Obama: Copenhagen-bound for IOC

Did he really think he was fooling us by saying he might be going? Mayor Chucky told him he better be there or else.

I hope the IOC choses RIO and not Chicago.....All the mayors courupt buddies are waiting for a piece of the pie$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Gee, what a surprise! Well, it's not like he doesn't have more important things to do.

Knew he'd be going and stated so in the Trib comment section earlier...the guy has to be in the spotlight. Is he taking his possee with him?

Chicago has the games. Not that BO is going to sway any votes, but they already know that Chicago has won. BO wouldn't risk going to the IOC and losing.

Aww yeah! Chicago is in the house!

As a former Chicagoan it is nice to see President Obama's help.
Getting the Olympic bid will be great for Chicago and The USA

We are doomed!

So Obama can go to Copenhagen, can appear on 8 MSM "news" shows and Letterman, but cannot seem to find time to talk to the general in charge of NATO and US operations in Afghanistan.

Yes, that is change we can believe in.

Sorry, Mr. President, but I have to re-think my vote. These olympics will be so bad for us, I have to question your judgement.

this means Chicago has the Olympics, no way he will be embarassed by campaigning and then losing.

What a Surprise.....I could have told you from day one that he was going. This was all a big show again. A good excuse for Michelle to go without questions as to why??? Will people ever wake up to this FAKE??? Now if we do get the Olympics the Obamas will get all the credit. Oh My God!!!

BO may stand of Barack Obama, but it can also stand for Butt Out. Between the Olympics and advocating year round school, the man is sticking his federal nose into too many unwelcome places.
Be proud, all of you who voted for him.

Obama probably risked being labeled “anti-American” by the Republicans if he didn’t go to Copenhagen, but now they’ll trash him for abandoning the country…

http://www.political-buzz.com/

GAG - How disgusting that man is - showing up on his white horse to save the day with Oprah on the stage - doesn't he have more important things to do??

Screw all the Obama Haters Deal with it!! GO CHICAGO 2016! I know plenty of folks who will be more than happy to be working on construction for years to come if we get the bid! Hmm yeh getting more money to fix our infastructure and putting people to work... How Horrible..

"How does he have time for this?" I don't know, maybe it's in his and our potential interest to bring more money and interest to Chicago--which is in the country that he's president of, by the way. This is a diplomatic situation

Surpr-i- i-ise..How he can resist...celebrity with no job to do

And each of the IOC members will receive a Chia Obama as a token of his appreciation.

This guy is a joke. Hard lesson to learn, never ever vote for self centered, thin skinned, community organizer for President. How is that O'bama thing working for everyone?????

Chicago's in da house Copenhagen!
Deal with it haters! Chicago 2016!

MAYBE OPRAH AND OBAMA CAN PAY FOR THE OLYMPICS INSTEAD OF THE POOR TAX PAYERS!!!!!

it was obvious he was going all along. He always wants to make such a grand entrance.....Go Rio! Chicago taxpayers should not have to pay for Daley's overruns on the project especially when it will be full of corruption.

I'm sure the whole time he's on Air Force one he'll just be sleeping and reading Sports Illustrated. Last I checked his Plane isn't much different than the Oval Office. I guarantee this isn't taking him away from any work that needs to be done. Good for him.

Wonder how many lives OB will spit out on his TelePrompTerr, but wil be paid for by the taxpayers another Obama waste.

This is another tremendous first for the Obama administration. Bravo! I have to ask, why is Chicago native/Secretary of State Hillary Clinton traveling elsewhere (she previously posted strong support of the bid)? No matter, the bid will be very strong.

I object that I have to pay for such inappropriate behavior. The entire cost of this trip should be paid by Chicago.

Let's see Iran is launching missiles, we need an answer on sending more troops before we lose the war in Afghanistan, people are STILL losing their homes, we are suppose to be having a jobless recovery (and direct contradiction in terms) therefore we will still have as many unemployed at the end of this depression, spending is out of control with our government and Obama is taking off the morning to spend more money increase his carbon foot print to get the Olympics.. does anyone know how to say inept leadership all over the place??

Go Ghicago!!!! We will win for the city, the economy and the glory! All of you haters go take a hike! Get out of town. We don't want you here! Morons....

It doesn't matter what Obama does - any story with his name in it that allows comments will generate a bunch of whining. People - STOP WHINING and deal with it. He's our President, probably for 8 years, given the lack of a real alternative and you can either get on board and start generating positive energy or get left behind.

WHEW!

A hard reality check is in order! The host city decision has already been made. Any one of the finalist cities would put on a great Olympics. So the decision was really based on money and quid quo pro deals.

