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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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38

Olympics Defeat: How Much Does It Hurt Obama?

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(Newser) – It's a big disappointment for Chicago, but how big a hit was yesterday's Olympic Committee put-down of the US's 2016 bid for the president, who stuck his neck out to go to bat for it? Of course Rush Limbaugh said it was huge, the "worst day" of Obama's presidency, and Obama had "wasted his country's time, and his prestige." Democrats, even some who advised against the trip, said it was "a stumble, not a fall," and the president should get points for trying.  

Olympics watchers said the first-round upset showed ignorance of Olympic Committee politics on the part of the Chicago backers, the administration, or both, Politico reports. White House officials said the president would never have made the trip if he hadn't been assured by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley that the bid was within striking distance. But GOP analysts urged restraint in piling on the president: Glee over this failure could come off as anti-American.

U.S. President Barack Obama is seen on a video screen during the USOC's pitch for Chicago to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session in Copenhagen, Denmark.
U.S. President Barack Obama is seen on a video screen during the USOC's pitch for Chicago to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session in...   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, about his trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, and his attempt to help Chicago win the 2016 Olympics bid.
President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, about his trip to Copenhagen, Denmark, and his attempt to help Chicago win the 2016...   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Standing in front of a backdrop of the Chicago skyline, television talk show host Oprah Winfrey speaks before introducing U.S. first lady Michelle Obama at a dinner in support Chicago hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, in Copenhagen. Michelle Obama has joined the Chicago 2016 bid...
Standing in front of a backdrop of the Chicago skyline, television talk show host Oprah Winfrey speaks before introducing U.S. first lady Michelle Obama at a dinner in support Chicago hosting the 2016...   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, Pool)
U.S. President Barack Obama, flanked by first lady Michelle Obama, and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, gestures during the USOC's pitch for Chicago to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session in Copenhagen, Denmark.
U.S. President Barack Obama, flanked by first lady Michelle Obama, and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, gestures during the USOC's pitch for Chicago to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009,...   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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38 comments
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shonangreg
Oct 3, 09 9:11 AM CDT
The press this is getting is ridiculous. It is sad Chicago missed the chance. The President tries to help. End of story as far as the President is concerned. The only thing left is for Chicago and other American cities to see where they went wrong -- and what they can do to improve. Reply
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
godawgs
Oct 3, 09 9:34 AM CDT
I agree, every country sent their heavy hitters over there. We lost to history, so Chicago shouldn't feel that bad. Now we should focus on where we are going to get the 2020 games.
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
Timinator2K
Oct 3, 09 10:22 AM CDT
That no country in South America has ever hosted an Olympics was too large a hurdle to overcome...that, and a chance to tweak the US was a bonus to the IOC.
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+9
IN RESPONSE:
JaneMP
Oct 3, 09 10:41 AM CDT
What we don't realize is that the choice for the next host city is a "what's in it for me" decision. Members of the IOC are bribed with promises of lavish living in the host city, with gifts and money. Perhaps we're not that good at bribing. When the Spaniard (forgot his name) was head of the IOC, he expected to be called YOUR EXCELLENCY and to be treat like a head of state. The IOC is different from our Olympic committee. However, I'm still glad the President went--to support his country.
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
Thinker
Oct 3, 09 11:54 AM CDT
JaneMP, I'm sure you're correct about the IOC. I don't know anything about the IOC but I know a little bit about Chicago and believe me, Daley and Co. probably knows the give-and-take game better than anyone on the planet. Chicago's loss was not a result of Daley's inadequate ability to offer "influence" ... I'd bet money on it.
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+3

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