Obamateurism of the Day
posted at 8:05 am on September 29, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Allahpundit already posted about this, but it’s still a worthwhile addition to the OOTD library because of its many levels of bad choice. Barack Obama has decided to put his international influence on the line not to push for more support in Afghanistan or sanctions on Iran, but to act as Salesman in Chief for Chicago and its Olympics big for 2016. Politico’s Eamon Javers and Nia-Malika Henderson can’t quite comprehend the politics of it:
But now that he’s traveling to Copenhagen personally to make the pitch Friday, some experts say he better not come home empty-handed.
The White House knows that the decision to go before the International Olympic Committee is fraught with political risk: The president could be embarrassed on a world stage if he doesn’t land the games.
Plus, more than a few Americans are surely scratching their heads — with his inbox crowded with a troop request for Afghanistan, a new secret nuclear site in Iran, sky-high unemployment and a health care bill in Congress, does the president really have time for this?
Supposedly, the White House was worried about how Obama would look if he didn’t personally appear in Copenhagen to press the IOC. Well, he would have looked like … a President with bigger problems on his plate than which city would lose tons of money this time in hosting an overblown sporting event. Obama isn’t the President of Chicago, after all; he’s the leader of the free world, with a big decision pending on a war he’s presently supposed to be fighting.
So what are the potential outcomes?
- The IOC awards the games to Chicago, which makes it look as though Obama got tipped off and set up his trip as a political stunt.
- The IOC awards the games to another city, and Obama looks like a fool.
- In either case, everyone wonders why Obama got personally involved at all.
There is a reason why heads of state usually remain above this kind of issue, which is that they’re supposed to be above it. Obama still hasn’t learned from the Gates arrest that presidents don’t need to get involved in municipal affairs. (graphic by Paul C)
Got an Obamateurism of the Day? If you see a foul-up by Barack Obama, e-mail it to me at obamaisms@edmorrissey.com with the quote and the link to the Obamateurism. I’ll post the best Obamateurisms on a daily basis, depending on how many I receive. Include a link to your blog, and I’ll give some link love as well. And unlike Slate, I promise to end the feature when Barack Obama leaves office.
Illustrations by Chris Muir of Day by Day. Be sure to read the adventures of Sam, Zed, Damon, and Jan every day!
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The leaders of the other three finalists will also be in Copenhagen.
aunursa on September 29, 2009 at 8:09 AM
hey on the plus side it would be the only jobs Obama created
unseen on September 29, 2009 at 8:10 AM
Gee, a state senator who spent less than 6 months on the national stage before running for president, is involved in such a petty matter? Who’dathunkit? Besides everyone who doesn’t live in unicorn land, that is.
rbj on September 29, 2009 at 8:11 AM
my pick…
cmsinaz on September 29, 2009 at 8:11 AM
Come for the Olympics … Stay for the Gang Murders
BigD on September 29, 2009 at 8:11 AM
The leaders of the other three finalists will also be in Copenhagen.
aunursa on September 29, 2009 at 8:09 AM
the other 3 are not in 2 wars.
unseen on September 29, 2009 at 8:11 AM
hmm…I wonder if Chicago is a safe place for the Olympics? With gangs of blacks beating to death those who wont join their gang.
Either way…Obama looks like a fool and he most certainly is.
becki51758 on September 29, 2009 at 8:11 AM
Another example of failure for our kids to emulate.
jbh45 on September 29, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Looks like Obama plans to spend 2016 in Chicago.
Works for me.
Terrie on September 29, 2009 at 8:12 AM
He’s not going over there unless it’s not already in the bag….
Caper29 on September 29, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Chicago: Come for the Olympics, stay for the corruption.
WordsMatter on September 29, 2009 at 8:13 AM
Maybe its a good thing for us that this leftist cretin has an aversion to work.
elduende on September 29, 2009 at 8:14 AM
I’m still wondering what Chicago is using to lure the games there??!! Museum of Science & Industry? Soldier LOLOLOL Field?
Shopping Downtown? Nearby Great America Amusement Park?