Does anyone really think that a TV celebrity (Oprah), various administration flunkies, and assorted other junket attendees have the influence to push this to Chicago with some impassioned last minute speech? Dream On! Even Oprah, with all her contrived empathy skills, can’t do it. And will someone please stop Michelle Obama from delivering her whiny poor little me South Side Chicago story. Be happy that you married well.

I believe Chicago was a lock for the 2016 Olympics the day Obama was elected. As U.S. President, he has the most money and influence to trade. A little more direct foreign aid for one vote, targeted money funneled through the U.N. for another vote, previously stalled but soon to be approved U.S. arms and technology sales for another vote….and on and on. The opportunities for well hidden back room U.S. deals are almost endless.

What really pushed the Olympics to Chicago are Obama’s direct Chicago connection and his willingness to push all the right influence buttons.

Congratulations Chicago for being awarded the 2016 Olympics.

Look at Barcelona since the 1992 Olympics. Like them, Chicago will become an international hotstop after the Olympics! This Texan is glad Obama is going to Denmark in support of Chicago and America.

Look at Barcelona since the 1992 Olympics. Like that city, Chicago will become an international hotstop after the Olympics! Obama is going to Denmark in support of Chicago AND America. All you naysayers have way too much time on your hands. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your city. Get a life!

Obama 2012! Chicago 2016!

all you are fools for ripping on obama for going . maybe he should just hide out at his texas ranch while everything is going to he11 ?oh wait..that was bushy

The world is falling apart around us, Afghanistan is on the verge of being a lost cause, Iran is building atomic weapons, and this poser of a President is flying off to do Mayor Daley's corrupt bidding.
What a disaster Obama has become!

A strong sign that Chicago is in pole position. Hopefully, if it does happen, it will be the incentive we need to bring the city's infrastructure, particularly our transit and highways, up beyond the modest promises in our bid book. As for knowing how to throw a good party and put on a good event, I think we've got that covered.

By the way John @10:16, the games haven't been awarded yet. There's still a few days' more work to do and this is a closely matched field of candidate cities.

Funny how no one mentions the censorship applied to the local Fox affiliate who tried to air an anti Chicago olympics story and was to by the mayor not to. All this event will create is graft and corruption for our local dear leader. And a bunch of low paying short term jobs. Has anyone given any thought to the impact this will have on the Field Museum, the Shedd and Adlar, which will be under lock-down because of security, or the disruptions to travel of local citizens? Of course not, because no one cares about any of us, we're just little people.

Ever forward, ever upward, progress, progress...progress. Yup...

An all important issue for the ankle biters. Proving daily that...to coin a phrase from Van Jones.......opinions are like ...hmmmm....republicans. They all have one.

So if the President is going why does Jarret and Duncan need to go? I can see Michelle going with him - but why do we have to pay to way for Jarrett and Duncan?

I don't quite understand what all the fuss is about. The Olympics will inject billions of dollars into the local economy for many years to come, create thousands of jobs, facilitate much badly needed infrastructure improvements, all of which I find quite appealing. Of course many of those dollars will go to line the pockets of local pols and the well connected, but let's face it, corruption is a big part of Chicago history and things haven't changed as much as we like to think sometimes...

Everybody on this board bashing Obama for taking out 8 hours of his work schedule to help his country and his city get the Olympics, which is an honor to host, probably were defending Bush every time he went to his Texas ranch for a "working" vacation (more vacation time than any other president). And yes, 8 hours is a reasonable estimate because Air Force One is basically the same as being in the Oval Office.

well now lets see...If I had a
choice....Chicago is not fit to
be on any list....just look at
how dirty chicago politics has
moved into the whitehouse...no
it should go to Brazil...and its
not like we don't have enough
problems here in the US he
has to go to Finland to Make
a Deal for Chicago...OyVay

We are playing the remaining card-- At least if we don't get the games, we can say that we gave it our best shot-- If we get the games, "PARTY ON' at 9am Friday.

Remember how horrible the 1984 Olympics was? No, it was a patriotic moment for our country. Don't care to even want to try to understand the hate out there for this. Hope we are lucky enough to have the Olympics in Chicago come 2016. Glad to see the president has made time to support this.

Hopefully he will stay there so our troops will have one less couple to protect. I see this as oh so important that we will be short 40,000 Troops protecting freedom, but hey, Obama to save the day for the corruption in Chicago and Washington.

If Chi-town gets the bid Obama will have an excuse to spend more of the $650 BILLION stimulate money that
earmarked to create jobs. SHOVEL READY!!!

I can accept that some people don't want the Games. What I have a hard time with is those who see this all as a grand conspiracy and that anyone involved is somehow corrupt or otherwise bad.

This will be great for the city!

yes indeed....it is quite obvious to the posters that the Olympics are not worth the trouble. That must be why so many other countries are going.

Never heard from all these Obama haters (Racist Republicans) when Bush was busy setting the world on fire and making a huge mess of this country and its economy. Also for those chicagoans who do not like Chicago and its politics, maybe you should move to Detroit. You will love it there!

Awesome - bring the games to Chicago! Good luck to our President & First Lady!

Mark:

In the future just put up the topic "Obama -- Discuss" -- 95% of the wingnuts' comments are identical irrespective of the subject at hand.

Good luck Chicago. I plan to make a killing on 2016. Just haven't figured out how.

Yeah Obama! Yeah Chicago! Yeah Olympics!

Hey all you Obama haters! If you don't clean the spittle off your keyboards the keys will stick and you'll just end up typing the same thing over and over and...

I sincerely hope you all you loyal boot licking Democrats, remain happy with the status quo. That said, the President needs to be taking care of other urgent matters, rather than trying to pay back his debt to the Chicago machine. I for one hope it all falls through, as "His Honor" has promised to guarantee the success of the Olympics, on the backs of the Illinois taxpayers.
And let us not forget that the current acting governor has in the past said that the state income tax needed to be increased, but now says no to the increase. Anyone out there like to buy the Empire State building?
Before the hard working and honest citizens of Illinois take on this debt you need to clean up Chicago and Springfield..., Good Luck.

Dear Deal with it Haters!

Where do you think the money will come from to improve the infrastructure? US, that's who. Do you have discretionary funds the government can have to fund this? No? I didn't think so!

Over the weekend, rallies were held in Madrid and Rio, with over half-a-million people attending the Madrid rally.

Let Madrid have the Olympics.

How ironic. Every time Obama speaks to a foreign audience he says America sucks and is guilty of "arrogance." And now, to ensure giant lucrative contracts for those "hooked up" with Daley's Machine, he is traveling to Europe to convince foreigners to visit Chicago. He will have to explain why America sucks but Chicago is OK. I think his trying to square this circle is itself "arrogant."

Obama is wasting too much time on non essential issues. Wasting way too much time on air travel. He needs to start focusing on the big problems we have. He needs a much stronger sfaff behind him. This trip is not necessary.

Illinois remains among states that have failed to ratify ERA. With Oprah and Obama pushing Chicago for the Olympics, connect Title IX, which has made it possible for US Women to win their share of gold, and patriotism. Georgia and Utah, where recent Olympic gold has been mined, proudly stand with Illinois in the rejection of Equal Rights for their female citizens.

Frank: you are an idiot. Copenhagen is in Denmark, you jackass.

A real shocker. Everyone knew he was going. Every skeevy Cook County Democrat (yes, I know that's redundant) still has to kiss King Richie's ring on demand.

Seeing how this guy has to be in front of the camera at every possible moment, let's hope there is a camera present when he bows to kiss the ring of his leader, the King of Corruption.

Perhaps he will have time to see how The Danes work their health care system oh by the way The danes have highest standard of living and 100 % health care is part of it, Check it out Mr President and Please report back to our lame left an right wingers so they get it.

FOX-TV CHICAGO ORDERED NOT TO RUN ANTI-OLYMPICS STORY
Sun Sep 27 2009 21:56:11 ET

A local TV station that reported on Chicagoans NOT wanting the Olympics has been told NOT to run the report again, insiders tell the DRUDGE REPORT!

The Chicago Olympic Committee told FOX Chicago that its broadcast "would harm Chicago's chances" to be awarded the games.

The station's news director ordered staff to hold fire after the report aired once last Thursday morning, claims a source.

Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio are mounting strong bids for the honor to host in 2016.

The International Olympic Committee makes its decision on Friday. President Obama will lead the in-person push.

Greetings from Copenhagen: We are honored that your president will visit our country! Just hope he will have some time for sightseeing!

More fraud,waste, and abuse of perks of the office!

Why would the IOC award the Olympics to the Crime Capital of the world?

Let's hope the IOC has not drunk the kool-aid and is not all hopey & changey!

Who in their right minds would
prefer Chicago to Rio, Madrid,
or Japan?

I was based in South Korea during the 88 Olympics and saw them then. I saw the Atlanta Olympics too. Chicago has not had anything like this since the "World's Fair.' It is time for Chicago to remind the world how great we are.

If we get them be proud and show the world we it means to be a Chicagoan!

