My thoughts on the Chicago loss, Olympic decision...

[ReverendDeuce]

Really...

This is backlash from the Bush years, plain and simple.

This was a good way for other countries that Bush stepped on or pissed off to get their revenge.

I think this is a healthy way for them to rid themselves of lingering resentment.

[sui generis]

1. nah. South America has never had the event: it's past due.

Also it's more to the spirit of the event - it is supposed to cross cultures and countries, and it's already been done here.

[BlooInBloo]

2. Oh goody - another non-original thought on a meaningless topic...

that everybody else seems to think their non-original thought needs a new OP on.

[saracat]

4. Wow. Sorta harsh there. The OP is entiled to post an opinion.

[BlooInBloo]

5. He or she most definitely is. As am I. I'm glad we're in complete agreement...

on that 100% uncontested matter.

[saracat]

3. I doubt it. Rio is not only more suitable but SA has NEVER hosted the Olympics

There is a lot of politics involved but it would have looked very crass to dismiss SA yet again for a country that has hosted it multiple times and cause cries of favoritism especially as it was the hometown of a president who lobbied for it. I think they did the right thing. It is south Americas turn and Rio is a lovely site.

[theoldman]

9. Lets face the facts,

Rio is a lot more interesting place to visit than Chicago. I like Chicago but the scenery is better in Rio.

[saracat]

13. Rio does look more photogenic too. That counts! If I hada choice

I'd rather go to Rio! LOL!

[Blue_Tires]

6. not quite....it still comes down to $$$$

and the obvious fact that south america was overdue... The bottom line is Rio is also a better, sexier destination and the corporate sponsors have a unique chance to maximize the uptapped consumer markets down there...

[imdjh]

10. I would imagine that the water temperature in Rio isn't as deadly as Lake Michigan.

Not to mention that Rio would probably be willing to bulldoze the bad parts of the city to make way for the Olympics.

[CTyankee]

12. The US dollar is worth $3.78 in Argentina's currency right now. Europeans attending the Rio Olympic

will get a lot better of a deal (Euro is at a scary $1.56 as of just the other day when I got some at my bank). So I'll bet the Europeans are champing at the bit, altho who knows what might happen between now and then...

[Obamanaut]

7. Who is going to reimburse the taxpayers for the failed junket to

Denmark by POTUS, FLOTUS and all their support people?

First time a sitting president went to the IOC with a sales pitch.

[Blue_Tires]

14. here you go:

go outside for a walk...go to a park, or just around your neighborhood, but keep looking down....sooner or later you will find seven or eight pennies -- congrats, you just got your individual share back from the copenhagen trip...:crazy:

[Obamanaut]

15. How many times did people complain about Bush and his "misuse"

of Air Force One? What you are saying is it's okay when the new guy does it?

[Blue_Tires]

17. I'm not saying it's OK when the new guy does it...

I'm saying it's not 'misuse' as you call it....The other countries' leaders were there; was it waste for them??

And wasn't bush using AF1 for GOP fundraisers and shit like that?

[SemiCharmedQuark]

20. Ok. Find me complaints about Bush trying to bring the Olympics to the United States

and then we'll talk.

All of the other heads of state for the finalist cities were there. If Obama had been the only HoS not to show up, he would have been rapped for that as well.

[Obamanaut]

22. And the games are going to...? Coulda got the same result with

email or a phone call.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

25. Your right. We should never try anything and assume that we will always fail.

Great idea.

[Obamanaut]

26. Oh brother. My right what. nt

[SemiCharmedQuark]

27. "You're" . Pardon my typing.

Do you believe that pointing out a typo somehow gives any credibility to your position?

[Obamanaut]

28. Not at all. Just fun. Using the wrong word, btw, is not a typo. Getting

the "wring" letter is.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

29. It was a careless mistake in the middle of a quick reply.

Nevertheless, we must soldier on.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

19. Oh brother.

:eyes:

[GoCubsGo]

21. Well...

It's the first time a sitting AMERICAN President went to the IOC. The heads of state for Brazil, Japan, and Spain were also there. In previous years, Toady Blair and Putin made direct pitches.

[NYC Liberal]

23. Um, I know *I* didn't even complain about that when Bush went to fucking WATCH

the Olympics in 2008.

He basically got drunk and started at the volleyball players' asses. I didn't whine about the "cost of Air Force One" even then.

[imdjh]

8. Maybe it's as simple as the Olympic committee having been to Chicago. nt

[endless october]

11. i think Chicago wasn't the ideal city for it. maybe in the future.

i also think that none of this stuff matters at all. what does matter is getting a public option in this health care bill.

the media covering this as some kind of "gotcha" for Obama just takes attention away from what's really important.

[iceman66]

16. That is likely true, BUT

Obama held out the olive branch and the IOC, in effect, swatted it away.

[EFerrari]

18. You may have a point there. n/t

[AllentownJake]

24. Could be also that US Bankers are responsible for a global depression

:shrug: