Chicago Eliminated from 2016 Olympics (Page 2)

Ya but we also had a brilliant reference to "Speed Brazilian'ing". Does that make up for it?

IOC to Barack/Daley... NO WE CAN'T

I think it was all based on slogans.  Rio's "live your passion" thumped Chicago's "let friendship shine."

Were folks as far as determining the mascot?  This can be huge in these decisions.

ChrisM - 2009-10-02 3:08 PM

PennState - 2009-10-02 10:53 AM It is inevitable that some reference to the president would occur. If it were Bush, people would have commented as well. It's life, accept it... I am actually curious why we were the 1st ones out? Anyone have any really good idea why? (Aside from the JC theory )

Well I am sure that video of the kid being beaten to death in a Chicago neighborhood didn't help any....   Not that there isn't crime in Rio/Tokyo/wherever, but that was utterly brutal

All this happened in early September, during the same week that the International Olympic Committee released a report giving generally high praise to Rio's bid for the 2016 Games.

It was hardly an unusual week in this city of 6 million, where major highways -- including one that links the international airport to key tourism beaches -- are periodically shut down by shootouts.

PennState - 2009-10-02 1:53 PM It is inevitable that some reference to the president would occur. If it were Bush, people would have commented as well. It's life, accept it... I am actually curious why we were the 1st ones out? Anyone have any really good idea why? (Aside from the JC theory )

However,  the triumphant Chicago presentation--the culmination of a $48 million package--had cold water thrown onto it when Pakistani IOC member Syed Shahid Ali correctly noted the significant difficulties facing foreigners seeking entry into the United States. Obama failed to address Ali's concerns, saying only that hosting the Games in Chicago would be "a reminder that America at its best is open to the world."

America's visa processing issues have been well-publicized throughout much of the world, with some tourists waiting six months or more to have a 10 minute appointment with a visa examiner in an embassy or consulate to visit America on a vacation. Business visas or those for cultural ambassadors, like artists and athletes, are similarly problematic. Many applicants complain that the system is opaque at best and a crap shoot at worst, with few guidelines provided for applicants and rejections issued pro forma.

PennState - 2009-10-02 1:53 PM  It's life It is inevitable that some reference to the president would occur. If it were Bush, people would have commented as well., accept it... I am actually curious why we were the 1st ones out? Anyone have any really good idea why? (Aside from the JC theory )

He added, "This country supports your bid, strongly."

I think that Obama will be critized, rightly or wrongly, because it was stated that once he committed to go that Chicago was going to win the bid. At least this was the overwhelming view by the media in Chicago.

Before Obama committed to going people said it was a toss up between Chicago & Rio - when Obama committed it was suppose to seal the deal. His "Rock Star" power would win over the IOC it was stated numerous times in the Chicago media.

Valerie Jarrett was confident that this was the going to win it for Chicago. When it doesn't happen there of course will be blame laid at his feet.