Blame It On Rio

Obama will be off to Copenhagen to help make the case for Chicago as host of the 2016 Olympics.  Either the vote count looks very good or this is somewhat bold, since Obama might be publicly rebuffed when the winner is announced on Friday.

Per these two articles (and Ladbrokes) Chicago is the current favorite.  Rio de Janeiro is a solid second as a poor but colorful venue emerging nation venue in a good time zone for the North American audience; Tokyo has plenty of money for a high-tech games but is too close to 2008 Beijing; and Madrid is too close to 2012 London (not to mention Barcelona 1992).

Comments

[Jack is Back!]

And Fox TV in Chicago has been asked not to report on the 84% of Chicagoans who do not want the Olympics. That isn't 110%, so it will have no impact on the Hyde Park machine. Funny video on Chicagoans for Rio. LUN

[MayBee]

This is a man who wouldn't even fly to Georgia (US) to campaign for a man who was probably going to lose a Senate race.

I'll be floored if he would risk his world hero status in Copenhagen.

Either that, or he and Chicago are desperate to have stimulus funds build glorious infrastructure.

[murgatroyd]

Why does 1936 come to mind?

[Dave (in the People's Banana Republic of MA)]

I wonder if Romney will have to rescue another Olympics just in time to make a nice anti-Obama campaign issue out of it.

[Amphipolis]

Will the southern hemisphere play a role - the seasons being reversed and all? Would they hold the Summer Olympics in January?

I suppose winter is still rather warm in Rio.

[sbw]

Well, we all know where the remainder of the stimulus package is going now.

Of course, to be funded, each event will have to partner with a local Chicago organization selected by the CAC.

Power to the people powerful!

[Neo]

Oh, I got the wrong trip to Copenhagen.

Steve McIntyre proved that the infamous Mann AGW "hockey stick" proxy data was cherry picked. It appears that the "facts were being fixed around the policy."

I've heard of that before ... somewhere.

[MayBee]

Amphipolis - Australia got around the seasons problem by holding the Olympics in September.

[Jane]

I was living in Boulder when we deep sixed the 1976? olympics. I was all for deep sixing it, because it was the liberal thing to do. I think it had something to do with the environment.

Could it be possible that the O doesn't care about the environment? Say it ain't so.

[Thomas Collins]

You must have this wrong, TM. I'm sure Obama is going to Afghanistan to announce that our troops will have all the support they need to do the necessary to clobber the Taliban, and that he has directed Eric Holder not to second guess our "information gathering" personnel. I'm sure Hope and Change is not jetting off to Copenhagen to get a gig for Chicago that will serve as an excuse for maximum pork barreling. Not our Barack.

[maryrose]

Obama does not have his priorities straight. He keeps diminishing himself by jetting around the world trying to look important. He really doesn't want to sit in the Oval Office and govern. That's too provincial for a citizen of the world. What an inflated ego!

[Whitehall]

When are we going to have the LAST Olympics?

I am totally bored by them. They've become another infomercial.

Remember the one in China with the robots? Scary. What would the theme for Chicago be - Al Capone?

[David]

The money is now on Chicago. There is no way Obama would go to Copenhagen if this thing weren't in the bag.

[Extraneus]

What would the theme for Chicago be - Al Capone?

Gee... Mid-2016...

What famous Chicago pol could we find to sit up in the stands, smiling benevolently at the wave of thanks being showered upon him for eight years of sweet, sweet federal pork?

Children singing... Dancing... A beaming wife beside him as they both wave to the adoring crowd... Lengthy platitudes about the world finally coming together...

Ah, just think of it.

[Extraneus]

What wouldn't he do to get the games to Chicago?

[MayBee]

I love the Olympics, and I love Chicago. I'd be happy for Chicago to get them, but it isn't my first choice (as I've said over and over and over).

I just cringe at the idea of Valerie Jarrett leaving the admin to take on another government-funded boondoggle, probably hiring Axelrod's firm for PR, and funneling all kinds of taxpayer money into Daley's coffers.

