McCain Calls Obama's Berlin Speech "A Premature Victory Lap"

Columbus, OH (AHN) - Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) tried to undermine the enormous attention on his rival's Berlin speech on Thursday with a visit to a German restaurant in Ohio.

"I'd love to give a speech in Germany - a political speech - or a speech that maybe the German people would be interested in," the presumptive Republican nominee said, according to CBS. "But I would much prefer to do it as president of the United States rather than as a candidate for the office of the presidency."

An estimated 200,000 people gathered at Berlin's Victory Column the same time and became captive audience to Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) as the freshman Democrat spoke about the close historical ties between transatlantic nations.

But the McCain campaign continued to thumb its nose at the event. "While Barack Obama took a premature victory lap today in the heart of Berlin, proclaiming himself a 'citizen of the world,' John McCain continued to make his case to the American citizens who will decide this election," spokesman Tucker Bounds said in an emailed statement.

"Barack Obama offered eloquent praise for this country, but the contrast is clear. John McCain has dedicated his life to serving, improving and protecting America. Barack Obama spent an afternoon talking about it," Bounds added.