Did the Olympics Committee force Obama to go to Copenhagen?
posted at 4:15 pm on September 28, 2009 by Allahpundit
Geraghty’s spot on. There’s no way The One would risk his political capital on a personal appeal in Denmark unless he’d been assured that Chicago will get the games if he makes a cameo. It’s a done deal; the only question is who approached whom. I think the IOC probably forced his hand: Given the terrible optics of the trip plus the fact that, as Geraghty reminds us, Obama said as recently as two weeks ago that he wouldn’t go himself, he had every incentive to avoid this — unless the IOC sweetened the pot by promising him the games if he showed up. Once they did that, he had no choice. Imagine the public’s reaction if he stayed home and the games were awarded to another country, and then someone at the IOC leaked the fact that he’d been told that Chicago would have been the pick if he’d taken a day out of his schedule for a little gladhanding in Denmark. Everyone who’s dumping on him right now for going would be dumping on him then for not going, and he surely knows it. I can just picture the angry blog posts estimating the number of jobs and total revenue lost to Chicago because its favorite son wouldn’t get on a plane. The IOC made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Well played, chumps!
Via Breitbart, here’s Gibbs doing his best to explain the reason for the trip without explaining the real reason for the trip. Smart exit question from smart lefty Michael Roston: Given the metaphysical certainty that there’ll be massive corruption involved in Chicago’s handling of the games and the equal certainty that righty blogs like this one will rub The One’s face in it, how bright was it of him to get involved in this in the first place?
Blowback
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I hope this fails. Last thing this country needs!
Gob on September 28, 2009 at 4:17 PM
The Olympics are a financial albatross, not to mention the security implications.
What do we need to be spending money on building even more stadiums, etc., that we don’t need, now?
No credit to Obama for this. Bad idea from the very start.
NoDonkey on September 28, 2009 at 4:18 PM
He can’t help himself. He could turn down the chance to show the love the world has for him and his compeling life story. Gag.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Absoutely. I’d be shocked if Chicago didn’t get the games. Think how awesome the press would be if they were awarded to Rio even after his visit, though.
BadgerHawk on September 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM
At least he won’t be the sitting president in 2016. Will be an honor to see President Palin at the Olympics! :-D
SouthernGent on September 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM
I think Gov. Romeny was able to make it a money maker for the U.S. when he was in charge.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM
I hate to thread-jack, but I’m wondering if anyone else is having problems with page- and cursor-hangs on the site lately? It’s only been happening since the new ads, and I’m not sure how to block them, if they’re what’s causing the problems. I’m running Firefox.
hoosiermama on September 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Copenhagen
HopenCagen
HopenCange
Hope N Cange
Almost there!
shick on September 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Olympics… bah. We are in the running for the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. I hope he puts that sort of energy into getting that here (especially since we could be competitive to actually win it for the first time by then).
DaveS on September 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
People may have jumped at him, but he would have had a legitimate defense that it was inappropriate for a sitting President to have to play footsie.
rob verdi on September 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Obama rooting for America would be a first.
fourdeucer on September 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
This is all about the unions. All this will do is enrich the unions in Chigago for the short term and put the city and the state further in debt over the long haul.
thomasaur on September 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
If dumping on Obama was an Olympic sport, HotAir would sweep the medals.
That fact is, it is great sport and he has earned every “dump”.
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
I disagree.
What’s the opposite here? The IOC promises him the games if he… kisses their butt? That’s all they want?
I don’t think so.
I think Obama IS stupid enough to waste political capital on this because of his narcisstic nature.
Remember, we’re talking about the guy who got upstaged by Chavez.
Skywise on September 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Of course this is about the Triumphant end of his glorious reign in Chicago 2016 as the world celebrates and he plans Michelle’s Senate run.
rob verdi on September 28, 2009 at 4:22 PM
With any luck at all the games will go to Rio or someone. Everyone who gets involved in the games loses in the end so let the losers be someone else.
johnsteele on September 28, 2009 at 4:22 PM
Why would you think this would, in any way, be a hindrance for Obama? (Just highlighting O’s penchant for exorbitant spending on events he is making an appearance at, not deriding you.)
Diane on September 28, 2009 at 4:22 PM
If an offer he couldn’t refuse was made, it was made before Roman Polanski’s arrest. I think that arrest might change things a bit.
meci on September 28, 2009 at 4:22 PM
I would actually have some respect for the man if he told the IOC to get bent, that he was busy presidenting.
