One year ago today, President Obama delivered a major policy speech about his review and reform of the nation's intelligence programs.
In the European Union, and especially Germany, there was intense interest in the President's speech. The public listened closely when Obama said:
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"the legal safeguards that restrict surveillance against U.S. persons without a warrant do not apply to foreign persons overseas." |
After the speech, the President was interviewed by Claus Kleber for ZDF's 'Heute Journal.' The full interview in English, is below. A second look is timely now because of:
Kleber was polite and deferential as he repeatedly challenged and interrupted Obama’s long soliloquies.
The President talked about rebuilding trust but he made matters worse. He talked about American transparency. In reality, the NSA practiced surveillance in secret and its extent was known only because of Ed Snowden's disclosures.
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"No country around the world has been as clear when it comes to their intelligence services, even as we do have to maintain the intelligence capabilities that don’t just help to keep us safe, but also help to keep our friends and allies, including Germans, safe." |
The President spoke with sincerity but the reaction was disbelief, laughter, and sarcastic jokes about the kindness of Americans compared to the Russians during the Soviet Era. |
"Because we have greater capabilities it also means we have greater responsibilities for humanitarian assistance for helping to keep our allies safe." |
No one knew what to make of two comments that sounded ominous. He promised reforms with a possible expiration date at the end of his administration.. |
"My hope would be that future presidents will follow the example that I am trying to set at this point."
"What I can say is that chancellor Merkel and I may have disagreements on foreign policy…And so what I can say is: As long as I’m president of the United States, the chancellor of Germany will not have to worry about this."
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