Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Can Rio Beat Chicago? Brazil Prez Says 'Yes, We Can'

Lula borrows from Obama before Olympic vote tomorrow

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 1, 2009 8:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Brazilian president, in Copenhagen after some serious politicking to win the 2016 Olympics for Rio de Janeiro, used a certain Chicagoan's slogan to promote his bid today. "Yes we can!" Lula told reporters today, dismissing concerns that the developing nation can fund the Games. "For some countries, it is just one more sports event that they are going to organize. But for us, it is a unique and extraordinary thing."

Rio has emerged as Chicago's main rival in tomorrow's vote for the summer Olympics, and as NPR reports, many in the Windy City would be happy for Brazil to win. A small protest in Daley Plaza led to scuffles with police, and a new website, ChicagoansForRio.com, features locals plumping for their city's chief competitor. "I mean, it'll be an opportunity for Chicago," said one waitress on the northwest side. "But I don't want to pay for it."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva with Pele and other members of the Rio bid team.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva with Pele and other members of the Rio bid team.   (AP Photo/POLFOTO, Claus Bjoern Larsen)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva smiles as he listens to a question during a press conference of Rio da Janeiro's bid team in Copenhagen, Thursday Oct. 1, 2009.
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva smiles as he listens to a question during a press conference of Rio da Janeiro's bid team in Copenhagen, Thursday Oct. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Fabian Bimmer)
Michelle Obama meets with International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at a hotel in Copenhagen, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.
Michelle Obama meets with International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at a hotel in Copenhagen, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Yourself
Oct 1, 2009 10:14 AM CDT
Toronto had a horrible bid compared to Beijing. You must be from Toronto to believe what you're saying. As for the argument about TV ratings, if that was the case then having the games in Toronto would have made 100 times more sense then Beijing, and Rio is only 3 hours difference then Chicago, thus making it a moot point. 3 hours is nothing to complain about when talking about world games. beijing time difference didn't stop die-hard fans from being up at all hours just to watch a guy like Phelps swim...
Forderon
Oct 1, 2009 8:45 AM CDT
And don't forget the TV rights factor. The IOC's goal is to make money. The best way to do that is to have the games in a time zone where the American networks can show the events live in prime time.
Forderon
Oct 1, 2009 8:44 AM CDT
So in other words, it IS about politics. For 2008, Toronto clearly had the best bid, but they gave it to Beijing because China was too large of a country to not have held the Olympics yet. It's all politics and bribing of the IOC officials.

More Newser Stories

Brazil Raids Rio's Largest Slum

NBC Wins Olympics Until 2020

2008 All Over Again: Obama to Base Campaign in Chicago

Rio Cops Storm Gang Haven

Rio Cops Try to Reclaim Gang-Ruled Slums


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne