Robert Habeck runs for chancellor with a video. He hums a song that Merz can’t use and wears a telltale bracelet. But his pose at the desk is even more revealing. It has well-known role models.
Now he has rolled up his sleeves and presents himself in the new profile picture X as an agent with strong forearms, albeit without a head. He also returned as the star of the video. Robert Habeck is sitting at his desk. In his light gray sweatshirt, he takes notes with pen on paper. Next to his manuscripts is a jug of water and a glass. Is it half full or half empty?
Habeck’s writing room is immersed in semi-darkness. The receptionist is a night worker. The floor lamp radiates spotlights. In the background a houseplant breathes CO2 into the fresh air. And on the shelf behind the vice-chancellor of the red-green minority government, without much hope of gaining a majority for bills postponed by the sacked FDP or the opposing CDU, there is a timetable. Painted red is November 8, 2024. Today is the day.
Is Robert Habeck a Swiftie?
The day when what Annalena Baerbock ruined for him three years ago will come true: his candidacy for chancellor. For this reason, Habeck rolled up the sleeves of his sweater and sat down in front of the camera. On her wrist she not only wears the thin ribbon we know from her profile photo, but also a bracelet of white pearls with inscriptions, like those worn by children and Swifties. On it you can decipher KANZLER. And IT WAS. What could this mean?
Taylor Swift has called her current tour the “Eras Tour.” Completely surprising to many Swifties, she did not lead Kamala Harris to the presidency of the United States. A bad omen for the Habeck era, which begins November 8? “Was” can also just be a phase, which is how the term is used in English youth language. And in Latin “era” means something like housewife, lover, mistress. But that probably doesn’t take you any further.
Someone is humming in the background. Is it really Habeck who hums so cheerfully? It could be the melody of Herbert Grönemeyer’s “Time for Something to Turn”, the song that Friedrich Merz can no longer use. But wouldn’t that be too trivial? Or couldn’t he be flat enough in an application video for running for chancellor? In any case, Habeck’s lips don’t move. He writes in silence.
Then the tide changes. Cut. The camera zooms in on it. And Habeck turns, comes into close contact with his well-lit audience, smiles mischievously and covers the camera, as if he’s been caught hatching a secret plan. But from his eyes we read: “He feels good.”
Things aren’t so good for Christian Lindner right now. He probably won’t run for chancellor, but would like to become finance minister again after the new elections. Oh, it’s complicated. But CL doesn’t want to follow suit, at least not with his Green colleague, who has just referred to X with the Take That lyrics “back for good”. Lindner gives him a warm welcome on Elon Musk’s channel: “All Democrats are welcome here, Robert!” But he must joyfully comment on the desk matter with a famous photo.
Recall: Christian Lindner had already prepared for his favorite position in the campaign for the 2021 federal elections. Calculating something at night, signing documents and putting them on the shelf, that’s how he imagined it. His video was in sober black and white and began with the powerful slogan “At some point there comes a point where you know it can’t stay the way it is.” His last time so far was November 6, 2024. And at the end of his commercial, Lindner was sitting at the desk – “the lamp was on the right,” he now tells Habeck – and we heard him say: “Let’s not wait any longer.”
For the days, the weeks, the autumns of decisions, there is a natural place for politicians: the desk. It is one of the insignia of power. Donald Trump will soon return to the coveted White House desk, decorating decrees and laws with his distinctive signature. Angela Merkel has always complained about the immensity of her table in the Chancellery. Did Olaf Scholz really replace him? The table cannot prevent what is decided. In the collective memory of the desk there are photos of Bismarck, Hitler, Heydrich, Kennedy and Schröder in their offices. Such images are part of political iconography.
Habeck wants to remain the same old Habeck as the new chancellor (candidate). That’s what his eleven-second video says. An approachable guy who you could just sit with and drink water or mix cereal together. A politician who rolls up his sleeves even at his desk: “It’s easy to leave places like this to talkers and populists. But simplifying it cannot be the solution. Not today. Not this week. Not at this time.” That’s why he’s back on X. How far will he get?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Maria Klein
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Klein. With Robert Habeck officially running for chancellor, we are witnessing a fascinating campaign approach. Let’s talk about his recent video. What do you make of his decision to hum a tune that Friedrich Merz can’t use?
Dr. Maria Klein (MK): Thank you for having me. Habeck’s choice to incorporate a unique melody is quite strategic. It’s not just about the song itself; it creates a memorable moment that could resonate with voters. A catchy tune stays in people’s minds, and by choosing something that his opponent can’t use, he sets himself apart right from the start.
TNE: Absolutely! It’s like he’s asserting his identity while potentially taunting Merz. And what do you think about his new profile picture? The rolled-up sleeves and the mysterious headless pose certainly have a message.
MK: Yes, the image is cleverly crafted. The rolled sleeves suggest readiness and hard work, which is a strong message for any candidate. Moreover, going headless might symbolize focusing on the issues rather than the individual, aligning with a collective approach to leadership. It’s a visual cue that he’s ready to take on the responsibilities of chancellor.
TNE: You mentioned work ethic, and it’s interesting to note his desk setup in the video. There’s a jug of water and a glass, symbolizing his approachability, but also the question—half full or half empty?
MK: That’s a thoughtful detail. The imagery of the half-full glass can signal optimism and resilience, qualities needed in politics today. It reflects Habeck’s attitude towards challenges ahead, especially with his government’s current struggles. This symbolism may subconsciously connect him with potential supporters who seek a hopeful vision for the future.
TNE: Speaking of optimism, there’s a striking moment in the video where he seems to hum along to the melody of Herbert Grönemeyer’s “Time for Something to Turn.” Does that resonate with the current political landscape?
MK: Definitely! The song is about change and transformation, reflecting the pressing need for a shift in German politics. By using this melody, he aligns himself with the zeitgeist, suggesting that the time for change is now. It’s clever branding, particularly since it feels like a direct response to the status quo.
TNE: And what are your thoughts on the Taylor Swift connection? The bracelet with inscriptions like “KANZLER” and “IT WAS” is quite telling. Could there be a deeper implication there?
MK: The bracelet is fascinating. Swifties often find meaning in every lyric and moment, and this could indicate that Habeck is appealing to younger voters who appreciate layers of meaning. It raises questions—“Was” could signal a bygone era or simply denote a future aspiration. It’s a nuanced play on language and symbolism that might engage the youth in a way that resonates with their thoughts on politics.
TNE: It certainly adds an intriguing layer to his campaign. How do you see Habeck navigating the political landscape, especially with figures like Christian Lindner around?
MK: It’s going to be tricky. Lindner is a seasoned player with aspirations for a finance minister post. Habeck has to balance collaboration with his coalition partners while also presenting a strong, independent image. The light-hearted banter between them, as seen in their interactions, adds to the dynamic. However, if Lindner decides to isolate Habek politically, that could complicate his campaign.
TNE: In such a volatile political atmosphere, do you think Habeck can effectively convey hope and a willingness for change, leading up to November 8, 2024?
MK: If he continues to leverage compelling visuals, relatable messaging, and maintains an optimistic tone, then yes, he certainly stands a chance. However, it will depend on how he responds to challenges and engages with the electorate in the coming months. His ability to resonate emotionally will play a pivotal role in this race.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Klein, for your insights. The political landscape is shaping up to be quite fascinating, and it looks like Robert Habeck is determined to make a significant impact.
MK: Thank you for having me. It’s going to be an interesting journey!