At least Hillary can find comfort in realizing it wasn't personal..obama is an equal opportunity misogynist! His clear message here is that he believes that you don't send a woman to do a mans job...or possibly, a woman's place is in the garden!!! Ha Ha Ha. Where ar you, feminazis?? Even I didn't think he'd throw his own wife under the bus. His initial announcement that Michelle would handle the presentation shows how unfit he is for the top job. If he couldn't figure out how to best handle a simple presentation to the Olympic committee, good luck with Iran,the Norks, etc. What a dope.

Switzerland, France and Poland have eight votes on the IOC. They will want to cut a deal. Get Polanski off the hook in California, then let's talk.

Obama is a NARCISSIST who must show everyone how popular he is becoming.
Chicago cannot afford the Olympics it will bankrupt the city except for Daley, Emanuel, Madigan, Quinn, Obama, Axelrod, Jarrett and their friends.

What a waste of time and money to be sending 2 747's and numerous air force planes filled to the gills. This trip will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars for a quick 24 hours....So much for watching out for Washington spending $$ where it is not needed. Lets give some more to the banks!!

Since we are a poll-happy society these days, tell me, how do the people of Chicago feel about the Olympics coming to their city? I haven't seen any stats on that yet?

Greetings from Copenhagen: We are honored that your president will visit our country! Just hope he will have some time for sightseeing!

Posted by: Soren | September 28, 2009 11:58 AM

It's a beatiful, energetic City.

Do us a favor: If you spot Obama in Christianshaven, keep that on the down-low. Wink wink.

Let's see, we have the situation in Iran with Israel ready to bomb them into coucous.

We have the situation with the impeding threat of North Korea.

We have the situation in Afghanistan with the need for more troops.

We have the situation here at home with healthcare reform, taxes, unemployment and the threat of swine flu.

And what does Obama feel is the highest priority requiring his immediate attention?

Flying to Copenhagen to insure Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics.

Anyone else see anything wrong with this picture?

"The president's whole presence there may be limited to five hours"

So the President can't spare FIVE HOURS to support something he (and most of the country) thinks is right for the US?

If you disagree with him going at all, that's reasonable. But don't act like five hours is five days.

What a waste of time and money!

To the short sighted: I am opposed to Chicago hosting the Olympics because of it's world renowned political corruption. Yes there will be a temporary boost in jobs and profits to the well connected. Then once the hoopla and revelry is over, there will be a shelled out site in Chicago's infamous south side where few wish to venture. On another note, are Brazil, Japan and Spain sending their presidents to bid for the games?

And another thing, will Chicago's special brand of cement and paving be used? You know the stuff that can't seem to make it through the winter without collapsing into sink holes?

Zellah got it right, We are DOOMED!! the best thing to do is get the H---out of Illinois as fast as you can before they tax your skin off for Daley's big 2 week 10 billion dollar show!! I am furious the President is going after he said he wasn't, almost looks like the L word...all you idiots who think this is a good thing for Chicago don't live here in Taxopolis! RIO 2016 PLEASE!!!!!!

Oh King of Media is going! Big surprise! he loves the spot light.. I wonder if Chicago doesnt get the olympics will the media, and my fellow democrats cite race and a decision factor? Or will they be inspired by him going there?

Why are there so many haters!?!?! This is great for our slumping economy, and the money used helps all aspects of this city: materials, construction, other labor, tourism bureaus, more money to our museums, navy pier, etc...It helps represent the US in a better light since last time there was the bombing in Atlanta and puts us WELL ABOVE nyc and LA!! We don't need people who don't wanna live in this great city anyway...

I can't wait to rent out my place for two weeks in 2016, make some sweet mullah and do all the traveling I've ever wanted to do. I sure hope the fix really is in.

Just goes to show BO is still just another Chicago flunky. And now if the IOC doesn't choose Chicago, it will because they are racist. What a joke this guy has become...all talk and no substance, just as he was before the election and simply a nobody in IL.

Blinkin,

If you hear about news of Larry Sinclair traveling to Copenhagen, you might have a story.

As a Brazilian, let me just tell you what some people here are saying: if Obama manages to take the Olympics to Chicago, he will have been the best president to Brazil ever (Brazilian presidents included)!

I just returned from Copenhagen a few days ago. The people are very friendly and VERY interested in our president. They want to see our president. No, this has little or nothing to do with the Olympics. They just want to see him, AND, he needs to see them on their bikes, with their economy, with their health care ! It will be good to have Obama there for the Olympics, but it will be GREAT to have him there for America. I am so glad that he is going.
A proud American

The President just got back from the UN where he said America has been arrogant. Now he is flying to Denmark to ask the Games come back to the USA when we had them in 1984 and 1996. Japan last has the Games in 1954 and Rio has NEVER had the Games.

