In fact, Merkel has common features with Obama. She is the first woman in a leading position in Germany, and he is the first black leader in America. I think this is the most important common feature. But apart from this, their politics is similar, at least in some points.
Aspiring after a good climate policy they both are inclined to promote the well-being of the people in their countries. Obama admires Merkel for her climate policy.
But not only the political behavior counts. The different domestic status also matters. For example, Obama is more dependent on the opinion of the Congress. Merkel is freer, she can carry on her point without her German parliament easier than Obama with his. This has a historical reason. The government in Germany developed in another way than the administration in America. America is “the child of Britain” and many things are taken up from there, e.g. the judiciary system. But the political system is different from the British one. First, America had many little states and these states united into one big organization (the United States of America).
Of course, they have their differences, for example, Obama was not allowed to make a speech in front of the German Bundestag. This is an aftermath of a domestic conflict in Germany. And the FDP thoughtt that Obama was offended, but the CDU disagreed. All the same, Merkel was allowed to make a successful speech before the Congress, because “Germany has a warm place in Obama’s heart”.
–>a-dot-com: Your article is written very well! The main part is a good description, and the differences and common features are listed.
Also I agree with your statement that their policy is in some ways similar. And I also think, that “Germany has a warm place in Obama’s heart”.
Comment by TM · 6. January 2010 @ 09:29 · Direct Reply
We have to agree to your statements, especially to the last one.
As you have said they have their differences, but what would the world be without the little things that make us different from each other.
Comment by Moses and his brother · 6. January 2010 @ 09:36 · Direct Reply
Yea, I really think that we’re right because the leaders of all countries must have at least some things in common.
by Ali · January 11th, 2010 @ 11:12
-> Moses and his brother: Right…you referred to a very important theme.you described an important point in one sentence. well done my friend.
Comment by TM · 7. January 2010 @ 21:03 · Direct Reply
I don’t think that Mrs. Merkel and Mr. Obama have a lot of features in common . Regarding the statement of the article that both of them have a very good climate policy I can only say that in Copenhagen especially Obama has not worked very well in the direction of greater climate protection, and that also Mrs. Merkel, supporting nuclear energy, does not substantially contribute to environment protection.
Comment by oromis.vor@googlemail.com · 11. January 2010 @ 20:59 · Direct Reply