[MayBee]

TC- I've decided Obama will tack on a trip to Afghanistan to try to salvage his reputation/buy time.

[Rob Crawford]

Olympic corruption and Chicago corruption -- they'll combine, reach a critical mass, and we'll all be swept into a never-ending pit of bribery, glad-handing and old-boy-networking.

[Thomas Collins]

Good point, MayBee. Photo-ops in Afghanistan might be in the works.

I've just figured out a new activity for ACORN. Given the predilections of their employees as exposed in the Giles/O'Keefe tapes, if Chicago gets the Olympics, ACORN can facilitate "services" for the many visitors to the Chicago area who may be looking for such "services."

[Sue]

MayBee,

Michelle is with him. Will he take her to Afghanistan?

And I agree, Chicago is in the bag or Obama wouldn't go.

[PD]

NeroObama fiddles while RomeAfghanistan burns.

[Janet]

O/T - got a subscription letter from the NYT. I took out the postage paid envelope and wrote a note..."you've got to be kidding". They should get it soon.

and when are we getting some currency with Tim Geithner's signature? I've got my red marker ready to write "TAX CHEAT" on every bill. Haven't run across one yet.

I'm feeling irritable.

[Thomas Collins]

Janet, are you certain that the new currency will have Geithner's signature? Rumor has it that the Turbo Tax logo will be used instead! :-))

[Janet]

Yeah Thomas, that would be fitting.

[Janet]

...and LUN, an article that says abortion and STD info will be left off the mandated medical records. I'm sure smoking, and weight info will be included though. Rep. Patrick Kennedy....represents dysfunctional families everywhere.

[PeterUK]

Why not hold the Olympics in Afghanistan? It would knock minutes of some of the events - the sprint,the hop step and jump. Do wonders for the shooting.

[bio mom]

just another excuse for a vacation with the missus.

[Fresh Air]

If we get the Olympics, I am moving to Indiana.

[bishop]

Right, Peter, and we can even throw in Buzhkazi as an Olympic sport.

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

Just saw this over at Big Government.com:

Newly discovered evidence shows the radical advocacy group ACORN has a man in the Obama White House.This power behind the throne is longtime ACORN operative Patrick Gaspard. He holds the title of White House political affairs director, the same title Karl Rove held in President Bush’s White House.

Evidence shows that years before he joined the Obama administration, Gaspard was ACORN boss Bertha Lewis’s political director in New York.

[Rocco]

Chicago Olympics Events:

Ballot Stuffing
Fish Wrapping
Bomb Making
Chicken Roosting
ACORN Stuffing

[PeterUK]

Extortion.
Whacking.
Racketeering.
Holding of breath underwater endurance event.
Cement shoe high jump.

[centralcal]

Sue: Barack is flying over separately from Michelle and Valerie Jarrett, from what I have gathered, even though they (he and Michelle) will meet together with the Queen and her consort.

[Janet]

and they could light the torch singing "Barack Hussein Obama, um, um, um.

[Janet]

no winners or losers - everyone gets a gold medal just for showing up. um, um, um.

[Pofarmer]

WHAT IN THE HELL IS THIS PRESIDENT THINKING?????

What does the Olympics have to do with anything? Let some other county have it, we've got plenty on our plate. He's also got plenty to do without all the personal appearances and trips abroad.

I hate this guy.

[Dave (in the People's Banana Republic of MA)]

Pofarmer, would you really expect any D to be against a gigantic public sector boondoggle?

[Janet]

wee-wee accuracy
57 mile marathon
the substitute event (Bill Ayers does the cement shoe high jump for you)

[PeterUK]

New events in honour of the president.
The Limp Throw.
The Wadded Panty Run.
The Speaking Marathon.
The Teleprompter Head Swivel.
The Freestyle Gabble.

[caro]

I heard Oprah was going with Michelle. Oh, how I wish it would go to Rio.

[Pofarmer]

OH GOOD LORD.

This is from the guy lecturing us that we're too stupid to read the bills.

