by Mark Silva
Posted Thursday evening, updated Friday at 6:15 am and 9:35 am EDT
Republicans have been ready with criticism for President Barack Obama's overnight journey to Copenhagen, where the president today pressed Chicago's case for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games -- playing booster, as the Republican National Committee put it this morning, for Obama's "Chicago Fat Cat Friends.''
RNC Chairman Michael Steele, Sen. Kit Bond of Missouri and then House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio all have questioned the president's priorities.
And even as the president and First Lady Michelle Obama were leaving Copenhagen this morning following their appeal to the International Olympic Committee, the Republican National Committee was circulating an email complaining of the White House's "wrong priorities" (see that below the fold.) The RNC chairman today, chiding the president for "verbal gymnastics'' in Copenhagen, noted the newest numbers on rising unemployment back home (see below as well.)
Rahm Emanuel, the Chicagoan who is chief of staff for Obama, has an answer: "You know, we'll make sure they get some good seats once Chicago does host the games.''
ABC News' Jake Tapper reports on a talk with Emanuel about the administration's strategy for securing the games at today's meeting of the IOC in Copenhagen.
What's the pitch?
"There's no better city in the United States or the world to host the international community than Chicago -- because of the diversity,'' Emanuel said. "You're going to bring literally the whole world together for Olympic games, sports games, and competition. Chicago's a great competitive city -- has always been that. It has a great amount of diversity and it would be great for Chicago also for not only its diversity but for the economic opportunity that it provides in the sense of jobs and economic growth.
Different from Rio or Madrid?
"Nothing against them, but Chicago is what none of the other cities have and this is again what I think the president's remarks will be, not saying anything negative against them, but you're bringing all the world together... The world will feel comfortable given the diversity of Chicago all the different ethnic communities are there...''
"It will be an affirmative argument for the United States and the city of Chicago. Nothing against anybody else. Obviously we'll accentuate where we think the strengths of voting for Chicago is an advantage.''
How about assuaging any concerns the IOC may have about Chicago?
"His main point is about the international community. It's about why America is reaching out to the world.''
What tipped the scales in convincing Obama to go
"Other leaders around the world are going to make their pitch for the four remaining cities. We didn't want to have Chicago or in this case not have that edge, not have that kind of level playing field with other countries.''
And for those critics of the president's trip?
"First of all, one is they work on a number of issues in their day,'' the chief of staff and former congressman said. "The president will work on a number of issues.
"Today he met with his economic team, on the economy, on a jobs agenda. Two: he has been on the phone working health care with individual senators. Third, he made a statement on Iran with what was going on there...
"I don't remember them, I don't remember them criticizing President Bush when he went to China to watch the games and cheer America on.,'' Emanuel said. "Here we're going to go to Denmark to help secure the games for here in the U.S.... They shouldn't try to make politics of this. I think they should take some pride in the US's win, and you know we'll make sure they get some good seats once Chicago does host the games.''
What if Obama fails?
"First of all that's not how he views it... It would be good for the US, for America to host the world here in the US with a great city, given Chicago's diversity and economic capacity to host those games and make it a world class event.''
For the full Emanuel interview, see ABC News.com
(Photo above of President Barack Obama and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel at the start of a session at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh by Charles Dharapak AP)
This was RNC Chairman Michael Steele's statement this morning, as the government reported that unemployment had risen to 9.8 percent in September:
"As President Obama travels to Copenhagen to bring the Summer Olympics to his hometown seven years from now, Americans back home are increasingly concerned they won't have a job seven months from now as they see more and more of their neighbors and friends lose jobs today.
"The president's verbal gymnastics will not hide that fact that more than 263,000 Americans lost their jobs in the month of September alone and the national unemployment rate increased yet again to 9.8 percent. The president said, 'the measure of an economy is, is it producing jobs?' Clearly it isn't. President Obama can either acknowledge that his economic experiments have failed and change course, or continue down this path and see even more Americans lose their jobs."
This is the release that the RNC circulated this morning, citing news stories making its case that Obama had "jetted off'' to Copenhagen at the wrong time:
WRONG PRIORITIES
Despite Rising Unemployment, Obama Raises Political Cash Then Jets Overseas For Olympic Gamble That only Helps His Chicago Fat Cat Friends
__________
Unemployed Chicago Construction Worker Brad Stotlar: "I Think We Have More Pressing Problems To Deal With Than The Olympics In 2016... The Last Time I Looked We Had Double-Digit Unemployment In Illinois And I'd Rather Obama Dealt With That Than Jetting Off To Copenhagen." (Andrew Stern, "Chicagoans Divided On Obama's Trip To Win 2016 Games," Reuters, 9/28/09)
AFTER RAISING MONEY FOR DEMOCRAT GOVERNORS, OBAMA JETS OFF TO COPENHAGEN TO MAKE CHICAGO'S OLYMPIC PITCH
Obama Headlined Fundraiser For Democratic Governors Association Before Leaving For Copenhagen. "President Barack Obama addresses a Democratic fundraiser on Thursday before traveling to Copenhagen to make an Olympic-sized pitch... where he'll make a presidential push for Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics." ("Obama Speaks To Democratic Governors," The Associated Press, 10/1/09)
Event Expected To Rake In At Least $500,000. "[T]he president will be headlining a fundraising dinner for the DGA (Democratic Governors Association) in Washington, DC, on Oct. 1. The event is expected to raise at least $500,000." (Chuck Todd, "Obama Stepping Up Effort For Dem Govs," MSNBC's "First Read" Blog, 9/20/09)
Obama's Pitch "Probably The Biggest Persuasion-By-Charisma Campaign Ever Undertaken In The Olympic Movement." "While he flies in overnight from Washington and goes straight into the IOC session, First Lady Michelle Obama will have been in the Danish capital for 48 hours, conducting a breathless series of one-on-one meetings with voting IOC members... It is probably the biggest persuasion-by-charisma campaign ever undertaken in the Olympic movement." (Paul Radford, "Moment Of Truth For Obama Factor In 2016 Olympic Bid," Reuters, 10/1/09)
OBAMA PRIORITIZING OLYMPICS BID DESPITE MOUNTING JOB LOSSES AND RISING UNEMPLOYMENT
Jobless Claims Continue To Rise. "First-time claims for jobless benefits increased more than expected last week, a sign employers are reluctant to hire and the job market remains weak... The Labor Department said Thursday that initial claims for unemployment insurance rose to a seasonally adjusted 551,000 from 534,000 in the previous week." (Christopher S. Rugaber and Martin Crutsinger, "New Jobless Claims Rise More Than Expected To 551K," The Associated Press, 10/1/09)
ADP Forecasts 254,000 Jobs Lost In September. "Companies in the U.S. cut 254,000 jobs this month, more than forecast, a private report based on payroll data showed today." "The official Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report will be out Friday morning. Last month, the official report projected 216,000 jobs lost in August, less than the ADP figure..." (Bob Willis, "ADP Says U.S. Companies Cut 254,000 Jobs This Month," Bloomberg, 9/30/09, John Tozzi, "254,000 Jobs Lost In September, ADP Says, As Losses Slow," Business Week, 9/30/09)
And Obama-Controlled GM To Shut Down Saturn, Shedding As Many As 13,000 Jobs Despite $36 Billion Government Takeover. "General Motors said today it would shut down Saturn after respected Detroit businessman Roger Penske shocked GM and 350 Saturn dealers by saying that his plans to buy the storied brand had fallen apart. The announcement came a day before GM and its dealers expected the deal to be finalized. The failure could cost as many as 13,000 jobs at dealerships nationwide and GM." (Tim Higgins, "Penske-Saturn Deal Collapses After Renault-Nissan Backs Out," Detroit Free Press, 9/30/09)
YET OLYMPIC GAMES BURDEN HOST CITIES WITH COST OVERRUNS AND DEBT
NPR: "If Making Money Were An Olympic Event, No City Hosting The Games Would Win A Gold Medal. Or Silver. Or Bronze." (Howard Berkes, "Olympic Caveats: Host Cities Risk Debt, Scandal," NPR, 10/1/09)
There Has "Never Been An Olympic Games That Has Made A Profit." Robert Barney, Director of the International Centre for Olympic Studies at the University of Western Ontario: "'There has never been an Olympic Games that has made a profit....' Fold in all the costs and revenues, he says, 'including federal allotments, municipal allotments, provincial or state allotments, it's always been that a debt has to be paid somewhere.'" (Howard Berkes, "Olympic Caveats: Host Cities Risk Debt, Scandal," NPR, 10/1/09)
In Fact, Past Olympic Cities Have Lost Billions Of Dollars. "[T]he record is somewhat spottier than boosters admit. Athens and Beijing lost billions. Montreal, which hosted the games in 1976, took 30 years to pay off its loans." (Annie Lowrey, "An Olympic-Sized Mess," Foreign Policy, 9/30/09)
Host Cities End Up Paying Far More Than Budgeted Amount. "Host cities nearly always end up forking out well over their budgeted amount. Estimates for the cost of the London Olympics have almost tripled since that city won the right to host the 2012 games." (Katie Connolly, "Chicago's Olympic Bid: Both A Blessing And A Burden," Newsweek's "The Gaggle" Blog, 9/28/09)
And Chicago Residents, Illinois Taxpayers On The Hook For Overruns: "Chicago officials say there is very little taxpayer funding going to the games up front, though the city and state of Illinois have guaranteed that they will cover hundreds of millions of dollars in potential cost overruns." (David Schaper, "In Chicago, Some Protest Olympic Bid," NPR, 9/30/09)
American Taxpayers Could Be Put On The Hook As Well. "Chicago and the Obama administration are exploring ways the federal government can bolster the city's bid for the 2016 Olympic Games with financial support for the $1-billion Olympic Village ... Crain's has learned that senior presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett and Lori Healey, president of the Chicago 2016 committee, met this month with top officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to discuss financing options for the village, the single biggest project -- and question mark -- in the city's bid." (Paul Merrion, "Chicago 2016 Hunts Fed Cash," Chicago Business, 9/28/09)
London Already Mired In "Multibillion-Dollar Mud" For 2012 Olympics. "[London] is nevertheless stuck in multibillion-dollar mud. The numerous oversight bodies and local and federal agencies are locked in turf wars. And the British government has little choice but to spend its way out, recession be damned... The budget for the games has quadrupled to a truly Olympic size: £9.3 billion ($15 billion), and rising." (Annie Lowrey, "An Olympic-Sized Mess," Foreign Policy, 9/30/09)
SO WHO DOES BENEFIT FROM A CHICAGO OLYMPICS?
Chicago Tribune Columnist: "If Obama Gets 2016 Games, Daley Will Be King, Not Mayor." "By going to Denmark with all the other City Hall politicos, including those from the White House, President Barack Obama is doing more than asking the International Olympic Committee to allow Chicago to host the 2016 Games... He's asking the IOC to make Mayor Richard Daley the king of Chicago for life." (John Kass, "If Obama Gets 2016 Games, Daley Will Be King, Not Mayor," The Chicago Tribune, 9/30/09)
AFL-CIO Signed "Letter Of Commitment" To Invest $500 Million In Development Of Olympic Village. "The AFL-CIO investment trusts and the labor-owned Union Labor Life Insurance Co. have signed a 'letter of commitment' to pump $500 million into building the Olympic Village, a project alternately viewed as the riskiest element of Chicago's Olympic bid and its enduring 'physical legacy.'" (Fran Spielman & Lisa Donovan, "Union Bets $500 Million On Olympic Village Plan; Will Invest Pension Funds In Lakefront Community," The Chicago Sun-Times, 7/3/09)
Chicago 2016 Committee, Board Members Bundled Millions Of Dollars For Obama's Campaign. "Chicago 2016 committee and board members bundled at least $1.95 million for the campaign, according to a review of campaign finance records by the Huffington Post." "And while the White House denies that the substantial overlap between Obama's personal and political network and Chicago 2016 organizing committee played any role in his abrupt decision to reverse himself and attend the Olympic meeting in Denmark, the potential conflicts of interest have raised eyebrows." (Sam Stein, "Chicago Olympic Committee Members Bundled Nearly $2M For Obama Campaign," The Huffington Post, 10/1/09; Michael Scherer, Obama's Olympics Bid: Political Risks Even If He Wins," Time, 9/30/09)
And Four Co-Chairs Of Obama's Inaugural Committee Tied To Chicago 2016. "Four of the five co-chairs of Obama's inaugural committee continue to have unpaid leadership roles in Chicago 2016, including Pat Ryan, the chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016; John Rodgers, the treasurer and director of Chicago 2016; Bill Daley, the former Clinton administration commerce secretary and brother of the Chicago mayor; and Penny Pritzker, the Chicago businesswoman and Hyatt hotel heiress who led Obama's meteoric presidential campaign fundraising... Pritzker's family also owns or manages a handful of hotels singled out by Chicago 2016 as accommodations for Olympic workers, press and family members." (Kenneth P. Vogel, "Obama Tied To Olympics, Win Or Lose," Politico, 10/1/09)
Obama Senior Advisor David Axelrod's Former PR Firm Paid To Do Communications Work For Bid Committee. "A.S.K. Public Strategies, the Chicago-based corporate public relations company founded by Obama political guru David Axelrod, has been paid 'a nominal amount of money" by Chicago 2016 to do "communication management [and] communication planning,' said former Axelrod partner Eric Sedler." (Kenneth P. Vogel, "White House Lobbies For Olympics In Chicago," Politico, 5/12/09)
Obama Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett Was Former Chicago 2016 Vice Chair, Former CEO Of Real Estate Company Hoping To Cash In On Olympic Construction. "Until joining the Obama administration, Jarrett was both vice chair of Chicago 2016, the $49 million nonprofit enterprise created in 2006 to lead the city's bid, and CEO of The Habitat Company, a real estate company that is among the bidders to build the 3,500-unit Olympic Village." (Kenneth P. Vogel, "Obama Tied To Olympics, Win Or Lose," Politico, 10/1/09)
And If Chicago Wins Bid, White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett "Would Head A Special Office To Provide Top-Level Support To Chicago." "Chicago 2016 spokeswoman Mica Matsoff said that if Chicago wins its bid, Jarrett 'would head a special office to provide top-level support to Chicago' by coordinating among federal agencies that might have a role in the Olympics -- which would be a first for a U.S. administration." (Kenneth P. Vogel, "White House Lobbies For Olympics In Chicago," Politico, 5/12/09)
Comments
I've got the Republicans Olympic tickets right here.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Middle_finger.JPG
Posted by: MJ | October 1, 2009 10:37 PM
did they already vote?
he's talking like the bid is already Chicago's
Posted by: steve | October 2, 2009 1:28 AM
The games in Chicago, are for the politicians and celebrities, not the people.
Posted by: Beany Lump Lump | October 2, 2009 1:49 AM
It is quite telling that the GOP criticizes President Obama for doing the job of a president when they didn't make a peep about Bush visiting China for FOUR days as a spectator while our economy was headed towards disaster.
Hypocrites.
Posted by: kelly | October 2, 2009 2:59 AM
Well if Chicago DOES win the bid, they'll say they were FOR it in order to get those seats Emanuel promised.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | October 2, 2009 7:08 AM
How many of you so called common folk "supporters" realize you will no be able to afford tickets to most of the events? When tix cost hundreds or even thousands of $$$ and only the wealthy or connected will get the tix.
Posted by: MinisterR | October 2, 2009 7:12 AM
Ten AM Chicago time - let the corruption begin.
Posted by: Grey Fox | October 2, 2009 8:29 AM
Hey, "unemployed construction worker Brad Stotlar," what do you think the President is doing? If Chicago gets the Olympics, do you think all the games will be played in Soldier Field? Of course not. The Olympics means we'll have to construct new stadiums, an Olympic village, new roads and CTA stations, which in turn will lead to more residences and buildings in the loop and south loop.
Quit whining about what Obama should and should not be doing. He has been doing his job for this country and then some. For the past eight years we've had such dismal leadership, we forgot what "working" looks like. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be a construction worker's dream.
Posted by: Jack | October 2, 2009 8:51 AM
Minister R wrote "How many of you so called common folk "supporters" realize you will no be able to afford tickets to most of the events? When tix cost hundreds or even thousands of $$$ and only the wealthy or connected will get the tix."
You are correct.
We won't be able to afford the tickets, but we'll be expected to pay for the inevitable cost overruns.
GO RIO!
Posted by: Mack | October 2, 2009 8:52 AM
The games in Chicago, are for the politicians and celebrities, not the people.
Posted by: Beany Lump Lump | October 2, 2009 1:49 AM
BEST STATEMENT ON THE CHICAGO OLYMPICS YET AND MAY I ADD THE TAXPAYERS PAY FOR IT.
Posted by: Inky | October 2, 2009 9:18 AM
MinisterR: I had many friends who were "just folks" who purchased tickets to any games hosted in the US (e.g., Atlanta). You pay for what venues you want to see, and it's the same for anyone who comes to the games. Yes they are expensive, but so are Bears, Sox and Bulls tickets relative to what most people make. And to the GOP, who STILL doesn't get that all their whining only pushes the moderate conservatives further away: keep jabbering. The sad thing is you who espouse love of country would rather see the Obama administration fail and the country in worse shape all in the name of your hypocritical political positions.
Posted by: Chris C | October 2, 2009 9:22 AM
The GOP bit%hes about everything. This is about OUR country hosting the games. This isn't politics. Get over it.
Posted by: Brian H | October 2, 2009 9:41 AM
Emanuel said it right ""Nothing against them, but Chicago is what none of the other cities have "
Yes Chicago has a beautiful downtown. Daley makes sure that downtown and the Gold Coast are spic and span.
And no other city is as corrupt as Chicago. There never will be a city as corrupt as Chicago.
Posted by: Gina L | October 2, 2009 9:43 AM
The sad thing is you who espouse love of country would rather see the Obama administration fail and the country in worse shape all in the name of your hypocritical political positions.
Posted by: Chris C | October 2, 2009 9:22 AM
No Chris, we've seen the country continue to get into worse shape since the liar took over. The fool whose knowledge of economics comes from the marxists he surrounded himself with has adopted a failed and discredited economic theory. Therefore when your messiah fails the country wins. Keep smoking your hopium and repeating "Chicago is not the most corrupt big city in America." The sad thing is you libs keep reintroducing failed policies expecting different results and all it does is put the country deeper into debt. Putting people to work to host the Olympics doesn't provide a net benefit to society, it just takes money from productive parts of society and transfers it to the corrupt parts.
Posted by: Hans | October 2, 2009 9:49 AM
The games in Chicago, are for the politicians and celebrities, not the people.
Posted by: Beany Lump Lump | October 2, 2009 1:49 AM
You're correct Sir, It will be like a Cubs playoff game, John Cusak will blow in town and get his front row seat, while real Chicagoans watch on TV.
Posted by: Denny Crane | October 2, 2009 9:49 AM
It costs millions of dollars to fly Obama and his entourage, but I guess he can in fact wreck the country from Air Force One just as easily as from the Oval Office.
Where are the net gains in jobs promised by the end of summer from Obama and his "stimulus" plan?
I'm sure the additional 551,000 people who filed for unemployment in September could care less about the Olympics coming to Chicago, but the show must go on, right Mr. President?
Posted by: JB | October 2, 2009 9:51 AM
I want to vomit every time I hear Rham talk. The guy is a total disgrace to this city. Him and all his cronies will no doubt be making back alley deals that will line their pockets and steal from everyday citizens, you can count on it.
Posted by: James | October 2, 2009 9:57 AM
If McCain had won and was pushing the Olympics, would all of the Republicans be against them? I highly doubt it. When you complain "oh the politicians are bad!" think honestly to yourself...countries across the world have had the Olympics. The US has had them multiple times. When we had them before, was it only beneficial to politicians? Was it only for selfish reasons? Did we not have additional pressing matters to attend to? Has a country ever collapsed because the weight of the Olympics was too much to bear? Think about that. Then think, do you really not want the Olympics...or are you still a little sore that your guy lost? Do you really have the kind of energy it will take to despise Obama for the next 3 years? Better hope he doesn't win re-election or you'll have a stress headache the size of Texas. You can only hate so much before you start to go nuts (as evidenced by the birthers).
Posted by: miz | October 2, 2009 10:05 AM
Given the unemployment rate right now, and the number of jobs the Olympics would create in America, it seems to me it would be remiss of Mr. Obama if he *didn't* go to Copenhagen to make our case.
Posted by: JaneR | October 2, 2009 10:07 AM
You can have the debt and tax increases Chicago. This is nothing BUT payback. How much is Rezko going to make? Come one you morons, for you to deny the "Chicago Way" is such pap! It's the way it's done, it's what Daley, Obama, Rezko and Emanuel live for! Power, Greed, Control!
Posted by: Hal | October 2, 2009 10:17 AM
Here's a thought - Obama promised the judges a cut in the stimulus money in return for their vote.
It's the Chicago way.
Just sayin..
Posted by: Evanston 123 | October 2, 2009 10:27 AM
If you don't want the Olympic games on AMERICAN soil....Leave. You are unAmerican. You are a disgrace.
Posted by: Muhammed al-Binjad | October 2, 2009 10:31 AM
Whiners never win!
Posted by: geena | October 2, 2009 10:31 AM
Can someone tell me why Chicago is more diverse than Rio?
The last National Research for Sample of Domiciles census revealed the following percentages: White (53.4%), Pardo (Brown) (33.5%), Blacks(12.6%) and Asian or Amerindian(0.5%).
What is going to happen to Chicago's murder rate during the next 6 years?
The US doesn't deserve more than Rio to have the Olympics and Chicago is the corruption capital of the USA - why should anyone outside of it have any pride in it?
Posted by: Hazmat77 | October 2, 2009 10:38 AM
The Olympic games in Chicago? It is merely 'bread and circuses' to gain the favor of the people, distracting them from budget shortfalls, corruption, fatal gang beatings, failing schools, graft, dangerous neighborhoods... Citizens of Chicago - wake up!
Posted by: Terry Kilpatrick | October 2, 2009 11:25 AM
Way to go Republicans! You've destroyed a great economic opportunity for this great and proud nation. Let the bashing of Obama begin.
Posted by: taxpayer, not teabagger | October 2, 2009 11:36 AM
Too bad, Rahm. Now get back to work ruining the country you foul-mouthed, little weasel.
Posted by: JB | October 2, 2009 11:38 AM
WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Posted by: sickofit | October 2, 2009 11:47 AM
I believe Chicago lost because the city is NOT ready. It has a noisy, slow, decaying CTA system. It has a dying Amtrak system. It's got a school system that produces gang bangers that kill innocents. It wanted to put stadiums in public parks...
I called it. I never believed they would choose Chicago. And I say this with LOVE for Chicago, because there a many, many great things about Chicago. But not to plan a trip of a lifetime.
Perhaps if they would have chosen the deserted East Side / Lake side for the building of new permanent facilities, built up the park system around them. And put in new businesses around the Olympic parks and fast super conductor trains downtown... well then your talking a different story.
You have to make decisions like this with the whole city in mind. Not just the politically connected.
Posted by: Chicagoan | October 2, 2009 11:54 AM
I believe Chicago lost because the city is NOT ready. It has a noisy, slow, decaying CTA system. It has a dying Amtrak system. It's got a school system that produces gang bangers that kill innocents. And It wanted to put stadiums in public parks...
I called it. I never believed they would choose Chicago. And I say this with LOVE for Chicago, because there a many, many great things about Chicago. But not to plan a trip of a lifetime.
Perhaps if they would have chosen the deserted East Side / Lake side for the building of new permanent facilities, built up the park system around them. And put in new businesses around the Olympic parks and fast super conductor trains downtown... well then your talking a different story.
You have to make decisions like this with the whole city in mind. Not just the politically connected.
Posted by: Chicago, OES | October 2, 2009 12:00 PM
I just don't understand it...I thought the world was supposed to love Barry. Something is wrong here.
Posted by: Hulon | October 2, 2009 12:00 PM
Really, Chicago the best city in the United States, it is the city located between the crack and the sack, simply put! Go Rio, Go!!!!
Posted by: Mad as Hell!!! | October 2, 2009 12:03 PM
Hey libs
THE EGO HAS LANDED!
Obama Teleprompter's FAILURE to secure Games for Chicago is just a taste of all the losses that are ahead of you in years to come.
GET USED TO IT.
Posted by: Beau Philips | October 2, 2009 12:07 PM
He was right about the Republicans getting seats... but he had the wrong venue. They'll have plenty of CONGRESSIONAL SEATS after the next election!
Posted by: PointSpecial | October 2, 2009 12:08 PM
FAIL!
Posted by: Steve | October 2, 2009 12:10 PM
Maybe, just maybe, it's because Chicago is a corrupt, crime ridden crap-hole.
Posted by: Joe Citizen | October 2, 2009 12:13 PM
Zero swings and misses yet again.Strike 81 game over.
Posted by: lavernious | October 2, 2009 12:13 PM
Maybe, just maybe, it's because Chicago is a corrupt, crime ridden crap-hole.
Posted by: Joe Citizen | October 2, 2009 12:14 PM
The real reason the Obamas and Oprah went to Copenhagen is to complete Michelle's trans-sexual surgery. She has been masquerading as a pre-op tranny far too long. Miss thing is going post-op!
Posted by: Jay | October 2, 2009 12:17 PM
The real reason the Obamas and Oprah went to Copenhagen is to complete Michelle's trans-sexual surgery. She has been masquerading as a pre-op tranny far too long. Miss thing is going post-op, Isn't she fierce!
Posted by: Jay | October 2, 2009 12:18 PM
The real reason the Obamas and Oprah went to Copenhagen is to complete Michelle's trans-sexual surgery. She has been masquerading as a pre-op tranny far too long. Miss thing is going post-op, Isn't she fierce!
Posted by: Jay | October 2, 2009 12:25 PM
Rahm: Wrong again.
Posted by: raisethebar | October 2, 2009 12:28 PM
Give Obama a break.
Rumor has it that the IOC wanted to see birth certificates for anyone speaking on behalf of their country, so he wasn't able to make his pitch.
Posted by: MisterFuman | October 2, 2009 12:33 PM
Take that Rahm and O'Bama. Arrogance before a fall baby.
I love it.
Posted by: leon | October 2, 2009 12:37 PM
More bitterness from delusional Democrats.
Posted by: Superpower | October 2, 2009 12:39 PM
Jesus, Rahm will never get the backing of Daley and Jimmy DeLeo now that he can't get this thing delivered. Instead of being a future US House Rep he'll have to continue to slog on as an ordinary bagman and small time fixer.
Posted by: Doug | October 2, 2009 12:39 PM
I can't believe they are in such shock and awe that they didn't even make the 1st round. Haven't these people read the head bashing news the last week? Who in there right mind would want to come to such a corrupt and dangerous place. You do know that the 10 worst cities in the country are all Democrat controlled. Most of the people in these cities can't even speak english, they speak some jive street language and can't even graduate high school nor do they want to.
Posted by: Larry | October 2, 2009 12:42 PM
"There are some people that if they don't know, you just can't tell them." ~ Louis Armstrong
Posted by: Dr. Bombay | October 2, 2009 12:43 PM
Barack and Michelle forgot that ACORN has no influence in Copenhagen.
Posted by: Olympic Judge | October 2, 2009 12:45 PM
For those saying he as President is supposed to do these things you are WRONG yet again. He is the FIRST President to ever go off and stump for the IOC to get the games. He FAILED, and we as tax payers can breath easy as we won't be on the hook to pay for all the corruption that was already in the works. Chicago's "leaders" were already calculating their TAKE off this BS. Chicago is a hole you fill with feces just like any other large liberal controlled city.
Posted by: Dee | October 2, 2009 12:47 PM
The One has fallen from grace....... How is that Hope and Change Working Out ---- 17% Real Unemployment Number......SUCKERSSSSSSSSS
Posted by: Jack Meehoff | October 2, 2009 12:52 PM
Diversity? How many times did Rahm mention that? And no offense, but if that was Chicago's only argument, no wonder they got toasted. Please tell me that the great messiah went in with more than diversity. WTF? We deserved to get our teeth kicked in. I first thought Zero was the reincarnation of Stalin. Now I'm thinking it may be Nero.
Posted by: Biffula | October 2, 2009 1:07 PM
Diversity? How many times did Rahm mention that? And no offense, but if that was Chicago's only argument, no wonder they got toasted. Please tell me that the great messiah went in with more than diversity. WTF? We deserved to get our teeth kicked in. I first thought Zero was the reincarnation of Stalin. Now I'm thinking it may be Nero.
Posted by: Biffula | October 2, 2009 1:09 PM
The egomaniac and his entourage lose in the first round. Think of the carbon footprint these morons let loose on the world. 3 separate jets for Michelle, Hussein and the Big O! The world loves me! The world loves me! The world...errrrrr, I didn't get the Olympics??? It would have been great to watch Tony Rezco doing the development, Rev. Wright giving the benediction and Bill Ayers planting the pipe bombs!
Posted by: Frank | October 2, 2009 1:15 PM
As always, the Obama drones missed the point of the opposition. It would be great to stimulate Chicago's economy with the olympics, but the fact that Comrade President put Afganistan, Iran, and the economy on the back burner so he could grace Europe with his presence shows the nourishing of his ego and his Chicago teamster buddies are at the top of his list. Bush was a servant of the banks and big business, Obama is a servant of the extra-chromosome left wing, the unions, and all things socialist in America.
Posted by: J A | October 2, 2009 1:15 PM
Rahm Emanuel, the Chicagoan who is chief of staff for Obama, has an answer: "You know, we'll make sure they get some good seats once Chicago does host the games.''
When would that be then, Rahm? 2020? 2024? 2048?