Instead of being greedy and selfish and asking for the Games again, we should cooperate with the rest of the world and step aside in favor of Rio. They have never held an Olympics and they did NOT wreck the World's economy or start a war. We did those things and we don't deserve the Games.

Isn't this the same bozo who is worried about global warming. Why doesn't the liberal media tell us what the carbon footprint of this trip will be?
I hope the olympics don't come to chicago, but I'm sure obama wouldn't be going if they didn't already know.
It'll be fun it they don't!

If the President of the US can go to Copenhagen in support of a corrupt sporting event, he'd better be prepared to go to Copenhagen to negotiate an international binding climate agreement in December.

Obama needs to bring the Olympics to Chicago. The Illinois Democrat politicians can make big bucks accepting bribes and doing favors for construction companies and labor unions. Chicago thrives on political corruption that the voters seem to like!

I guess Obama does not want a second term. I will not vote for anyone that has anything to do with Daley. Vote the DummieCrats out...no more incumbents!!!!

CHEER UP!!!! That is finally deciding for President Obama to be attend to meet to Olympic, so they will honor to the Obama of President and his wife and also come together to Mayor Daley, Oprah Winfrey and many members. THAT IS VERY GOOD AND CHEER UP!!!

Think of the CO2 that Air Force 1 will be spewing during the trip over and back! Some much for our "green" president.

Comment from Denmark:

Quite surprising the level of hate against your president, but happy to see that even americans can see how unfair it would be if the US should once again get the Games. South-America has never hosted the olympics, but now, apparently, due to visit from the modern Cesar and a lotta Dollares, we are facing another glitter bling bling show: Pure Oprahlympics!

Congratulations world!

PS: I don't really think that BO is any worse than Cesar or Napoleon: No worse, no better...

Enjoy the Barbeque...

I hope they choose Chicago. I was just living in Rio this year for few months on business, and that place is like a civil war on the streets. I was twice caught in unexpected heavy shootings (among other few dangerous situations). Once it seemed more like I was at Kosovo or Iraq, with granades, machine guns, etc. being used in plain South zone of Rio (the supposed tourist friendly area).
Rio has serious infrastructure and safety issues that will not be solved until the Olympics. Also, the government of Brazil has a history of over-promising (look at the Pan-american games).

I will be very surprised if Rio is chosen. The city will be chosen only if the people voting have never been to Rio. Chicago on the other hand is an under-rated world class city, and deserves a chance to show the world its qualities.

And who will be paying for Obama's quick trip to Copenhagen? The logistics of moving a president around are enormous. This guy just can't stay at home and work. He loves his Air Force One too much.
Chicago does Not need the Olympics; it has far too many other problems to worrry about.

just curious about the Olympic-haters. Are you mad about the Olympics or that fact that they will be run by a corrupt city goverment? Answer that one along with who you voted for. Because if you are mad about budget overurns on an event 8 years from now, you better be incensed about the budget overruns that happen every day in our city. We need to fix the source of the problem.

The olympics will create international recognition (aka tourism), jobs for the next 8 years, new EL line, new EL cars, upgraded roads, Metra stations, etc. And most of the large venues created will be turned backed into improves public parks...no ghosts towns.

I suggest if you are against the olympics because of corruption, then your vote can make sure City Hall looks different 8 years from now.

I like the Obama's and a devout Democrat. However, this is another Chicago politics of lobbying to Copenhagen IOC decision. I thought Back disdained lobbying. Chicago is not prepared to host an Olympics with a corrupt Governor and in the recessionary times. This is just a ridiculous move of the Obama to repay their political indebtedness by lobbying for the Olympics. It demeans his presidency

This dude does a few things very well and in complete excess; vacation, travel, talk, give prontificating speeches, ad nauseam, and did I say talk? Does he ever work? Not from what I can see.

Bring the Olympics to Chicago. Being a life long Chicagoan, the city is the most underrated city in the world and deserves the recognition of an Olympic games. It will be costly, there will be corruption, and it will be difficult to get around for those two weeks in 2016. But, if you honestly think that all of the "extra $$" we'll have leftover if we don't get the Olympics will be spent on education, roads, or public transit, you're living in a fantasy world. If you believe Chicago is the only corrupt city in the county, much less the world, you're living in a fantasy world. Find a city that isn't corrupt! If you don't think those two weeks of extra traffic isn't worth the excitement of an Olympic games, blocks from your house, with visitors from all over the world, take a two week vacation.

Do your thing Obama. The idiots out there don't realize if Chicago gets the Olympics it will land many unemployed people jobs. I'm sure the construction folks who have not worked in over a year will appreciate his efforts. Go Obama!!!!