Kerry last week sought to change the vernacular surrounding the climate bill and sell its concepts more broadly, insisting it is not a "cap and trade" proposal but a "pollution reduction" bill. "I don't know what 'cap and trade' means. I don't think the average American does," Kerry said. "This is not a cap-and-trade bill, it's a pollution reduction bill"

Is there a hook for this gasbag?

LUN for the article.

The incompetence in our governing bodies has truly hit stunning levels.

[Pofarmer]

Pofarmer, would you really expect any D to be against a gigantic public sector boondoggle?

I don't know, but the obvious idiocy in this administration is really starting to grate on me. Add in the obvious Marxists/Socialists/Black Power radicals and on and on, and it makes a guy want to march on Washington-armed.

[Janet]

The Speaking Marathon! um, um, um that's a good one!

[Pofarmer]

I keep looking back to that press conference with Nancy Pelosi standing next to that sign saying "Incompetence" and I think, "Man, what predictive power."

Projection indeed. There needs to be some way for folks from sane places to vote in some of these races, or something.

[CrashX]

Wow, he really is dumber than Dubya.

It's just too bad that liberals pride themselves on their superior intellect. Even GW had a stronger brush with reality, running a business with the family money for a bit.

Seriously, is there anything that isn't above this idiot's pay grade?

[Janet]

Special Olympics bowling
Urban Bike Riding
4:30 am Reading Marathon
Hut Building

[Strawman Cometh]

Po,
Your senator Kit Bond is on CNN slamming the 0 for going to Copenhagen when he should be taling to McCrystal.

[Old Lurker]

"Newly discovered evidence shows the radical advocacy group ACORN has a man in the Obama White House."

Hey Sara...tell us something new!

Oh...you mean somebody ELSE...

[PeterUK]

" Add in the obvious Marxists/Socialists/Black Power radicals and on and on,"

There is no "add on" about it that is exactly who the administration is.

[CrashX]

The world absolutely HATES America - and for good reason!

I just hope that Obama's presence will be enough...

If the world's love for Obama can bring the Olympics to Chicago, then a lasting world peace is only one more speech away!!!

The time for debate is OVER. So pack up your racist vitriol and get with the program.

But I guess it's too much to ever hope he could change the minds of a bunch of backwards bigots like you people. I'm just glad to know that the world recognizes what a wonderful man we have FINALLY leading our horrible nation out of the abyss.

Oops, I just messed myself thinking about him - sorry.

[bishop]

So when he wrote the Op Ed, countering hers in the Washington Post, he didn't know what he was talking about; 'why the long face, John'

[Pofarmer]

Po,
Your senator Kit Bond is on CNN slamming the 0 for going to Copenhagen when he should be taling to McCrystal.

Good for Kit, I don't know why it's taken this long for him to find his voice, though. I'm kind of sorry to see him go, but I'm seriously thinking about actively working against Roy Blunt. I wish someone would mount a strong primary campaign against him.

[Strawman Cometh]

Newly discovered evidence shows the radical advocacy group ACORN has another man in the Obama White House.
fixed that for biggov
Yeah, and Obama makes two, at least.

[Janet]

Dodgebat (New Black Panther Party will referee)

[Porchlight]

I don't want Chicago to get the Olympics, but if they did, it would be really effing sweet if Obama lost in 2012 and left the WH in a cloud of corruption and disgrace...fast forward to summer 2016 when he and Michelle have to sit and smile and wave for the cameras like chumps in summer 2016 at the Games as President Palin cruises to re-election. LOL

[PeterUK]

"Your senator Kit Bond is on CNN slamming the 0 for going to Copenhagen when he should be taling to McCrystal."

Obama is going to Copenhagen to AVOID McCrystal. He is doing what he has always done,ducked and dived to avoid doing anything.
Obama got the reputation of being smart by never rising to a challenge.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

I was living in Boulder when we deep sixed the 1976? olympics.

And did you even call? Noooo.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

I don't know, but the obvious idiocy in this administration is really starting to grate on me.