I’m running FF too, v. 3.5.3, and everything seems to be fine.
rbj on September 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
That was Utah, this Chicago.
Chicago with all the usual featherbedding, skimming, union workers, etc. It will be a massive loser.
Not to mention, like Obama, whomever runs this thing won’t be running it because he/she knows what they are doing, it will be all about politics.
Debacle from the very start. It will make the Greeks look competent, effective and efficient.
NoDonkey on September 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
There was a big stink a few weeks ago when it was announced on the local news here that Obama wasn’t attending the announcement (I’m from Chicago).
Something drastic must have changed if he did this turnaround.
Pablo Honey on September 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Nothing says “unity” like every country vying to defeat other countries so it can get its national anthem played and its flag raised higher than all the others…
Hey, I love when the USA wins… I just think it’s hilarious that the Olympics is supposed to be some picture of world unity.
mankai on September 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
N.A.I.V.E.
Lord help us this man’s team is in charge of our defense.
jukin on September 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
I am sure that the Secret Service only needs 24 hours to put together all of the logistics it takes for the President of the United States and his entourage to travel on these many junkets…
Seven Percent Solution on September 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
I wonder if USOC donations will stagnate or go down if Chicago gets it…yes, we are that polarized…
Horatius on September 28, 2009 at 4:24 PM
So is the IOC creating a new tradition here? The spectacle of the heads of states who want to host the games trekking to Copenhagen every two years to grovel at the IOC’s feet?
Socratease on September 28, 2009 at 4:25 PM
The really turning point in Olympics was the Los Angeles Olympics with a profit of over 200 million.
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Gibbs should stop trying to be funny or cute. He is neither.
LASue on September 28, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Forgot to mention that Utah had a lot of corporate sponsers.
Who has the money for that these days, now that the Obama “administration” is on a jihad against evil profits and who has the money to travel to Chicago to watch the main events, much less the lessor events?
NoDonkey on September 28, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Close your eyes and envision the gilded and massive bronze statue of Obama, head tilted skyward, lips pursed, a massive hand raised, an equally gilded teleprompter by his side. The enormous columns of bronze to his left and right demarcate the entrance to Obamapalooza Olympic Village. Keep those eyes closed tight and stroll yourself along the union brick layered streets, crumbling already after a 4 billion cost overrun. As you stroll past the giant statue of Obama, let the aroma of …… pigeon poop wake you from your schadenfraude.
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Guarantee he’s greasing the IOC with OUR tax money. Yet another boondoggle to line the pockets of his corrupt friends.
marklmail on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
The IOC just rang the bell, and Barry came runnin’.
The IOC is racist.
portlandon on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Pay to Play anyone?
ted c on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
The reporter babe sitting in front of Major Garrett is hot. Thats about all the substance I get out of this.
Zetterson on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Hoosermama,
I too am running Firefox 3.5.3 and everything is fine on my end.
Hope you figure it out…
Fuzzlenutter on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
When I was in Athens last year, the Greeks kept complaining about all the stuff they had to build to hold the Olympics there. When we asked what particular venues were used for now, the Greeks usually just shrugged. Apparently they are used for nothing.
Most Olympic games are money losers for the cities and countries they are held in. Then again, considering the budget and shape the economy is in, perhaps Obama is only capable of losing money. So really, it’s a match made in crappy financial decision heaven.
mjk on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
My only question is: When does he announce that he will be the first sitting President to be a player and coach for the Men’s Olympic basketball team?
rw on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Robert Gibbs: as unattractive but yet as ineffective as PC guy in the Mac ads.
Anywho, what exactly is the carbon footprint of this
snowsales job to the IOC?Branch Rickey on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
By 2016, Obama will be either out of office (we Hope for Change!) or the lamest duck that ever quacked, so he’ll get one last chance to toot his horn as the Great Chicago Community Organizer.
Exit question: Why did he have to go NOW? Couldn’t he have waited for the “global warming” summit in Copenhagen later this year, and killed two birds with one stone? All that extra CO2 from Air Force One, the North Sea is boiling! /sarc
Steve Z on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
How soon will we find out about the $700 Billion in Olympic Stimulus funds were pledged?
At least Michelle can be proud of American athletes now.
pedestrian on September 28, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Obamalympics. How many O’s are in that logo?
ctmom on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
ha ha ha now you blame Obama for the Olympics.
