There is a culture of pessimism in Germany. There is a sense that something can go wrong and they tend to look around for it.

There is a culture of pessimism in Germany.

You can say Germany is at a tipping point. Germany is facing some choices. In the worst case, they can try to avoid it again and put things off, rather than taking their medicine. You can postpone, you can procrastinate, but eventually you have to do it. That's what is staring Germany in the face.

I don't think that we here in Washington should escalate our expectations that her parameters would be significantly bigger than Schroeder's.

I don't think that we here in Washington should escalate our expectations that her parameters would be significantly bigger than Schroeder's,

If the administration representatives are honest they'll tell you 'Well this is a fresh start and Merkel's victory would be a good thing',