Berlin
He fills halls and inspires his audience like a rock star: Former US President Barack Obama was really well received in Berlin.
Barack Obama in Germany. It’s a reunion of Political rock stars after what felt like an eternity. Crises and the Ukraine war lay or lie in between. And as so often after such a long time, you ask yourself: Will it be like it used to be? Can Barack Obama inspire people like he did at the Victory Column when tens of thousands shouted “Yes, we can” at him? also read: Obama in Berlin: This is how the ex-president’s Wednesday ends
He was announced by moderator Klaas Heufer-Umlauf as one of the most interesting people to talk to in the world, using his power to justice to manufacture. “Not every former US President does that and we know it.” Still, there was that uncertainty. But she disappeared at 8:03 p.m. when Barack Obama took the stage.
Obama in Berlin: Videos despite a ban on recording
“Thank you Berlin. It’s good to be back,” he said to the applause of the crowd who rose from their seats. The 61-year-old spoke at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin on Wednesday evening. There are around 17,000 seats, which were not completely filled. Tickets were offered in advance for around 61 to 550 euros. A recording ban was in effect during Obama’s appearance.
However, not everyone adhered to it. Some pulled out their smartphones and made videos. The former US President wore black socks with his black jacket and a white shirt. That may sound like evening wear, but it didn’t look strict on him, eher cool. As the applause faded, he casually dropped into a chair on the stage.
Obama in Berlin: He was with Scholz and Merkel
“How was your day in Berlin so far?” Klaas Heufer-Umlauf asked him. He had a wonderful day. “I have said hello to the chancellor”. The audience laughed. At the latest with these remarks, he had the people in the room on his side.
Then he talked about his short Europe tour, which took him from Barcelona via Zurich to Amsterdam and finally Berlin. He was able to do things in the Netherlands that he couldn’t do as president, he said. The people in the hall, only a few seats remained empty, pricked their ears. “Amsterdam things?” asked Heufer-Umlauf. Yes. He took a boat in the canal and then crossed the river. Laugh again.
Ukraine war: Clear words about Putin
After he with short whimsical tales took over the audience, things got more serious. Heufer-Umlauf brought up his 2008 speech at the Victory Column. At the time, Obama said America had no better partner than Europe. How does he see it today? “We are going through a difficult time.” He calls Russia’s war of aggression “terrible” and would pose great challenges for many people.
Rifts would open up within democracies, fueled by disinformation and racism, among others. In addition, many would play with people’s fears. Obama said one of the biggest challenges is gaining people’s trust in the democracy to restore.
Ex-President encourages the younger generation
On Tuesday evening he met an “old friend” again, he said: Angela Merkel. This Wednesday he met Olaf Scholz (SPD). “They come from two different parties,” he said. But they listen to each other and debate to find a way to improve society, Obama said. What is dangerous, on the other hand, is in Hungary Viktor Orbán to see. “If I stop listening to my political competitors, we have a dangerous problem,” he said – especially for democracy.
Addressing the young people who are losing confidence in politics because of climate policy, he said: “You must not give up.” When he became the 44th President of the United States of America, the country was the largest CO2 emitter in the world. Under him, the US would have tripled wind power and tenfold the share of solar power. “But that wasn’t enough.” In 2015, the Paris climate agreement was passed. But now he is realizing that the efforts will probably not be enough to achieve the climate goals. Still, he was hopeful. Every measure you take gives more time to develop solutions.
He also warned against polarization of society and disinformation. “I think those are some of the biggest threats to democracy,” Obama said. “Some young people think everything they see on Tiktok is true. Whoever thinks that of you, it’s not.”
Obama: What gives him hope
There was at least one urgent question that one wanted to ask Barack Obama: what does he actually say about him war of aggression on Ukraine and how does he see his role? Only he is not asked it, but he answers it in part – also with clear words to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Obama said that as a leader you have to take your job seriously, not yourself. He was fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people who would disagree with him and help him make better decisions. Unlike Vladimir Putin, who “had rockets fired at a children’s hospital”, who only lives in his own world.
Obama said he sees the challenges of this time. Yes, what to him Hope do, be the next generation. And if he could give the old people some advice: “Please make room for these young people.” Then he gets up. It’s 9:07 p.m. The people applaud and Obama leaves the stage. He’s flying back to the United States this Thursday. Also interesting: Ex-President Barack Obama – That’s what the oratorical talent does today
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