Starting?

[Rocco]

This guy Gaspard attended a 40th anniversary of Che's, death.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Oops, I just messed myself thinking about him - sorry.

You know, I suspect we may have our first, all-purpose, left AND right wing troll.

[Pofarmer]

Obama is going to Copenhagen to AVOID McCrystal. He is doing what he has always done,ducked and dived to avoid doing anything.

Difference is now, lives are on the line.

Not that I'm convinced he cares.

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

I love the Olympics and I can't stand the idea that Obama and his minions might have any connection to them at all. I don't want him sullying them.

I know I've told this before, but I was in training as an Olympic swimmer (starting at about 7 years old) until I thought I'd show off for some boy one day when I was a teen and screwed up a dive off the high board (where I had no business being) and got hurt and ended any dreams I had to be an Olympic medal winner or even a participant.
A disappointment for which I only had myself to blame, but a huge downer nonetheless.

[Jane]

Charlie,

I called. You didn't pick up.

I feel a song coming on:

Hmm Hmm Hmm

Barack Hussein Obama

He wants to kill yo mama

He's stealing your wealth

To destroy your health

With the aid of big fat pharma.

[Pofarmer]

Starting?

O.K.

But, as the media continues spiking stories, it's getting a little depressing. I heard a little snippet on the radio today that the ACORN scandal is really just a very limited problem and that this groovy organization is doing an internal investigation to insure that they remain pure as the wind driven snow.

O.K.

I embellished a little, but, not much.

[Thomas Collins]

In the weight events, in addition to the shot put, the Chicago Olympics will have the note put, in honor of Obama putting his notes on Ayers' desk so Ayers could write O's book.

[Elliott]

It would be reminiscent of McCarry's "Better Angels" for the Olympic Games in Chicago to be attended by a President Jindal or Palin.

[Janet]

*Fly Catching (Not a fly ball, an actual fly)
*Michelle will compete in the Bow and Arrow event. The official uniform is covered in bows, while the athlete shoots arrows with their eyes.

[Strawman Cometh]

The under the bus chuck.

[bishop]

Right on, Elliot, when I first read "Better Angels" in the early 90s, I thought that the
vision that McCarry had put forth was somewhat fantastic, the left could not be so contemptuous of any candidate, boy was I wrong.

Speaking of which, her memoir "Going Rogue" will be out November 17th

[Rocco]

But in Chicago's Olympics, nobody wins...everybody ties!

[Rocco]

No more Gold, silver and bronze, just one rainbow medal!

[FE]

NATO is just a Congressional toy, but international. Run a country, retire running NATO and help those aid orgs get cash.

Notice someone was an informant for CIA?

[Extraneus]

3 AM Phone Answering

[Rocco]

Gun Clinging

[PeterUK]

Buck Passing. Like a relay race,but the last one gets the blame.

[daddy]

"Remember the one in China with the robots? Scary"

At least if they held the Olympics in Brazil, they would have enough local beautiful girls to march in the opening ceremonies, unlike in China, where ">http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmoral/articles/20090925.aspx"> this recent story tells us that China has been hiring models from as far away as Singapore, to march in their Military Parades to improve troop morale. Sure it probably got some Red Star's Rising, but was it ethical?

[Rocco]

lol PUK...Bible Stomping

[centralcal]

I cannot not stop laughing . . .

As most of you know, Iowahawk started his own NEA grants and the art work is coming in.

One very fine specimen is now posted at Aces - et voila -

Hipster Doofus

lmao

[hit and run]

"As I have always said, Iraq was a distraction from the real work of going after al Qaeda in Afghanistan where the last administration took its eye off the ball. And let me be absolutely clear about the threat at home when 391 million Americans go to bed each night without health insurance. These are serious, demanding times, and there are those who would do nothing in the face of these challenges, who would run at the first sign of trouble rather than confront these issues. The time for games is...::voice of captain over intercom on AF1::...Looks like we'll have to continue later, we're about to take off. I'll have more to say about this matter when we touch down in Denmark."

