THE ANTI-TRUMP – AT 11:55 A.M. ET:  I must say that Germany has an almost unique ability to mess itself up.  The country today elected a new president, a ceremonial but symbolically important position.  And who did the country choose?  A man who referred to President Trump as a preacher of hate.  From CNN:

(CNN) Germany's parliamentary assembly has elected Frank-Walter Steinmeier, a Social Democrat, as the country's president.

The position of president in Germany is largely ceremonial, because the chancellor is the official head of government and has a higher profile on the world stage.

Steinmeier previously served as vice chancellor and foreign minister under current Chancellor Angela Merkel.

He was elected by the vast majority of the assembly, receiving 931 out of 1,253 votes. His predecessor, Joachim Gauck, did not seek another term and will step down on March 18.

"This country for many in the world has become an anchor of hope," Steinmeier said after his election. "We give others courage, not because everything is good, but because we have shown that it can be better," he said.

Steinmeier, 61, has been a vocal critic of US President Donald Trump. He described Trump in August as a "hate preacher," likening him to right-wing populists in Europe who "make politics with fear," German news agency DPA reported.

COMMENT:  He also was a big champion of the Iran nuclear deal, and he is a severe critic of Israel.  What a guy!

I wonder if Trump sent a congratulatory note.

February 12, 2017