Fit for a President

Ever since John F. Kennedy’s legendary 1963 speech in front of the Rathaus Schöneberg, “Ich bin ein Berliner” proved emblematic of not just West and East German reunification but of liberty and freedom for mankind everywhere. With the U.S. at the peak of the Cold War, the democratic President—moved after witnessing the Berlin Wall for the first time—quickly revised his prepared speech.

The Kennedy Museum is the only museum in Berlin dedicated solely to a former U.S. President. John F. Kennedy was coined ‘Camelot’ in reference to the thousand days that this ‘Democratic Prince’ spent in the White House.

The 35th U.S. President left such an impressionable mark on Berliners not only for his liberal politics and for for being the first Irish president, but for his declaration of Berlin as the symbol of free men everywhere. As such, the Kennedys will always have a special place in Berlin, from JFK’s infamous 1963 speech to the street named in his honor to their lasting resonance in foreign politics today.

In 1987, in honor of the 750th anniversary of the Brandenburg Gates, President Ronald Reagan addressed a crowd of West Berliners in front of bullet-proof panes and demanded Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev tear down the wall. Though the president’s comrades were dubious about the direct command, Reagan opted to adhere to the words, penned by speechwriter Peter Robinson, below.

President Bill Clinton arrived in Berlin on May 14, 1998 to celebrate the anniversary of the city’s airlift, which had 50 years prior played a crucial role at the end of World War II. Over 750,000 supporters from the West flew into the airport to rebuild and load planes, and to provide German citizens with food, staples, and other emergency equipment—emphasizing the importance of freedom after a tumultuous six-year war.

This was one of many visits Clinton paid to Berlin. Here, the President roused the audience by stressing the continuance of a U.S. and German relationship, and the importance of remembering lessons from history.

Residents of Prenzlauerberg will proudly point out a choice bit of history documented at this Alstatian eatery. Visiting Berlin in June 2000, former U.S. President Bill Clinton was invited here by his host and then-German Chancellor, Gerhard Schröder. Gugelhof’s pork-dominated menu proved perfect for the good ‘ol boy from Arkansas—Clinton, ever the politician, followed up his Chocroute (sauerkraut and potatoes stewed with sausage and assorted meats) by gladhanding his fellow patrons and the restaurant staff.

Current U.S. President George W. Bush swung into town in May 2002 and dined with then-German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder at this traditional restaurant, located on scenic Pariser Platz. Schröder—a regular at the restaurant—ordered a round of Berliner specialty currywurst for the table and followed it up with slices of apfelstrüdl. It seemed as if Bush preferred his Texan meats—allegedly, the President couldn’t keep up with the Chancellor. Still, Bush was quite the gentleman, praising the restaurant and its owners.

Barack Obama is to give his speech here at the Victory statue on Thursday, July 24th. This is the only scheduled public talk in a European city for the senator, and no other city could be more appropriate: Berlin—torn apart, repossessed, divided, reunified and reigning triumphant—echoes America’s current polarized state.