A trip to Wisconsin Dells? I-94 Cheese shops between Chicago & Milwaukee? Toll Booths?
Jeff from WI on September 29, 2009 at 8:14 AM
Thats great – lets highlight the horrible school system and gang violence on an international level – CHICAGO!!!
Again I ask, why is Arne Duncan putting his hands on MY school when the Chicago schools are such a disaster???
ctmom on September 29, 2009 at 8:15 AM
We have two ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, another war likely with Iran, a loosing health care battle on Capital Hill, and numerous other pressing legislative issues and the Chief Executive is going to Copenhagen to lie about Chicago’s suitability as an Olympic venue (it’s a peaceful city if you keep your head down and wear body armor)? The question is really will the Olympic Committee laugh a little bit or a lot over Chicago as a venue?
Actually I am thrilled whenever this clown leaves our nation!
IntheNet on September 29, 2009 at 8:16 AM
He wouldn’t be going to Copenhagen unless he knew it was a lock. He wouldn’t go there to be humiliated within hours he failed.
He has had so many defeats, he needs to put a feather in his cap.
He already knows the answer.
Corky Boyd on September 29, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Ding, ding, ding, ding…we have a winner!
Jeff from WI on September 29, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Meanwhile, our soldiers die in Afghanistan …
It’s what most would call Oba-Mao’s childish lack of responsibility. He would rather give a speech than decide on reinforcements for Afghanistan.
The actor Oba-Mao likes PLAYING president, not BEING president.
tarpon on September 29, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Once a Chicago gangster always a Chicago gangster…
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:17 AM
Is William Ayers going to light the bomb? Err, ahhh, I mean the Torch?
kingsjester on September 29, 2009 at 8:19 AM
I like Allahpundit’s theory about how the IOC shrewdly told O that the games would be his if he would just make the trip. That put him over a barrel. The sad part about it all is the taxpayers will end up forking over the bucks to pay for this debacle. At least Valerie Jarrett will make a bundle when the city buys out her run-down tenements.
KS Rex on September 29, 2009 at 8:19 AM
I can’t find a reference just now, but I remember Obama saying he would be president to all of us. I didn’t know the “all” he was referring to were just the residents of Cook County, IL.
Kafir on September 29, 2009 at 8:20 AM
More proof of the U.S. being run by Chicago thugs. When Daley talks, the President listens.
yoda on September 29, 2009 at 8:21 AM
Ghetto trash taking advantage of the ultimate state supplied meal ticket.
Alden Pyle on September 29, 2009 at 8:23 AM
Imagine being an Olympic athlete. After years of training you find out you’ll be traveling to beautiful, exotic, Chicago!
“You’ll be staying at the beautiful Motel 6, only an hours drive from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Meet the friendly natives that try to sell you drugs or carjack you.
Sample exotic native dishes like Chicago style hot dogs.
This dream vacation can be yours.”
Jeff from WI on September 29, 2009 at 8:24 AM
On the bright side, if this fails, he may get the consolation prize of having Chicago host Special Olympics bowling.
IamKurtacus on September 29, 2009 at 8:24 AM
I can see the typical Japanese tourist, with his 35 mm camera,asking Chicago’s finest hookers where he can get a picture of Elliot Ness or Al Capone.
Jeff from WI on September 29, 2009 at 8:25 AM
Why would any city want the Olympics? Sydney is still suffering the economic “hangover” nine years later.
I pity Chicago and the state of Illinois if they do gain the games.
Crux Australis on September 29, 2009 at 8:27 AM
He’s a ” snake oil ” salesman
mmm mmm mmm
YES HE CAN
CAN LIE like a damn dog
mmm mmm mmm
bluegrass on September 29, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Just more proof that our world famous constitutional scholar president has never read the constitution. He is totally uninterested in the constitutional duties and obligations of his job and is completely focused on “community organizing”.
And can you even begin to comprehend the level of graft and corruption that will go into building an Olympic facility anywhere near Chicago? The mind boggles.
Carol in MD on September 29, 2009 at 8:30 AM
On the up side, if Chicago gets the Olympics they might do a China-style clamp down on all of the murders and shootings.
myrenovations on September 29, 2009 at 8:30 AM
One assumes he is interested in victory in this context….
apostic on September 29, 2009 at 8:30 AM
This too is a defining moment in his legacy…….
bluegrass on September 29, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Is there any polling on this? I cannot imagine more than 15% of the population outside Illinois caring one way or the other.
angryed on September 29, 2009 at 8:31 AM
TWO WORDS: RIO 2016!!!!
PappyD61 on September 29, 2009 at 8:31 AM
Ed…Maybe this should be Olympics bid?
mwdiver on September 29, 2009 at 8:32 AM
The IOC is corrupt but I think this may be an “epic fail” due to Rio’s bid. If it goes to chitown money will be flowing down the river.
tim c on September 29, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Maybe Obama misheard them and he thinks he’s going to get his place on Olympus…
Mr. Bingley on September 29, 2009 at 8:34 AM
That flame looks like it is giving me the finger.
barnone on September 29, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Chicago: Come for the Olympics, register to vote in the general election.
(Covert ACORN voter drive?)
Disturb the Universe on September 29, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Soros must have called on his BBerry and told him to go.
Unfortunately he’s probably going because it’s a done deal and he can claim credit for it.
Is he THAT big of a fool to go risking failure?
Isn’t that one reason why he sucked up to the U.N. altar last week?
SWEET JUSTICE would be…..
Palin beats him in 2012 and she gets to announce the games with that 2 sentence greeting like Reagan did in 1984 in L.A.
I’m getting a tingle up my leg just thinking about it.
PappyD61 on September 29, 2009 at 8:35 AM
I cant remember where I heard it (Rodger Hedgecock maybe)that 85% of Chicago opposed it…
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:35 AM
Questions,how much is this trip to Copenhagen, for the benefit of Obama’s political cronies,going to cost the country? Shouldn’t Chicago be held responsible for the freight?
.
.
Copenhagen? doesn’t that come in little flat, round cans?
oldernwiser on September 29, 2009 at 8:35 AM
RACIST
barnone on September 29, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Recreational murder?
YES THEY CAN!
Yoop on September 29, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Don’t forget that Obama is going there with Oprah. The ratings will increase for Oprah as she posts clips of her trip with Obama on her show.
I hope that the MSM finally gets their act together and posts lots of pictures of Obama and Oprah, then with a heading how he can’t meet with General Stanley McChrystal, but can fly with Oprah.
texasconserv on September 29, 2009 at 8:37 AM
With the 15% support coming from union bosses who will make millions off the graft.
angryed on September 29, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Ha!
trubble on September 29, 2009 at 8:39 AM
People, PEOPLE; Obama’s not there to WIN the bid for the Olympics in Chicago. He’s there to APOLOGIZE for being CONSIDERED for this honor, and explain why we’re not worthy of it.
Anything else would be out of character!
But, on the other hand, he might lie to stay in character, too.
Cybergeezer on September 29, 2009 at 8:39 AM
If it’s still in doubt, Chicago won’t get it. Brazil’s Drug Lords can contribute more money than Chicago’s.
kingsjester on September 29, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Awesome.
myrenovations on September 29, 2009 at 8:40 AM
Oh come you racist… Everyone knows meeting with Oprah is far more important than meeting with Gen. McChrystal
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:40 AM
He’s not risking anything by going. It’s a done deal.
BadgerHawk on September 29, 2009 at 8:41 AM
It’s easy to understand why Barry is off to try and sweetin the bid.
Surprised you all missed it. Really. He thinks they are about him.
They are the O lympics after all.
Jim708 on September 29, 2009 at 8:42 AM
Putting the 2016 Olympic games in Chicago will provide international visitors with the unique opportunity to witness black gang steet violence in an up-close and personal manner. Many international visitors, especially those from Europe, have never had the chance to experience carrying a loaded gun, wearing body armor, and fearing for their lives as they walk the streets in Chicago between Olympic venues. They’ll get to experience the thrill of coming face-to-face with angry, violent natives, intent on their destruction. For those lucky enough to survive the encounters, what a rich cultural experience to share with their children. Celebrate diversity!
AZCoyote on September 29, 2009 at 8:43 AM
Obama… the Pimp-in-Chief…
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:43 AM
Let’s look at the plus side: Obama will create 400,000 jobs (union of course) that will bid on over 300-400 municipal projects that will go way overbudget, come in way late, and will stand as a forever testimony to the sheer and utter magnitude of the Won’s ego.
yep, I Won. And let me show you my Olympic arena.
Priorities.
ted c on September 29, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Obama is always in no win situations. It is more evidence that his advisers are raaaaaaaacisssssssssts who advise him to take positions that make him look like a complete idiot. Thereby setting up the scenario that since Obama was the best the black community had to offer and is a miserable failure, there is no reason to ever think a black person could handle such a great responsibility.
It’s a vast left wing conspiracy to keep blacky in the back of the bus where the democrats have always wanted them.
I was going to leave a sarc tag, but I can’t tell if this is really a sarcastic comment or the actual truth.
csdeven on September 29, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Sigh…. Aint that the truth…
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:46 AM
There’s, what, 100 people involved in deciding where 2016 will be, so how does anyone know how the vote would come out?
Well, there are probably coalitions of delegates with similar interests; there may be a few that have banded together for whatever reasons they might have. That might represent enough put a majority into the Chicago column.
And there are those with a finger on the pulse of the delegates preferences and leanings. They must also know the interests.
That, to me, is the question I have. What are those interests? If they favor Chicago but there is still reason for Obama to go to seal the deal, then what is the deal? I hardly think it’s for attention, presence, glad-handing and photo-ops. These people are not that shallow. Something is being traded to provide the win-win. What is being traded?
Dusty on September 29, 2009 at 8:46 AM
Just think of the new events this could create that Chicago’s disenfranchised youth could participate in:
-competitive carjacking
-drive by marksmanship
- the mugging, purse snatching, fence jumping triathalon
Monica on September 29, 2009 at 8:46 AM
HEADLINE AND VIDEO AT DRUDGE OF GANG MURDERS IN CHICAGO!!!
Goody, goody, goody. I’ll try to email this article to the Copenhagen Post.
Cybergeezer on September 29, 2009 at 8:47 AM
Ever try to do work in Chicago? I once attended a trade expo there and there were five different union guys who had to set up a booth, you weren’t allowed to do it yourself. One dude had the job of plugging-in extension cords, that was it.
A Chicago Olympics will be one gigantic union payoff, that is the only reason that Ogabe is so interested; the graft and corruption will be on an epic scale.
Bishop on September 29, 2009 at 8:48 AM
Obama is going to make them an offer they cant refuse… (Chicago styled)…
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:49 AM
And you’re effen point is?
ladyingray on September 29, 2009 at 8:50 AM
More important to me, right now we’ve got Marines and soldiers in Afghanistan wondering what the hell is going on over here.
Their commanding general has been given but one audience with their CINC in 70 days. Not weekly, not daily, just one lousy meet.
They’ve got a CINC who would like to vote “present” on their mission when they don’t have that luxury.
In the meantime, they see their CINC at the UN doing the unspeakable, they see him on date nights in New York but not at the 9/11 service, they see their country being destroyed…
And him on a plane to Denmark to talk about games.
TXUS on September 29, 2009 at 8:50 AM
Let’s not forget to compare the sex trades of these two cities: If you were a male IOC official, where would you rather go?
misslizzi on September 29, 2009 at 8:50 AM
Actually, Tony Blair’s appearance at the IOC meeting in Singapore is credited with landing the 2012 Games for London.
Perhaps you are unfamiliar with the crime statistics of chief rival Rio de Janeiro, compared to which Chicago is a crime-free paradise. Just curious, btw, do you think of all big cities as crime-ridden or is Chicago a special case. My visits there have been delightful.
I suppose that from now on, anytime Obama appears out of the Oval Office he’s going to get this criticism from some quarters. However, there’s no indication that obsessing (a la LBJ and Vietnam) ob Afghanistan above all other things is going to improve the situation there. Also, one assumes that his time on the jet will be spent doing whatever he would have done back in DC, thus meaning no real work time is lost.
Bleeds Blue on September 29, 2009 at 8:51 AM
He wants the rent money for the house in Bill Ayers’ neighborhood.
Kissmygrits on September 29, 2009 at 8:51 AM
It’s all about Obama’s priorities. The two wars can wait, so can the economy and health care. Valerie Jarrett and a whole slew of Chicago cronies are heavily invested in slum properties in Chicago, And guess where the Olympic stadium and other venues will be built? You got it, right on land owned by these cronies! Forget about war and the need to govern the country…there’s money to be made!
Trafalgar on September 29, 2009 at 8:53 AM
hey, c’mon. Soldier Field has history.
kelley in virginia on September 29, 2009 at 8:53 AM
This is funny… BAD, but funny!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELa4S5M4V8I
thareb on September 29, 2009 at 8:53 AM
misslizzi on September 29, 2009 at 8:50 AM
As someone mentioned yesterday, the Opening Cermonies in Rio featuring the ladies in Mardi Gras outfits would be spectacular. And about the time I started watching, my bride would smack me on the shoulder.
kingsjester on September 29, 2009 at 8:54 AM
As a matter of fact, I am. Would you please provide me with those statistics? Include a break down by type please.
oldernwiser on September 29, 2009 at 8:54 AM
The Top Ten reasons Barry’s going to Copenhagen:
10. Af-Pak War is boring
9. He’s never been to Denmark before
8. Michelle wants to go shopping
7. Oprah is coming along for the ride
6. Gets to spend more taxpayer dollars
5. Hoping to avoid McChrystal
4. Checking to make sure the Danes adore him
3. Thinks Copenhagen could use some community organizing
2. Danish baked goods and cheese!
The #1 reason…
He can’t get enough of Air Force One…especially that new massage chair
Barb Dwyer on September 29, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Obama’s going to explain to the Olympic Committee that Rio is an abbreviation for RIOT!
Cybergeezer on September 29, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Well Blue,it’s a mixed bag. I’ve been to 2 Packer Bear games at Soldier Field, No problem. (But then again tons of cops around us) I went to the Museum of Science & Industry in 8th grade, no problem. I went with my sons class in grade school, and except for 2 pan handlers, it was ok
But I have been to Chicago three other times, downtown, and I’ve been robbed twice and I was witness to another right in front of me.
Jeff from WI on September 29, 2009 at 8:57 AM
So does Meigs Field.
misslizzi on September 29, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Fix’t it for ya… ;)
doriangrey on September 29, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Love the graphic, Paul C.
If Chi-town gets it (and if Obama is re-elected in ’12), that should be the official logo.
SnowSun on September 29, 2009 at 8:58 AM
They don’t call it “The Mistake By The Lake” for nothing.
Jeff from WI on September 29, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Nice try. No one mentioned “obsessing” but there is an expectation of leadership from the Commander in Chief, and he has shown none.
Ogabe says he has a strategy months ago, then he said recently that he really didn’t, THEN he said he would work towards a viable strategy.
Meanwhile he has made more talk-show appearances than has had meetings with the theater commander.
You need to try harder.
Bishop on September 29, 2009 at 8:59 AM
He clearly has a problem prioritizing, a skill learned by people who have to run actual entities such as businesses or states. Who could have seen this coming?
exhelodrvr on September 29, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Barry can compete and still lose. Of course, he’s not after victory.
Chicago’s Olympic Committee realized that they needed to out-socialist socialists from other nations in front of a socialist IOC, so they got the Socialist-in-Chief.
If Obama doesn’t have a guarantee from the IOC, then he’s even more stupid than I thought.