The political leaders of Japan and Brazil are going to the final meeting; why not ours? I don't think it's right for the govt. to pay for the trip, but maybe the Chicago olympic committee coould pick up the bill owed Chicago police for guarding BO's house :). As for the time spent away from the White House, a previous post pointed out the working environment of AF1, and it won't be time totally wasted.

Hey frank Copenhagen is in Denmark, not Sweden. Oy Vay. Buy yourself an atlas.

The Messiah has got to serve the King.

Who is going to pay for this trip to Denmark? Probably the Illinois citizens who con't to get screwed by Daley and the Democrats. This is all Obama know how to do is spend money. It doesn't matter what it concerns, Obama can spend the money.

It will be great for Chicago, and great for America to have the Olympics in the greatest city in North America!

As to you who are touting the wonderful healthcare in Denmark, 37.5% tax in income to 48k and 43.5% on income to 66k and only 59% after that. Yepper I vote to have their health care here in the USA

stay over there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So far I have seen Obama try to be in as many places as he possibly can, all with the intention to fix/help a problem that no one else has bothered to deal with or has and failed miserably at it. I guess maybe instead of seeing Obama trying to reach the masses and educate them, we would all be happier watching and reading stories about him vacationing half the year at his ranch in Texas.....oops, did I just say that? For good or ill, at least this president is trying to make our country and this world, a better place. What have you done?

As to you who are touting the wonderful healthcare in Denmark, 37.5% tax in income to 48k and 43.5% on income to 66k and only 59% after that. Yepper I vote to have their health care here in the USA

Posted by: tex | September 28, 2009 4:53 PM

Well, "Tex," if you ever manage to travel Denmark you'll see that people there seem to be content with their lives and have a perfectly good, modern standard of living that is indistinguishable from ours in terms of conveniences and the like (better, I'd bet, than many parts of Texas). And yes indeed, they are happy with their healthcare.

There's more to life than counting the grains in your bowl of rice. It's sad that your sights go only as far as your wallet.

Waste of time - I seem to remember the last President took a whole entourage just to WATCH the last Olympics...and then the economy went in the toilet and he didn't do right in 2 wars at the same time and ...Obama is going to bring home the bacon.

The word is out that Rio has the edge, but it's tight -- that's the best explanation for this.

To Nicholas W: Secretary of State Clinton is traveling elsewhere because she is doing her job, unlike the arrogant president who has to be in the limelight all of the time. His narcissism is simply abominable.

Come on, lets bring this one home to Chicago! I am one of what seems like a few who is in major support for bringing the Olympics to Chicago.

http://chicagoismynewblog.wordpress.com

No Olympics in Chicago!
Not 2016, not ever!

The Americans in general are very narrow-minded. This is another good example to show how they only concern the so called "tax payer's money" than the big pictures. Yeah, you oppose the president to go there, why don't you oppose to elect a president to begin with? You complain corrupted meyor, why don't you remove him? Those folks who are ony blabla here why don't you go ahead and campaign to ran the office? Can you do a better job? Many people growing up here are trained only to talk, talk and talk. That's why jobs have been taken away by the foreigners.

How many millions is this going to cost the US taxpayer when in fact the IOC committee probably have made up their minds before meeting Obama.

to keepenontheirtoes;

Talk about misuse of White House perks!!!! Cheney flew on our dime to Jackson Hole whenever he felt like it. AT OUR EXPENSE and GWB spent more time in Texas than in Washington.. Screwing us as Americans worldwide. GWB NEVER travelled abroad to promote anything!! His "you're either with us or against us" mentality ruined international travel for Americans for eight years

NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS NO OLYMPICS

On our dime of course. I wonder if he'd be going if the bid was for Dallas Tx!

I've said it before and I will say it again; this is a clear example of conflict of interest. This is as much a part of Obama's job as picking up dog doo on the White House lawn. Get to work, Obama; if he is not giving pontificating speeches, he's on vacation.

The Barry & Chelle show needs to remember to take the video of the kid being beaten to death along with them. The international community needs to know what to expect when they visit the 4th world sewer aka Chicago

Obummer. This is change I don't believe in. GO RIO!

Obama could beat any of you haters in any olympic event, and most of the non-olympic ones too (except for whining like little sissies).

He has way more important things to be doing. I'd love another US Olympics, but we've had two in the last 13 years, and South America has never had 1. With Madrid and Tokyo also repeat host candidates, my money's on Rio.

Yeah, KC - Like baseball?????

Something rotten in the state of Denmark?

Not really.

President has, er, sources of information not available to ordinary mortals.

Lots of information ordinary mortals don't have.

Right?

So, things are lookin' good for Chicago 2016.

Just 5 blocks from my house!