Posted by: Paying enough in IL | October 2, 2009 1:16 PM
THE EGO HAS LANDED
WORLD REJECTS OBAMA: CHICAGO OUT IN FIRST ROUND
Obama + Michelle x Oprah= Zero
Posted by: John | October 2, 2009 1:23 PM
I think the rest of the World is starting to catch on to what the Tea Party movement has been saying for Months!
Obama - going down the tubes....
Posted by: Independent - USA! | October 2, 2009 1:26 PM
My condolences go out to the Obamas, Valerie jarrett, and Rahmy.
Posted by: gobama | October 2, 2009 1:29 PM
Yippeee! On to Chicagoland
Posted by: Bar Obamster | October 2, 2009 1:30 PM
I can imagine Mark Silva and the rest of his cabal of old media "reporters" must be in shock the IOC did not award the Olympics to Chicago, after Our Great Leader blessed the IOC with a personal appearance. The only reason the IOC did not select Chicago is because it is racist and listened too much to Glenn Beck and Rush!
I wonder if this major defeat for Our Great Leader will open the eyes of the old media "reporters" and they begin to honestly report on Our Great Leader? .... Naw, never happen.
Posted by: slobber | October 2, 2009 1:36 PM
This is what happens when one corrupt organization meets another corrupt organization...The IOC does not have a good track record for any city who has ever hosted the Olympics... Chicago goverment and the Presidents cronies are as corrupt as the day is long...This trip was nothing but payback (tried and failed) for Obama's cronies...Glad to see the rest of world not fall for his used car salemans slick pitch...
Posted by: Chris Kirkand | October 2, 2009 1:39 PM
so when do dems start crying racism?
3....2....1.....
Posted by: mark l. | October 2, 2009 1:41 PM
GET the Troops OUT NOW! Soldiers are dying in Afganistan and our Commander-in-Chief is AWOL. I call my representatives and TOLD them to get the troops out -- inclduing my son, NOW!
Posted by: Bill Parke | October 2, 2009 1:44 PM
GET the Troops OUT NOW! Soldiers are dying in Afganistan and our Commander-in-Chief is AWOL. I called my representatives and TOLD them to get the troops out -- inclduing my son, NOW!
Posted by: Bill Parke | October 2, 2009 1:44 PM
our president is a glorified salesman who hardly knows or understands the products in which he sells, but he had no choice in making this pitch. the fact that south america has never hosted an olympics made our case a losing cause from the onset. i believe the olympics is a financial lemon for the public so i am glad we lost and hope we never again make a push to be hosts. America 4 America from here on out team!!!
Posted by: tj | October 2, 2009 1:47 PM
Chicago also has other things those cities don't - like kids murdering each other in the street after school. As if the IOC wants to risk having athletes or visiters mugged or killed when they come to the games. Nice try Obama...
Posted by: Steph | October 2, 2009 1:48 PM
Hooray for Rio. Obamination is an embarrassment to the United States and I am glad that Rahm has to eat crow.
Posted by: MH | October 2, 2009 1:54 PM
The best negative post was by Olympic Judge at 12:45 stating that the O and Mrs. O forgot that ACORN had no clout in Copenhagen! Too bad that corruption is the norm in Chicago as well as in every other American city where you find politicians.
Posted by: RufusVonDufus | October 2, 2009 1:56 PM
Chicago being the best city because of its diversity? Well, looks like Dead Fish might be right... let's see... Chicago is a city of crooks, murderers, corrupt politicians, swindlers, tax-cheats, domestic terrorists, teen-age killers, slum lords, I'm sure I'm forgetting more than a few.
Obama didn't get his way! See, there is a God (and it's not Obama!) Poetic justice! Schadenfreude! Bwahahahaha!!!
Posted by: Nobama-Nolympics | October 2, 2009 1:56 PM
This was and is about paying off the powers than be in hometown Chicago for the Obamas.....city officials, unions, etc. Nice to see the Ego coming back to earth now that the starpower express from Chitown flopped bigtime in Denmark
Posted by: Jeff | October 2, 2009 1:57 PM
This was and is about paying off the powers than be in hometown Chicago for the Obamas.....city officials, unions, etc. Nice to see the Ego coming back to earth now that the starpower express from Chitown flopped bigtime in Denmark
Posted by: Jeff | October 2, 2009 1:57 PM
It's Bush's fault. They're racists! mmmmm (snap snap)
Posted by: Mmmm mmmmm mm | October 2, 2009 2:00 PM
I am strongly against almost all of Obama's policies. But in this case I believe that it is in the best interest of the nation to have the olympic games in an American city. Yes, I do understand that Obama's buddies would make good money off of this, but this would be the case anywhere. Also, I am a Marine and a veteran of OEF and I do believe that the President should address the issue in Afghanistan immediately!
Posted by: Zane | October 2, 2009 2:01 PM
l am very glad Chicago lost. It means Obama and Emanuel lost.
Posted by: David Owens | October 2, 2009 2:01 PM
I am strongly against almost all of Obama's policies. But in this case I believe that it is in the best interest of the nation to have the olympic games in an American city. Yes, I do understand that Obama's buddies would make good money off of this, but this would be the case anywhere. Also, I am a Marine and a veteran of OEF and I do believe that the President should address the issue in Afghanistan immediately!
Posted by: Zane | October 2, 2009 2:01 PM
Maybe Chicago made a mistake in letting the lovely FLOTUS, Michelle, talk to all the Olympic voting panel for 48 hours prior to the vote. I'm sure she could no keep up the public personna she would like everyone to see. Over the course of 48 hours, they got to see the bitter, angry, ungrateful, self-serving women we see quite often. Maybe they were put off by her and Oprah's "sacrifice", in coming to Norway. Just a thought.
Posted by: Catherine | October 2, 2009 2:03 PM
Barack Hussein Obama. Mmmm!, Mmmm!, Mmmm!
That might work in the first grade, but in the real world it's
Barack Hussein Obama
Ha! Ha! Ha!!
Posted by: BobbyB | October 2, 2009 2:06 PM
It certainly appears that the Dear Leader was an Epic FAILURE in the 1st round.Guess the people in Chicago can stop looking forward to those construction kickpacks and palm greasings they were assured that they would get. I guess the most famous upstanding citizen of Chicago made a promise that he could not keep. Same with taxes. Chicago should go back to it's Drive By Sports Venues and stay out of the real world. What's he done in 10 months? Prove to Real Americans and the rest of the world that he's just a loser.
Posted by: Jim | October 2, 2009 2:08 PM
Oh OOOOOOOOO No Go.....hahahahaahahaha
Posted by: Marie | October 2, 2009 2:09 PM
And he will do the same with Iran.
Barrack Husein Obama umn umn umn
Barrack Husein Obama umn umn umn
Posted by: Charles Thomas | October 2, 2009 2:17 PM
Demorats DENIED!
Posted by: Mark | October 2, 2009 2:19 PM
If Yo'mama and his sycophants wanted to take credit for winning the Games for Chicago, then they have to take the blame, too.
Besides, the MSM took every opportunity to p00p on Bush, so fair-is-fair.
Posted by: jimmy37 | October 2, 2009 2:19 PM
THE EGO HAS LANDED
Posted by: Googy bye Jimmy #2 | October 2, 2009 2:22 PM
Perhaps the POTUS & FLOTUS can host the international gathering of the Clown Circus of the World in Chicago. Pelosi, Reid, Murtha, et.al., leading candidates for Clown of the Year, nay, Century, need to circulate resumes before 2010.
Posted by: LL in La | October 2, 2009 2:23 PM
Of all the cities of the USA, Chicago had the least to offer. Even the propaganda concious Obama couldn't keep the 2x4 swinging kids of Chicago off the front page. The diversity you see in Chicago has yet to show it's positive side.
