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On November 3, 2010, twelve American Marshall Memorial Fellows in Southern California met with Mr. Christoph Eichhorn, Head of the Political MMF alumni with Mr. Eichhorn and Mr. Drautz. Department at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Washington, DC and with Mr. Wolfgang Drautz, Consul General of the German Consulate General in Los Angeles.

Mr. Eichhorn visited Los Angeles as part of a nationwide tour to discuss European perceptions of the United States midterm elections and to gain insight into local sentiments on the United States' path following the elections.  Discussion focused on the viability of the Tea Party movement and on whether a Republican-controlled House of Representatives will allow Congress to pass more legislation and overcome gridlock.  The minister also spoke of the importance of US-European partnerships, saying that in spite of the changing global dynamics and of China’s growing influence, Europe and the United States continue to be each other’s most important allies and trade partners.  Mr. Eichhorn also discussed the German response to the world economic crisis that has seen Germany actually create jobs in spite of the downturn.  Consul General Drautz spoke specifically of opportunities for collaboration between Germany and Southern California, highlighting accomplishments in areas such as rail infrastructure development, solar installations, and airplanes.

GMF would like to thank the Southern California Leadership Network, in particular Kevin Cottrell and Alex Pampalone, as well as the German Consulate General and the German Embassy in Washington for the organization of this timely transatlantic event.  In addition, GMF would like to acknowledge the twelve MMF alumni participants, including GMF Trustee Nike Irvin.