The Bush administration is having severe indigestion over the prospect that Barack Obama will (unlike Bush) get a huge welcome in Europe. They're trying to assert some control over how Obama's visit is treated in Germany. Andrew Sullivan writes:
It looks to me as if the Bushies are desperate to prevent Obama getting an ovation in Europe. Given the disdain and contempt of much of the European public for Bush, and the powerful advantage the Europe trip will give Obama, it's understandable. But no less tacky.
Note: Did you see this? I missed it. Apparently during Bush's farewell, as president, to the leaders of the G-8, he said something like, "Goodbye from the world's biggest polluter," pumping his fist in the air and grinning as he spoke.