WORLD> America
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WORLD> America
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Obama to demand more from Europe in Berlin speech
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-24 23:04 A Pew Research Center poll showed Germans favor Obama over McCain by a 49 point margin. But some German officials have said Obama, who could become the first black US president, risks disappointing Europeans because their expectations are so high. Around 700 policemen are providing security and traffic around the "Siegessaeule," a 230 foot (70 meter) high column built to celebrate 19th century Prussian military victories over Denmark, France and Austria, has been blocked off.
Seven hours before the address, tourists and locals were already queuing up and preparing for a party. On the road to the Victory Column, workmen unloaded beer barrels and built stands decorated in the "Stars and Stripes." "I'm excited, Obama has charm and charisma and can give us the confidence to like America again," said 18-year old Berlin student Stella Semmelrath. Not everyone, however, was impressed. "It seems to me like a big show. Americans just want to be loved again but I'm skeptical about it all and have to get to work," said local resident Juergen Schumann, 51. |
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