How Germany Views the U.S. Presidential Race

“I support him, no matter what he does.” This is how Chancellor Angela Merkel openly showed her support for incumbent President Sarkozy during the French electoral campaign in February. It was the only occasion in which she intervened in such an outspoken manner on a partisan basis in a foreign country. Normally, she is very cautious when sharing her ideas and when taking a firm stand on a politically charged issue. Now, with the US presidential elections on the horizon, it is very unlikely to hear similar statements from the Chancellor regarding the campaign. She had a strong relationship with President George W. Bush, but she has also forged solid ties with President Obama.. Despite what has been written about a frosty start in the relations between the two leaders, recent events seem to confirm that there is indeed a good working relationship. This is for instance the opinion of Ulrich Deppendorf, one of the journalists closest to the German Chancellor