You blame him if you get them, you blame him if you don’t get them.
Dave Rywall on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Except he’s not, he’s rooting for his cronies in Chicago.
outOfElement on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Profits are not deserved by hard working industries but by Chicago cronies.
shick on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
This almost sounds like Obama’s version of “The Knights Who Say Ni!” bit from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We’ll just have to find out if the IOC now demands Obama cut down the mightiest tree in the forest with a herring.
jon1979 on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Gibbs: “I think health care is in a better place…”
Did I miss the funeral!?
SnowSun on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
How funny if they have to call in Mitt Romney to save the Chicago Olympics!
ctmom on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Rio! Rio! Rio! Rio! Rio! Rio! Rio!
Come on, Lula’s a leftist, and Obama’s bosom buddy. Do it for Lula!
Realist on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Your right. It’s all Bush’s fault Drywall.
portlandon on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
What happened to Michelle? I thought she had this well under control.
Harpoon on September 28, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Who would be the Olympics czar?
fourdeucer on September 28, 2009 at 4:28 PM
One person’s money loser is another person’s pot of gold. The taxpayers are the losers.
pedestrian on September 28, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Disclosure: Grew up/spent most of life in Chicago…now Utah.
Bringing the Olympics to Chicago is like placing a fluffy bunny rabbit into a cage with a pack of starving hyenas.
aquaviva on September 28, 2009 at 4:28 PM
I doubt he was forced into going, just as I doubt the IOC is about to award us the games. Especially with Rio in the running.
It’s another ego trip for Obama. Yes, he said a while back he wouldn’t go. But his Gallup approval rating hit 50% for the first time the other day and he probably received an appeal from one of his old Chicago buddies who’ll make money off Olympics in the Windy City.
amerpundit on September 28, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Maybe he just realized that he wouldn’t be on television for five minutes and figured this would cover it.
JammieWearingFool on September 28, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Bingo. “Aint nuttin gitten built here wit out da union”
JusDreamin on September 28, 2009 at 4:29 PM
What BS. When has an American President gone hat in hand to the IOC for anything? Nobody expected him to go and nobody would care if he didn’t.
Rocks on September 28, 2009 at 4:29 PM
and how far over budget are the Vancouver games? yeah, that’s right a lot.
Lord knows, recessions need pointless sports, right?
mjk on September 28, 2009 at 4:29 PM
I’ll get the ball rolling:
Blago for U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman!
Cicero43 on September 28, 2009 at 4:30 PM
I believe it lost money…but not because of Romney. When he took over it was in the red by close to 400 million.
Plus the guys from Utah who won the bid bribed the IOC…something like 10 or 15 of the IOC was dumped for taking bribes.
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:30 PM
We need a mascot contest for the Olympics in Chicago.
I’m thinking “Pay-Up-Pup” a big fluffy dog with sharp teeth. He wears an alderman jacket with pockets in the back. As Pay-up-Pup licks your face, you stuff money into his back pockets so he doesn’t maul your face off
I posted this at AT.
KZnextzone on September 28, 2009 at 4:30 PM
I wouldn’t blame him at all if we didn’t get them. He’s not the guy that gets to decide if we receive the Olympic games, the most he can do is ask for them.
I also wouldn’t blame him we get them. Again, he lacks the power to award games. All he can do is ask.
The IOC will be to blame either way.
amerpundit on September 28, 2009 at 4:30 PM
What would be really hilarious is if he went over there, and they still picked Rio.
Vashta.Nerada on September 28, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Bankrupt the taxpayers and give that money to THE UNIONS in Chicago – TO BUY MORE VOTES and CAMPAIGN MONEY FOR DEMS.
marklmail on September 28, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Anybody wants to put a bet down as to what city will be getting bailed out in 2016 and 2017???
drjohn on September 28, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Dude’s just not presidential. Wouldn’t know presidential if it walked up and smacked him in the face. Can’t find presidential in Merriam-Webster dictionary even with George Stephanopolus’ help.
evergreen on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Should Obama’s USA share with a country that has not hosted the Olympics?
Do as I say and not as I do.
jukin on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Atlanta’s was break even, but the IOC went out of their way to express their outrage and horror regarding how the games had been commercialized, up to and including slighting the mayor and the games during the closing ceremony.