[centralcal]

No kidding, Hit. And Geraghty at Campaign Spot notes that job numbers come out the day Zero is away.

[PeterUK]

By Big Fur Hat - iOwn the world.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

I called. You didn't pick up.

believe me, I'd have done my best to pick you up.

[Rocco]

And here it is...the tribute to Che that Gaspard attended.

In the Spirit of Che & Vilma, Stand with the Cuban Revolution! Free the Cuban Five! Friday, July 27 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm Dinner 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center SEIU 1199 Union Hall 310 W. 43rd Street (between 8th and 9thAve.) $10 with catered meal (No one turned away) Wheelchair accessible Trains: A/C/E/1/2/3/N/Q/R/W/7 – Times Square Featuring Representative, Cuban Mission to the U.N. Sandra Levinson – A Tribute to Vilma Espin Larry Hamm – People’s Organization for Progress Elombe Brath – Che and Africa Leonard Weinglass – Update on the Cuban Five Antonio Camacho Negron 9/11 Firefighters featured in Michael Moore's Sicko Bojah and the Insurrection – Music Reply With Quote

[Charlie (Colorado)]

You know, just thinking about it, I'm going to predict that O doesn't think it's on rails for Chicago, and in fact may believe Chicago is going to lose.

It seems a lot more consistent with his general high opinion of his powers that he figures they can't turn down Chicago if the First Truly Legitimate President In a Generation and Saviour of the World shows up to personal tell them what the right choice is.

[JM Hanes]

MayBee:

"I just cringe at the idea of Valerie Jarrett leaving the admin to take on another government-funded boondoggle, probably hiring Axelrod's firm for PR, and funneling all kinds of taxpayer money into Daley's coffers."

That disturbance in the force is me -- what a shudder inducing nightmare! I'm going with sweet dreams: The Olympics in Chicago and President Jeb Bush doing the honors on Opening Day (having persuaded Romney to reprise his role as community organizer).

[Rocco]

The Low Bars?

[JM Hanes]

Porchlight:

Next time I'll read page 2 before posting my Olympic fantasies. I blame TypePad.

PUK:

"Obama is going to Copenhagen to AVOID McCrystal. He is doing what he has always done,ducked and dived to avoid doing anything."

You can't fool me! I know duck and dive is code for shuck and jive, you racist.

[PeterUK]

JMH,

Not with his coordination.

[Janet]

Following the Pommel Horse event will be the Pummel Event - administered by the SEIU.

[Janet]

*50 Kilos of Hash - this event will be sponsored by Occidental College
*Synchronized Spinning

[Ignatz]

--You know, just thinking about it, I'm going to predict that O doesn't think it's on rails for Chicago, and in fact may believe Chicago is going to lose.--

Just saw somewhere that Lulu down in Brazil says Rio still has the inside track, So who knows what games they're all playing.

If Chicago gets them look for the three-legged-mom-jeans race.

[Jane]

believe me, I'd have done my best to pick you up.

Now that just makes my day!

[Jane]

Don Surber links to a video of Obama's opening ceremonies - via AMerican thinker. I blew the sound on my lap top but the pix alone are worth the visit.

LUN - and if you watch it, let me know what the music is.

[BB Key]

2016 Chicago the first Green Olympics.....

Van Jones make his comeback! I vote for RIO

[Rocco]

Grant writing

[centralcal]

Jane: The music is from one of the kiddie videos singing Obama's praises that have surfaced on You Tube, I think. The audio is really, really bad, but I think the tune is to Battle Hymn of the Republic. It is very hard to tell - you got more out of the visual than you would have gotten in concert with the sound!

[Ignatz]

--let me know what the music is--

Jane,
It was one of the various school kids forced paeans to Barry.

[Janet]

after the 50 Kilo Dash, er I mean Hash event, the participants will move on to the High Jump....and we mean HIGH jump.

[Janet]

((The Low Bars?))...you're good Rocco!

[Rocco]

Farrakhan Marathon