The advantage of having the Olympics in Chicago is that they’ll be on Central Time for once. When I watched the last Olympics with my family I kept making friendly wagers on who would win any of the competitions, and I kept winnings. I finally confessed that none of it was live and that I had seen the results on the internet.
Ampleforth on September 29, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Like Rush said yesterday, Obama has probably talked several times to Mayor Daley about the Olympics and only once to the Field Commander responsible for the lives of Americans fighting and dying in Afghanistan. Priorities.
kingsjester on September 29, 2009 at 9:01 AM
When Obama first started making noise about running for president, I insisted that this country would never elect a liberal black or liberal woman because the country was basically conservative. Boy was I wrong. But I think the concept has been borne out. The guy is an abject failure on every level except spreading bull$hit, lies, and half-truths.
If one positive result comes from his failed presidency, I hope it will be to put to rest, once and for all, Americans willingness to accept the democrats despicable practice of identity politics.
csdeven on September 29, 2009 at 9:02 AM
This trip is Historic.
LibTired on September 29, 2009 at 9:04 AM
I’m sure it’s going to be #1, but wouldn’t it be sweet if it were #2?!
stvnscott on September 29, 2009 at 9:05 AM
The cargo hold of Air Force One is full of taxpayers dollars to be used as bribes and payoffs. It’s the Chicago way.
Yoop on September 29, 2009 at 9:07 AM
It all smells fishy to me.
truegrits on September 29, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Congratulations Obama! You just won the presidency of The United States, what are you going to do?
I’m going to
Disney Worldthe Tivoli!Laura in Maryland on September 29, 2009 at 9:08 AM
We need competitive justice here. South America has NEVER hosted the olympics. They need hope. They need change.
Olympic justice!
Mojave Mark on September 29, 2009 at 9:10 AM
‘Cause I’m a Travelin’ Man,
Made a lot of stops…all over the world….
kingsjester on September 29, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Show up on Jay Leno and insult Special Olympians – Check.
Show up on Letterman and check out heart-shaped potato – Check.
Get involved in local Police-Harvard Prof dispute – Check.
Fly off to Denmark to pitch for 2016 Olympics – Check.
Meet with Commander of Af-Pak forces more than once in several months – don’t have time.
PatMac on September 29, 2009 at 9:11 AM
I have to stick up for my city. Chicago has its faults and blemishes but it truly is a fine place to live and does offer a lot. The corruption is infuriating and the crime is concentrated but it is a fun and lively place to live. I don’t give any credit to our mayor because for every good thing he does, he effs up three things. Having said that, I and many other of my fellow citizens would love to see the bid go to Rio. It’s not worth it in the end and will only prove to be a seven-year nightmare until the games begin.
sherry on September 29, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Ed, you missed the obvious option. If he doesn’t get it, he WILL blame Bush. There will be a pretty, yet stern speech about how we still have a ways to go to repair all the damage done by “the previous administration” to our world standing and how we should take our country further down the drain just to show how sorry we are for our past transgressions.
There is no sarc tag because I am dead serious.
Laura in Maryland on September 29, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Hey, Ogabe had to do his voice-over spot for the George Lopez talk show, he doesn’t have time to talk to combat generals.
Priorities.
Bishop on September 29, 2009 at 9:11 AM
Bleeds Blue on September 29, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Wow. That sucks. I never felt unsafe there or been threatened (though I’ve always lived in cities so I probably have a different radar than a lot of people).
Glad you’re OK.
Bleeds Blue on September 29, 2009 at 9:12 AM
So what are the potential outcomes?
1. The IOC awards the games to Chicago, which makes it look as though it’s Obama’s personal achievement. Everyone but conservatives are happy, we get a chance to showcase our talent with a home field advantage.
2. The IOC awards the games to another city and life goes on.
3. Either case makes conservatives go apesh!t crazy.
sesquipedalian on September 29, 2009 at 9:12 AM
An Olympic extravaganza in Chicago will give THE ONE unlimited reasons for speeches, TV interviews and appearances before Olympic-sized crowds of adoring chanters… mmm, mmm, mmm.
Yoop on September 29, 2009 at 9:13 AM
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