MarkTheGreat on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Let Oprah Winfrey pay for this entire Olympics “opportunity of a lifetime”. It will never happen because the one wants to use our money.
mobydutch on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I humbly propose potty-mouth Patty and the soon-to-be-incarcerated Rod Blago cartoons…
Branch Rickey on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Acording to the MM’s blog, a Chicago machine crony will also likely get the huge insurance contracts needed.
And I wonder if any O-bots own strategically located real estate.
Wethal on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I agree it’s a done deal. There’s no way such a large coalition would be going if they didn’t already know the deal was completed in their favor. Do you honestly think Oprah would be traveling to Copenhagen if she wasn’t assured of the outcome? Obama may be foolish enough to go out on that limb, but Oprah is not. She can’t afford any embarrassing publicity.
And yes, I’m absolutely disgusted about this entire trip in an effort to boost his sagging numbers. Mayor Daley should have made the trip and be done with it. Obama has to interfere with absolutely everything.
yogi41 on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Oh look, here is the goofball who when challenged with a question in the other thread, couldn’t answer it and he “disappeared”.
Here it is a sport to dump on Obama…maybe if he spent more times with his generals, and less time with Leno, he could become a real leader…instead of a late-night president.
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Madrid! Madrid! Madrid! Madrid! Or perhaps Tokyo. Please IOC, don’t pick Sh!tcago. I wanna see Obambi’s face rubbed in the dirt when it doesn’t happen.
Percy_Peabody on September 28, 2009 at 4:32 PM
The Olympics, like the UN, has become nothing but a one-worlder forum and a USA-bashing platform.
Hence, Obama can’t wait to host it, and clearly the committee can’t wait to give him the opportunity.
And to have the games in Chicago, the home of Obama, Capone, Daley, Ayers, Alinsky, et al. is just too damn perfect a storm.
TXUS on September 28, 2009 at 4:33 PM
I hope Odumbass pays for his carbon credits for this lame trip.
txag92 on September 28, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Perfect!
aquaviva on September 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
There better not have been any shanigans, just because our press loves The Won doesn’t mean that other countries’ press will turn a blind eye to corruption.
I wouldn’t have blamed him because until today I thought it was a fair process. Silly me.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I don’t buy it.
The IOC says that Chicago gets the Olympics if Obama comes to visit?
Because they’re such Obama fans and this is the only way they could figure out how to meet him and get their pictures taken with him?
Sorry AP and Jim, but that’s weak. Really weak.
Now, I don’t say that he hasn’t been told the outcome in advance. But it didn’t play out the way you lay out. Doesn’t make sense.
Chris of Rights on September 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
The IOC doesn’t like Michelle either….
anniekc on September 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
HUH? No comprende.
angryed on September 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Obama wants a bill that all Olympian’s can vote and are elgible for health care…ACORN is handling the registration.
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
The Chicago Tribune has already solicited suggestions. My favorite:
[Suggested by a Chicago cop.]
Others:
Grafty the Pig
Kickback the Fat Cat
I’m with Garry, only I’ve got the perfect obligatory cute name for the aldercreature/mascot: “Gimme.”
Furthermore, he should: wear a colorful and ill-fitting suit; be charmingly paunchy; sport an obvious toupee or bad comb-over; clench a victory cigar in his teeth; and have five olympic pinky rings on his outstretched paw.
How about Casper the Ghost Payroller?
Realist on September 28, 2009 at 4:36 PM
It’s good to see President Obama get on a plane and really become involved in the Olympics, yet shelf the Afghanistan request for more troops.
Priorities.
portlandon on September 28, 2009 at 4:37 PM
If Chicago does get it I hope Breitbart puts his best and brightest undercover agents on the job!
ctmom on September 28, 2009 at 4:37 PM
Montreal
Utah
New York
Atlanta
Japan
All nailed for IOC bribe and money problems
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:37 PM
It’s good to see President Obama get on a plane and really become involved in the Olympics, yet ignore the tea parties.
Priorities.
portlandon on September 28, 2009 at 4:38 PM
How does that make sense that the IOC frowns on making money? That’s crazy.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Barack Obama will meet with anyone at any place at any time, without pre-conditions…
Except his Commanders (during wartime)!
Except the GOP, who have been requesting sit-down talks about healthcare.
Except Fox, who might ask him a few tough questions.