Can Hyde Parkers get dibs on tickets?

I am amazed at the depth of hate from Republican's. They would root against their own country hosting the Olympics just to score a few cheap political points against the president.

It's time for Chicago to rise and shine! The Olympics are an opportunity to showcase our City to the world. Here's hoping that President and Mrs. Obama bring home the gold!

Go Chicago 2016!

I bet the vast majority of the Anti-chicago folks out there have never set foot in the city. Fine, sit around and b**ch all you want on these boards whenever the president does something. But remember this, numbskulls. HE WON. Which means there are more of US that supported him than those who didnt. So there! Obama's doing a great job.

Back to the matter at hand: This (ex)Chicagoan supports the bid. Go Chicago.

i think obama will be a best president

Where do we go from here?

I'm not anti anything but common sense. I am really not sure how the City of Chicago will be able to pull this off, especially since the city is BROKE! They can't afford to even to take care of all of the massive & dangerous potholes, let alone an Olympic sized project. I'm sure they'll 'get it done' but at the expense of the taxpayers.

(revised - the word 'pro' was left out - thanks :)

I'm not anti anything but pro-common sense. I am really not sure how the City of Chicago will be able to pull this off, especially since the city is BROKE! They can't afford to even to take care of all of the massive & dangerous potholes, let alone an Olympic sized project. I'm sure they'll 'get it done' but at the expense of the taxpayers.

WHY IS IT OKAY THAT OTHER HEADS OF COUNTRIES CAN GO TO THE IOC AND NOT OKAY FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA? Here are the facts: "In recent years, government leaders have traveled to the IOC meetings to help seal the deal, including Tony Blair for London and Vladimir Putin for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Spanish King Juan Carlos have said they will be in Copenhagen for the vote. Tokyo's bid organizers are urging new Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to go." according to the Huffinton Post.

Bottom line: the right wing does not know how to attack an issue intelligently...with balanced and informed reporting. All we get from the right wing is unthinking comments.

Interesting. I am a US resident originally from Madrid. I really agree with a constructive argument posted by somebody before when he argued that the Olympics will translate into major infrastructure improvements for the city and additional funds. He quoted Barcelona as a perfect example.

What it is also interesting is to see that Copenhague is in FINLAND?

CONGRATULATIONS CHICAGO !!! No way would any president of the USA travel to Copenhagen and risk returning empty handed, Done Deal - Congrats.

Well I am rooting for Rio! Don't tell me to just live with and accept all of BO's trips all over the place. The man is on a perpetual vacation on taxpayer dollars! How many hours has this man actually spent in DC trying to work with the legislatures to get things done since he was elected? Its time he start working with our elected officials in an attempt to get things done rather than cruising all around the country and the world giving pretty much the same old speeches everywhere.

Do any of you supporters know how much just one trip on Air Force One is costing us not to mention the local municipalities he visits what with the extra security they must provide. I am sick of it. Stay in DC Mr. Obama and get some real work done.

This is a perfect opportunity for Europe to now snub and embarrass Obama. Paybacks are hell, huh?

Obama is a big fat HYPOCRITE. He tell us to conserve fuel and protect the environment. Meanwhile he goes on FRIVOLOUS trips just so he can act like a rock star. What a JERK!!!

As a Brazilian, let me just tell you what some people here are saying: if Obama manages to take the Olympics to Chicago, he will have been the best president to Brazil ever (Brazilian presidents included)!

Posted by: Beatriz | September 28, 2009 1:16 PM

And as a Brazilian let me tell YOU:

Sorry, you just got screwed!! Get over it!
And by the way, speak for yourself only! Lula is our President and right now his approval rating is 81,5%.
And to "them" you're just another f....ing immigrant. Keep that in mind!

rt-I have wondered that myself-I hate when he talks about being green-does he ever figure his carbon footprint taking his 747 all over for town hall meetings? anyhoo-don't like him, but not a ha ha moment. glad the olympics are not in Chicago, but not because of embarrassing Obama. More, because they lose money and they will lose alot there because of all the corruption. Now, lets move on

Damn The Torpedos full speed ahead

" Damn the torpedos! " Captain Obama shouted. We'll deliver this load of government cheese come hell or high water!

