While you might perceive some Europe-bashing from Obama, I think you'll also perceive some flattery as well.

"Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.

by poemless on Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 at 11:38:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]
That's not bashing to you and me, but "bashing" is a moronic and subjective term (that is, like "propaganda," it's only "bashing" when those who oppose you do it...) and a lot of Americans would consider it to be so.
Precisely. How did Zapatero engage in "US bashing"? All he did was promise he would pull Spanish troops out of Iraq unless the mission was handed over to UN command by June 2004 (reasonable but impossibe condition). And, on that note, I don't think Schroeder did much 'bashing' either.

But, yeah, this is presented as "america-bashing" in the US press because no reasonable person could possibly oppose US policy.

It's the nature of national identity to define yourself against another - and even Europeans do it.
Um, I'm not sure I agree with that, but a 'soft' national identity that is not confrontational doesn't take you very far.

However, Spain managed to win the Euro2008 without being able to agree to a lyrics for its anthem. Now that's a feat of 'soft' national identity.

While you might perceive some Europe-bashing from Obama, I think you'll also perceive some flattery as well.
I think he damns with faint praise, and I am not sure what part of his pronouncements are for real and which part are posturing or pandering to the audience du jour.

A vivid image of what should exist acts as a surrogate for reality. Pursuit of the image then prevents pursuit of the reality -- John K. Galbraith
by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 at 06:43:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]
I am not sure what part of his pronouncements are for real and which part are posturing or pandering to the audience du jour.

I don't even think he knows the answer to that...


"Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.

by poemless on Wed Jul 23rd, 2008 at 11:18:54 AM EST
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