Posted by: Rob | October 2, 2009 2:25 PM
One way we can dam sure win for Chicago is to let ACORN count the votes.
Posted by: Jim | October 2, 2009 2:26 PM
Haw Haw Haw Obama - Doofus Haw Haw Haw Rahm the short man bully Haw, Haw, Haw - who would want to go to Chicago - Haw Haw Haw Any fool except the president - hyper fool could see they did not have a chance - Haw Haw Haw - nobody has heard of Fat Winfrey outside of the US Haw Haw Haw.
Everything he touches in the real world (not the affirmative action world) fails. Haw Haw Haw.
I am not American and watch with glee as he destroys your country. Haw Haw Haw.
Posted by: ellen o'day | October 2, 2009 2:27 PM
LOL...
Chicago is a crime laden city full of corruption. They dont deserve the olympics and I am glad I wont be paying for it
Posted by: jdog | October 2, 2009 2:28 PM
Recount! Recount! Recount!
Posted by: charlottemom | October 2, 2009 2:34 PM
The International Olympic Committee's rejection of Obama is blatantly racist. We need Jimmy Carter to give them a good scolding.
Posted by: john | October 2, 2009 2:36 PM
Looks like Obama got the old Chicago railroad tie beatdown!
Posted by: Aries4 | October 2, 2009 2:36 PM
The International Olympic Committee's rejection of Obama is blatantly racist. We need Jimmy Carter to give them a good scolding.
Posted by: lamchops | October 2, 2009 2:38 PM
Strange how rahm and the other demos use Pres. Bush name when it is convenient-usually they do nothing but criticize him. This is the biggest group of useless do-nothings in the white house since jimmy carter
Posted by: Cheryl | October 2, 2009 2:40 PM
I guess the IOC didn't want to have the games in a country that Michelle O was only recently proud of for the first time in her adult lifetime.
Posted by: Burt | October 2, 2009 2:42 PM
Bwaaahahahaaaa... it appears as if once again the unwarranted arrogance of Obama and his scumbag tax cheat administration blew up in their faces again.
So sad that the mainstream media continues to ignore the majority of the population to keep touting this emtpy suited charlatans 'accomplishments' while ignoring his massive power grab, unConstitutional meddling and un-American policies.
It's time 'We, the people' hold the mainstream media accountable for their treason. The 1st ammendment protects them from the government, NOT THE PEOPLE!
Posted by: DJH | October 2, 2009 2:45 PM
Barack & Michelle Obama have literally traveled the world telling WHOEVER would listen that America had been the prime source of evil in the world; and, henceforth needed to atone for its past transgressions. In Michelle's own words: "Our souls are broken in this nation"; "blacks must join in solidarity to combat a white oppressor"; "America is a nation that was founded on crime and hatred"; "we're a country that is just downright mean."; "We're a nation of cynics, sloths, and complacents."; "America is guided by fear, and getting worse all the time."; and, goes on to lament that she will face, "further integration and/or assimilation into a white culture and social structure". Hate filled dictum that irrevocably revealed the current 1st lady's deeply angry disposition towards America. All of this from a woman who has benefited enormously from affirmative actions which she conveniently neglects to mention! Along with her husband's long-term subversive associations, his immersion in seditious anti-American diatribe; and, his recent proclamation: "I don't want that (referring to America in its current form) for my little girls.", has indeed revealed the Obamas as the real-life Manchurian Couple. In brief, the International Olympic Committee simply took the Obama's at their own words; and, relegated America to "LAST PLACE" in the competition for the 2016 Olympics. Greg Neubeck
Posted by: gneubeck | October 2, 2009 2:46 PM
WAIT FOR IT:
MSM soon to report:
"what role did GOP criticism play in the rejection of Chicago??"
Posted by: edword | October 2, 2009 2:47 PM
The minute I heard Michelle Obama say it was an inconvenience I knew Chicago would not get it. Great speech, do these people think about how it sounds before they say it? Going to Copenhagen is so inconvenient, how did they think the world would take that arrogance.
Posted by: Jim | October 2, 2009 2:49 PM
The minute I heard Michelle Obama say it was an inconvenience I knew Chicago would not get it. Great speech, do these people think about how it sounds before they say it? Going to Copenhagen is so inconvenient, how did they think the world would take that arrogance.
Posted by: Jim | October 2, 2009 2:49 PM
It is likely the Olympics Committee was concerned that corruption would indeed taint the event. Frankly, I hardly care about the Olympics and see them as a money loser for the host. As there hasn't been an Olympics in South America before, congratulations and best wishes.
Posted by: KG1 | October 2, 2009 2:50 PM
It's amateur hour in the White House and the world knows it. Everything that the Kenyan and his cronies touch turns to crap, so this was par for the course. This self-serving effort was simply in line with the rest of Obama's Chicago-style political paybacks -- just examine all of the Obama 'associates' who stood to gain from a 2016 Chicago Olympics and it's obvious why he'd put his head on the chopping block. Now, in addition to being a liar and snake oil salesman, we can add moron and sellout to the list of Obama character traits.
Posted by: William in AZ | October 2, 2009 2:51 PM
Isn't it funny that Obama is the unifier, but can't get to first base even. He's going to bring people together as they kill each other in the streets of Chicago, his "neck of the town." I wonder when the rest of Americans will wake up to the complete lack of experience this clown is performing in his act as it takes us down a dark path of disaster waiting to happen.
Posted by: American | October 2, 2009 2:52 PM
I'm not an Obama supporter, but I did not think it was a bad idea for the President to got to and support the bid. However, as a Saints fan at the NFC Championship game 2 years ago, I can definately say that Chicago football fans are classless idiots. My firend's 8 year son had a beer thrown at him and we were met with tastless Hurricane Katrina remarks. I'll never go back to Chicago.
Posted by: gparetti | October 2, 2009 2:53 PM
Well well, Rahmstein couldn't rahm it home. What a pity, the poor little Dali Bama and the first Clydsedale did a full court press only to receive the EPIC FAIL award. I guess this bunch of greasy grifters will have to find another way to skim some gravy off the top of some other scam. Please let Valerie Jarrett know that her real estate scam has fallen through and her slum property won't be sold for a confiscatory price to the Olympic committee. Remember Obama, if you can't laugh at yourself, at least let others, bwuhaaaaaa!!!!!
Posted by: Red Ruffansore | October 2, 2009 2:56 PM
Maybe if Obama would have got help from his old employer ACORN he could have gotten some young girls to help with the Chicago bid. Then they could have been used to reduce his taxes.
lol
Posted by: Rong | October 2, 2009 2:56 PM
Rahm = foul mouthed little weasel. Maybe you should have tried playing your corrupt democrat political games with the IOC. You know maybe you should have rammed this down the IOC's throat. How about this vote doesn't represent the IOC. How about hag Peeelosi calling the IOC nazis. How about Sissy Matthews calling the IOC extremists.
Posted by: corrupt demodirtbags | October 2, 2009 2:57 PM
WAIT FOR IT:
MSM soon to report:
"what role did GOP criticism play in the rejection of Chicago??"
Posted by: edword | October 2, 2009 2:58 PM
First elimination?!?
This is what happens when you've never run ANYTHING much less a lemonade stand!
Posted by: Tony Rezko | October 2, 2009 3:01 PM
Epic Fail. Thanks for nothing rahm the foul mouthed weasel.
Posted by: acted stupidly | October 2, 2009 3:02 PM
Chicago has serious problems . Last thing they needed was the Olympics
Posted by: Dennis D | October 2, 2009 3:04 PM
>> If McCain had won and was pushing the Olympics, would all of the Republicans be against them? I highly doubt it. When you complain "oh the politicians are bad!" think honestly to yourself <<
Yeah, actually, I'd be saying McCain was wasting his time and our money, too. Politicians almost to a man or woman really *are* bad, in the sense that these people rarely if ever accomplish anything, and look out only for themselves, with Obama being Exhibit A.
