Obama's NSA Interview; All that matters is... good vibes
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Translation by:
Thomas Glasser
Obama has finally given his long-awaited interview with German television. Following the NSA spying scandal, Germany has been eager for answers. In the interview a few things stand out, but not what you would expect. What is apparent at first glance is Obama's talent for nodding his head sympathetically. This creates 'confidence'.
The fact that it was thanks to one man alone- Edward Snowden- that the true extent of NSA spying was revealed, well, there’s no mention of that. But that's logical, as the days of the USA watching over Europe as 'friends' are far from over. Obama evokes 'confidence' because Obama doesn't actually have to do anything.
What remains instead are self-imposed obligations, such as the taking for granted that Merkel’s mobile will cease to be wiretapped. There will be no bilateral agreements to enshrine such things in writing. Obama has made one thing clear: what matters is improving German sentiments towards the USA, not a better safeguard against data theft. There was, therefore, no apology for US intrusion into German society.
Even more astounding is how ZDF [Second German Television, Ed.] editor Claus Kleber still believes in Obama's first speech delivered before the Victory Column war monument five years ago. Kleber describes in great detail one of the most exciting days in his journalistic career- the day he covered Obama’s speech. He still enthuses about the 'hope' which Obama promised. And with that, Kleber has done Obama a big favour.
Obama can smugly comment on how, day by day, he has given his best. Thanks for that. Kleber’s buoyant memory deflects our attention away from the wiretap scandal, one that should actually be at the forefront of discussion. But of course what really matters is getting the good vibes back.
Translated from Obamas NSA-Interview: Hauptsache Gutes Gefühl!