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Auf Weidersehen Mr. President.
Germany never much liked President Bush, currently in Europe on a farewell tour. But one thing’s for certain: he was able to unite Germans like no one else. According to today’s Der Spiegel, hating the U.S. president was about the only thing the country could agree on in recent years.
“One almost has to feel badly for German journalists, editorialists and political cartoonists,” the newspaper said. “In just a few short months, Mr. Reliable will no longer be available for lampooning. The German media’s greatest foil is riding into the sunset.”
The newspaper lamented the fact that the president will soon cease delivering a steady stream of material for headline after Bush-bashing headline.
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when Bush-bashing became Germany’s new national pasttime. Even during his campaign against Al Gore, George Bush Jr. was portrayed as the not especially bright heir to the Bush family throne. Political cartoons were suddenly full of cowboy hats and sheriff’s stars.
Even the massive wave of sympathy for the United States following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 did little to improve Bush’s image in Germany, and once it became apparent that the U.S. president was intent on invading Iraq, it was open season.
Left-wing Die Tageszeitung was among the first to go on the offensive. A piece on Jan. 15, 2002 documented a mysterious “Pretzel Attack” against Bush. According to the tongue-in-cheek piece, “the pretzel was arrested by the Secret Service and taken to the prison camp Guantanamo in Cuba for interrogation.” Another headline on the occasion read “Guten Appetit Mr. President.”
With Bush nearly gone, it’s hard to imagine how German media will fill the void. Will Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain become the press’ new whipping girls? It’s a tough job but somebody’s going to have to do it.
Comments
By BigArch
June 12, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
After the history of the German nation I wonder how they can degrade anyone. Germany should still hand it head in shame over the ovens of WW2. GW Bush is an honorable man in this writers eyes and the German people might take a hike.