Posted by: Gern Blanston | October 2, 2009 3:06 PM
Whose going to get the dead fish this time?
Posted by: Mike S. | October 2, 2009 3:08 PM
Funny how the brainwashed Obama apologists cleared out of here like cockroaches after the bad news was announced. I love it.
Posted by: Spud | October 2, 2009 3:10 PM
With the Olympics going to Rio, the president is now free to focus on more pressing concerns, such as the war in Afghanistan. He's preparing for an Iraq-style surge there, beginning with the Afghan capital, Copenhagen.
Posted by: dennis2j | October 2, 2009 3:10 PM
Funny how the brainwashed Obama apologists cleared out of here like cockroaches after the bad news was announced. I love it.
Posted by: Spud | October 2, 2009 3:11 PM
Wow, posting the middle finger.....shows how mature the sheeple are that voted for this ignorant President. Ousted in the first round...ha....Barack Hussein Obama...mmmm....mmmm....mmmm
Posted by: JC | October 2, 2009 3:13 PM
The White House if full of "Midnight Cowboys"- all hat, no herd.
Posted by: NoMoreApologies | October 2, 2009 3:13 PM
I am stunned at some of the comments. Peoples memories are short. The media had stories on how Bush "shouldn't be on vacation while we are at war" and how can anyone compare seeing the games with stumping for the games? The President is also an ambassador and the Olympics are a show of friendship through competition. Finally, an example of being consistent with criticism of the president.
Posted by: CBJ | October 2, 2009 3:14 PM
I am stunned at some of the comments. Peoples memories are short. The media had stories on how Bush "shouldn't be on vacation while we are at war" and how can anyone compare seeing the games with stumping for the games? The President is also an ambassador and the Olympics are a show of friendship through competition. Finally, an example of being consistent with criticism of the president.
Posted by: CBJ | October 2, 2009 3:15 PM
Oooh,
The IOC said NO. They're racist. GOP was not involved. All of the trashing was from the other side and resulted in Chicago going out in the first round. Way to go.
Attending games and taking 2 plane loads of people to talk them up is way different. Didn't work, did it?
Posted by: Oren | October 2, 2009 3:15 PM
Didn't offer enough cash!!!! Couldn't buy them off!!!
Posted by: WallyGator | October 2, 2009 3:15 PM
Oooh,
The IOC said NO. They're racist. GOP was not involved. All of the trashing was from the other side and resulted in Chicago going out in the first round. Way to go.
Attending games and taking 2 plane loads of people to talk them up is way different. Didn't work, did it?
Posted by: Oren | October 2, 2009 3:15 PM
Really though, was this a race for who gets to host the next Olympics or was it a poll of what city is the most dangerous.... Chicago, Rio, etc... Crime is through the roof... Rio needs to try and outdo Beijing.
Posted by: Drew | October 2, 2009 3:18 PM
HA!
Posted by: Jack Jaffe | October 2, 2009 3:20 PM
Rahm forgot to talk about all that DIVERSITY of crime that scared them away.
Posted by: livewiremd | October 2, 2009 3:22 PM
DEAR IOC: Just a short note of sincere appreciation for denying the top-to-bottom corruption of Daley, Obama and Company here in Chicago. The Olympics were always nothing more than a cynical ploy by Daley to divert attention from his corrupt administration while he and his cronies continue to steal us blind. This is an EPIC failure for Daley and Obama, and a GREAT day for Chicago and America. Again, thank you. Sincerely, The Citizens of Chicago.
Posted by: Jackson | October 2, 2009 3:22 PM
GOOD LO' RAHM...CAN ALWAYS COUNT OF HIM FOR A LAUGH......MATTER OF FACT.....AM LAUGHING MY A_ _ OFF AT HIM NOW.......ONLY WISH I COULD BE DOING IT FACE TO FACE...LOL....
Posted by: M. Humen | October 2, 2009 3:23 PM
HA!
Posted by: Jacovo | October 2, 2009 3:24 PM
The EGGO has landed on the FACE-O
Posted by: Windy | October 2, 2009 3:28 PM
And now, ladies and gentlemen, here is Obama's Blame List (it's not his fault, after all) --- the media; the economy; racism; Bush; his white grandmother; jet lag; the Cambridge police; Joe Wilson; the vast, right wing conspiracy;
and, the cable networks. Am I missing anything/anyone to blame other than the obvious fact that The Obama Buffoon is fast becoming an anchor around the neck of America?
Posted by: Beth | October 2, 2009 3:28 PM
Someone should inform Ram it thru Emmanuel that the EGO has laded and departed with NOTHING. Maybe he and his THUG buddies in Chicago can scalp some tickets for the 2016 Olympic Games in RIO LOL
Posted by: Bob K | October 2, 2009 3:28 PM
Obama, Michelle, Oprah, Rham all do down in flames. Obama is fast becoming one of the biggest failures in modern Presidential history.
O well I guess the world is racist for going against Obama.
Posted by: Vinny | October 2, 2009 3:29 PM
I wonder how much the videos of Chicago youth beating each other to death in the streets swayed the vote? Maybe the Obama's should have taken school children to Copenhagen to sing the "Obama song". If it didn't terrify the commitee, maybe it would have tugged at their heart strings.
Posted by: Cartman33 | October 2, 2009 3:32 PM
And now, ladies and gentlemen, here is Obama's Blame List (it's not his fault, after all) --- the media; the economy; racism; Bush; his white grandmother; jet lag; the Cambridge police; Joe Wilson; the vast, right wing conspiracy;
and, the cable networks. Am I missing anything/anyone to blame other than the obvious fact that The Obama Buffoon is fast becoming an anchor around the neck of America?
Posted by: Beth | October 2, 2009 3:32 PM
The One = Epic Fail
It would be funny if he weren't in a position to lead the nation to destruction.
Posted by: Failure | October 2, 2009 3:32 PM
I guess the IOC would now be considered racisist since they didn't agree with BO and Oprah.
Posted by: geno | October 2, 2009 3:34 PM
Where is Valerie Jarrett, David Axelrod, Rahm Emanuel and Mayor Daley, not to mention the unions and everyone else involved in the chicago corruptothuggery machine going to get their funny money now?
Oh yea...Cap and Tax and Socalist Healthcare...
Posted by: iggles | October 2, 2009 3:35 PM
When thinking about this administration, just remember...BO couldn't even make it as a lawyer and Rahm couldn't make it even as a ballet dancer. Think that pretty much sums it up...they couldn't make money by working on their own so they decided to take money from the people. SWINE
Posted by: Rothschilde | October 2, 2009 3:35 PM
When thinking about this administration, just remember...BO couldn't even make it as a lawyer and Rahm couldn't make it even as a ballet dancer. Think that pretty much sums it up...they couldn't make money by working on their own so they decided to take money from the people. SWINE
Posted by: Rothschilde | October 2, 2009 3:35 PM
I guess the IOC are now considered racisist since they didn'g agree with BO and Oprah.
Posted by: geno | October 2, 2009 3:35 PM
All this hype for children's games. You so called "adults" should be ashamed of yourselves... but you're not.
Posted by: Randall | October 2, 2009 3:37 PM
MMmmm, Mmmm, MMmmmm!!!! B.H.O!!!
The IOC must be racists!! How else could the refuse the anointed one? The Messiah??