Obama= Gamer in Chief
TN Mom on September 28, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Your question contains it’s own answer: only righty blogs will report any hint of corruption of shady shenanigans. The MSM will steer clear of this. When the Olympics were in China recently nary peep was uttered about how rotten the Chinese government really is…instead we got commentators talking about how well China takes care of it’s children and people blah blah blah. We’ll get more of the same in Chicago.
gwelf on September 28, 2009 at 4:39 PM
I think the Chicago bid is in danger, and the backers asked the IOC: “How much?”
Barry is merely the bagman for the bribe.
Vashta.Nerada on September 28, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Huh? Do you have reason to believe this? The Precedent has made personal hajj’s and appeals to many, only to be embarrassingly rebuffed, laughed at, and turned away. For some reason, you still seem to have some idea that The Precedent has a brain in his head. He doesn’t. And he is totally impervious to public humiliation – otherwise, he would have shut up and disappeared from view after the disastrous first few weeks of his illegitimate tenure.
Allah, some day you will learn that The Precedent doesn’t care about being made to look like a fool, because he’s too freakin’ stupid to understand what an idiot he is. ANyone who can talk about “profit and earnings ratios” and then lecture us on economics and finance is clearly a schizophrenic maniac without any attachment to reality. Anyone who can ramble on about rampant foot amputations, costing “$30,000 … $40,000 … even $50,000″ – when in reality the cost was around $1,000 – and then lecture us about the problems in our health care system and how to fix it, is able to withstand any sort of humiliation that would cripple a person with a brain. Anyone who could wonder about phrases in Austrian, give boxed sets of DVDs to prime ministers of close allies, call legitimate Constitutional actions “coup”s, could have marxist morons infesting the White House, could lie about writing a book that was the only “accomplishment” of his pathetic life, … and still force himself on every TV show on Earth, doesn’t have a normal mind.
Someday, allah, you will realize how twisted and demented The Precedent is, and you will stop trying to analyze his actions as if there were some thinking behind them. There is not. He’s a moron. The only thinking he does is figuring out ways to harm the US.
progressoverpeace on September 28, 2009 at 4:39 PM
It depends on where they’re held. When the Winter Olympics were held in Albertville, France, a rather isolated city at the end of a long, winding Alpine valley, the French government built a new “autoroute” (equivalent of our Interstate highway) to Albertville, and the surrounding ski resorts are much more accessible, and have enjoyed much higher frequentation rates, than before the Olympics.
But Chicago is already an extremely congested city, with no access from the northeast (due to the lake), and how many stadia do Da Bears and Da Cubs and Da Sox really need? (Maybe they could rent out Lambeau Field for a few soccer matches). Flying into and out of O’Hare is already a nightmare–what would it be like during the Olympics? And who would provide security during the Olympics? Security is not Obama’s strong point, and some people remember what happened in Atlanta and Munich…
Steve Z on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
As long as the USOC is picking up the tab for the trip I have no issue with it. The more time he’s away in Denmark the less time he can ruin primtime TV talking about the same old crap he’s been talking about since April.
cadams on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
My new favorite website:
http://chicagoansforrio.com/
Realist on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Exactly. Only reason Daily wants it is THE MONEY. Barry always helps his friends. How much are the dumba$$es in Chicago going to get ripped off on this one? Never mind all the neophytes from out of town.
GarandFan on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Bingo!
The IOC knows they can line their pockets in front, and let Osama Obama carry the load for new construction and other expenses. Hell, they’ll probably get to eat at the White House….
The “modern” Olympics are a scam. Not the athletes, just those who run the games and the crooks who get involved on the local level, all of whom will line their pockets in Chicago.
The Chicago Jesus can’t be bothered about real issues like national security, our military, or anything that negatively affects real, law-abiding U.S. citizens. It’s all about his own glory and rewarding the slimeballs who support/worship him.
MrScribbler on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Hmmm, obviously I just look at the pretty pictures. That’s sad.
Cindy Munford on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
The IOC and Chicago should create a new sport for 2016…synchronized doubles corruption. My money would go to Chicago of course, with maybe a dark horse bet on Zimbabwe.
angryed on September 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM
These IOC aristocrats, may give it to the U.S., and it would be like them to say only if the Pres shows up. They are so arrogant, look at their backgrounds. True “bluebloods”, they are incestuous as our elite media.
It would be very typical of them to make a President grovel for them. They would enjoy the PR of saying we weren’t unless Obama showed up, and we made him show up, he is just our messenger boy.
right2bright on September 28, 2009 at 4:41 PM
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