As we sailed at flank speed towards oblivion I could not help but think of the horrible view of the hull below deck. I could not put the ominous hole in the hull of the ship where I saw water gushing out of my mind. The image of the men trying to fix the bilge pumps who looked panicked and shot furtive glimpses that seemed to say without words:

" We are doomed for the fool that runs this ship "

I ran forward on the deck and informed Captain Obama that Ensign Geitner appeared to be having trouble with the pumps not running. The Captain replied that he had already talked with Ensign Geitner and they had discussed opening the hole wider to drain the sea. Their theory being that the sooner it ran dry the sooner the problem would be solved. Top main mastman Judd Gregg argued against this from every angle but the captain's officers all agreed that Geitner was a genius. I had also seen boatswain Bernanke with a crazed look on his face and his eyes bugging out of his head madly scooping up water with a cracker tin only to dump again into `the hold of the ship doing nothing more than a hamster does in its exercise wheel. I could not help but laugh when some of the cracker tins of water would douse Ensign Geitner though the situation appeared dire.

I knew we were near the end of our last voyage on the S.S. Hew Breeze.

The first signs

We saw the first signs the Captain had gone over the edge one very clear blue day. We were on top swabbing the decks with not a care in the world when the captain standing on the poop pointed and called out " The seas are rising and a disaster is going to befall this grand sea. We will set a course for Europe as I must consult with King Canute on how to rule the tides go out again...... ". The Captain looked shaken and panicked as he stood there pointing off to the horizon. The deck hands stood looking and straining to see what he saw. All we could see was a faint dot of land on the far horizon that looked like it might be an island or a little nearer and be another ship. We common sailors were not accustomed to the Captain showing fear. Now he was showing a form of imbalance far beyond fear. I tried to reason with him. He responded " The seas will spill over the land ". We must use every power in our grasp to prevent this" And thus we ate rations short of meat which made the men weak and our ship was driven slowly. Captain Obama would stand on the poop and twirl 2 steel balls in his hands with a wild look in his eyes staring off to the horizon and ever repeating " What would Rear Admiral Gore do ? What would Rear Admiral Gore do? "

I knew then he had cracked but also knew I would have to wait to allow the other hands on the ship to see it too. For I knew the Captain much better than they for I am Larry Sinclair the first mate and I knew if I made mention of this too soon they would not believe. I had privy to knowledge other crew members had not seen. When the Hew Breeze was in port I was the lackey sent to obtain the Captains illicit packages of Chinese tars.

We had no time for caulking the oak planks that constituted our ship. The men grew restless knowing that our lives depend upon the integrity of the might behemoth the S.S. Hew Breeze. The Captain grew ever more petulant when asked for permission to caulk the hull repeatedly. He would reply each time with the cryptic line that " From tiny oaks might acorns come " . He would order them to the contrary. The Captain had a plan for every minute of every day. He had plans for everything. Everything was wrong and must be set just right by his design. The deck hands were on edge. They dare not start a job because no sooner had they started but the Captain would be upon them telling them they were doing it wrong and setting them straight. Thus the ship fell into deeper disarray with each passing moment.

Cabin Boy Willy Fox

One time after making my inspection rounds I stopped by the Captains quarters and rapped 3 times quickly on the door and entered. The visage I was treated to next was quite a shock. The well liked cabin boy Willy Fox was bent over the captains rail with pants down and bright red stripes across his gluteus maximus. The captains chief petty officer Emmanuel had a riding crop in his hand and was administering private corporal punishment while the captain looked on. When I looked in Fox's eyes he had a faint glimmer as though he was enjoying the whole process. I quickly excused myself as the whole process appeared a little queer. Later inquired with Gregg as to why the cabin boy was being punished. The story I got was that Fox had not showed the proper deference towards Captain Obama. It disgusted me. How could a man with so much responsibility as a ship's captain be so vainly concerned? Did he not know that would only give him only bad press among the men? There had been rumors of Chief Petty Officer Emmanuel wearing a tutu and twirling to entertain his better friends in private but I always assumed that was just a sailors story at his expense. Could it be the stories were true and the captain was unwittingly being drawn into the scheme? It all left me worried as a ship is tight space and that fate of one is generally the fate of all on board. Such light hearted silliness did not bode well for such a serious undertaking as putting to sea. I wanted to survive the voyage and as I only had one more voyage before my retirement from the navy the feeling was all the more intense.

It's clear that the whole global warming hysteria is over, and that the politicians are all engaged in theatrics now. They will say nice things and tread water until it's clear that the science was not, in fact, settled, and then they'll be able to look virtuous for not having overcommitted to tanking their own economies while the big carbon emitters like India and China did nothing. (Hint: watch the Canadian government, which has become quite adept at talking the talk...sort of...while stalling on anything substantive. If AGW goes down in flames, as it looks like it might, they'll be able to hang the Liberal party of Canada with this for years and years.)

Obama's "commitment" to a 17% reduction is laughable because he has no power to achieve it. It was the Senate, remember, who turned down the Kyoto Treaty (if memory serves, it was 92-0) while Bill Clinton was president.