DaimlerChrysler, as American as Apple Strudel

With revenue in North America of $100 billion, he described DaimlerChrysler as "one of this country's largest and most successful companies." He added, "We are proud to be part of the industrial backbone of America."

Schrempp ended his speech by saying, without any hint of shame, "God bless you and God bless America!"

The next day, members of Congress were invited for a special reception and were treated to the same type of propaganda. The company's contract lobbyists, including such heavyweights as Jack Quinn of Quinn Gillespie & Associates and David A. Metzner of American Continental Group, stood by to help guide the lawmakers around. The elected officials were asked to autograph a red, white and blue Jeep that will be auctioned with the proceeds going to help U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Even the menu was painstakingly American. In addition to the "homemade" pies at Carla's, the company served popcorn, hot pretzels, ice cream, beer and hot dogs (with no bratwurst in sight).

Zetsche treated the lawmakers in the audience to his own jingoistic litany. As a loyal American auto executive, he professed to be thrilled that the Detroit Pistons had reached the National Basketball Association finals. He also boasted about DaimlerChrysler's sponsorship of the National Anthem Project, which will try to re-teach Americans the words to their own "Star-Spangled Banner" over the next few years.

As corny (or borderline offensive) as these efforts may seem, they worked -- at least among the lawmakers who looked on. "Doing something like this can only help," said Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.). "Members of Congress can see for themselves that this is a company with a great American presence."

Rep. John M. Spratt Jr. (D-S.C.) agreed and added that until he visited the village he hadn't been aware that American LaFrance manufactured fire engines in his own home state.

"We live in an international marketplace, and there are a lot of Missourians who are employed by Chrysler," Sen. Christopher S. Bond (R-Mo.) said. And that's plenty good reason to support the company.

"They're in our state employing our workers, creating jobs," said Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). "They're ours."

DaimlerChrysler couldn't have asked for more.

Jeffrey Birnbaum writes about the intersection of government and business every other Monday. E-mail him atkstreetconfidential@washpost.com.