B.O. and his woman got bitch slapped..... hehehaha
Posted by: Joe Camel | October 2, 2009 3:39 PM
Following is a statement by Emanuel concerning Republicans, and prior to the announcement that Chicago was out, "You know, we'll make sure they get some good seats once Chicago does host the games.'' That is one of the most arrogant statements lately from the O Administration and reflects the way they think about the US public. What a bunch of squirrels. I hope they enjoy this 4 years, they won't get another 4.
Posted by: Red | October 2, 2009 3:40 PM
Does Rahm get paid $1 for every time he says the word 'diversity'?
Posted by: Ron | October 2, 2009 3:40 PM
What a pathetic joke this administration is. Where is the Olympic Czar?
Posted by: Joe | October 2, 2009 3:44 PM
Obummer, his old lady and his entourage blows.
Posted by: Willy Brown | October 2, 2009 3:45 PM
Thank God the US did not get the Olympics. Under this administration we are at risk everyday from the Muslim Terrorist. This would just present them with a world stage to do something spectacular. Obama is not a leader much less a player on the world stage, hes a pathetic excuse for a man at best. Marxist Monkey
Posted by: Team USA | October 2, 2009 3:46 PM
Rahm Emanuel, the Chicagoan who is chief of staff for Obama, has an answer: "You know, we'll make sure they get some good seats once Chicago does host the games.''
Why does he think he will be
in a position to influence who
gets tickets in 2016?
Posted by: Bill Nola | October 2, 2009 3:47 PM
>>"I don't remember them, I don't remember them criticizing President Bush when he went to China to watch the games and cheer America on.,'' Emanuel said.<<
When Democrats and liberals can't remember harping on EVERY move ever made by Bush, I find it quite easy to refresh their memories. This time it took one google search and a mouse click.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=akuABJx3Tn98&refer=asia
Posted by: Max17 | October 2, 2009 3:49 PM
Boo-hoo-hoo, Barack Hussein Obama.
Moo-hoo-hoo, Oprah Doprah Winfrey.
Whoo-hoo-hoo, Rio de Janiero!
Thank you, IOC, for saving Chicago from itself. The last thing the city needs is to further stuff the pockets of the utterly corrupt Daley machine...always at the expense of the residents.
It's South America's time. I rejoice for Rio and the people of Brasil!
Posted by: JuliaB55 | October 2, 2009 3:51 PM
MMMM MMM MMMMMMMMMM
Where is my tickets to 2016 Olympics in Chicago!!
HE HE HE
MMMM MMM MMMMMMMMMM
Posted by: biggoofer | October 2, 2009 3:54 PM
blah blah whatever obama wants i dont want
thats what happens when you lie
oh and i am black
Posted by: atta boy Narcissist its about you | October 2, 2009 3:55 PM
So, how's all that hope and change workin' out for ya?
Posted by: AlWhitaker | October 2, 2009 4:01 PM
Boo-hoo-hoo, Barack Hussein Obama.
Moo-hoo-hoo, Oprah Doprah Winfrey.
Whoo-hoo-hoo, Rio de Janiero!
Thank you, IOC, for saving Chicago from itself. The last thing the city needs is to further stuff the pockets of the utterly corrupt Daley machine...always at the expense of the residents.
It's South America's time. I rejoice for Rio and the people of Brasil!
Posted by: JuliaB55 | October 2, 2009 4:02 PM
You libs really don't have a clue. Bush went to the Beijing Olympics to watch the US play, as most leaders do. He did NOT waste millions in tax dollars to go to the Olympic Committee and beg for his adopted hometown to host the games! Most especially while we were in an economic recession, unemployment went up, stock market went down, and troops were dying in Afghanistan because he wanted more time to decide what to do! And after spending 9 months bringing this country down and chastising it for being no good and responsible for all the world's woes, why would anyone want to award Obama anything? His badmouthing us has hit a world wide chord, and for those of us here at home, we're sick of him and his arrogance. Obama is the President of the United States, not the President of the US Olympic Committee. This is what happens when you put a community organizer into a position of power and responsibility...they screw it up! 2012 won't be here soon enough!
Posted by: AmericanBelle | October 2, 2009 4:04 PM
Congratulations to the people of Rio. Also, If there was anyone who needed a dose of humility, it's Obama, Michelle and Rahm !! Now that they are back from their vacation, maybe they can find the time to deal with some real issues!!
Posted by: changeling48084 | October 2, 2009 4:04 PM
Ha Ha "the job of a president". Running to Denmark. Is McCrystal there?
Poor Barry. Now his friends won't get their payoff.Maybe he can funnel some stimulus money to them.
"THE EGO HAS LANDED"
HA HA
Posted by: Betsy | October 2, 2009 4:07 PM
Too bad. A major missed opportunity at generating extra income for the city of Cheecoggy. The foreign visitors could have been mugged twice -- once by the corrupt Daley Machine Politicians and once by the vicious street thugs that roam the streets at will. "Chicago --Chicago, that toddlin' town." Buwahaaahaaha.
Posted by: BigSunny | October 2, 2009 4:09 PM
..50% of the people in Chicago did not want the Olympics in their city. Now that the US lost in a BIG way, they were the first to be disqualified, my recommendation is that the administration spend some money in fixing the real problems in Chicago where their young men are dying in the streets.
Posted by: Angie | October 2, 2009 4:12 PM
Its nice to see that others beside the
G.O.P. is smart enough to look past all Barry's smiling and smooth talking with aid from the teleprompters. Maybe next time he will push for New Jersey.
Posted by: perrine | October 2, 2009 4:13 PM
Have the dead in Chicago voted yet? This result may be overturned
Posted by: Jim | October 2, 2009 4:13 PM
How many more times can "these peolpe" go to the well with their sob stories? Listening to Michelle and Barak you would not believe that he was the President and she the First Lady of the United States of America. The "People" gave him the opportunity to represent the "Nation", not just the thugs that pervade the political establishment in Chicago.
Barak, if you wish to continue your sales pitch, go to the HOME SHOPPING NETWORK. The American people have had enough, we voted for a PRESIDENT and go a pitch man. You sure make Billy Mays proud, but the rest of the World sees a salesman not a PRESIDENT.
Posted by: JOHN PEW | October 2, 2009 4:14 PM
A global referendum on the Obozo presidency.
Posted by: tef43 | October 2, 2009 4:16 PM
How many more times can "these peolpe" go to the well with their sob stories? Listening to Michelle and Barak you would not believe that he was the President and she the First Lady of the United States of America. The "People" gave him the opportunity to represent the "Nation", not just the thugs that pervade the political establishment in Chicago.
Barak, if you wish to continue your sales pitch, go to the HOME SHOPPING NETWORK. The American people have had enough, we voted for a PRESIDENT and go a pitch man. You sure make Billy Mays proud, but the rest of the World sees a salesman not a PRESIDENT.
Posted by: JOHN PEW | October 2, 2009 4:18 PM
NEWS FLASH: Jimmah Carter accuses Olympic Commitee of raging racism. He should know, he's from 'da souf, so he knows racism when he sees it! How dare they deny the world's Messiah... .
Hey Emanuel, how 'bout a pair of those tickets now? If this wasn't so sad I'd be laughing my buns off!
Posted by: Ken | October 2, 2009 4:18 PM
mmm mmm Burrack Hussane MaO'bama mmmm mmm mmm Burrack Hussane MaO'bama Fail Fail Fail
Guess the IOC isn't interested in adding the 2x4 beat-down and the sideways pistol drive- by shoot to the planned events. mmmm mmmm mmm Burrack Hussane MaO'bama
Posted by: John Galt | October 2, 2009 4:23 PM
To Rahm I have something to say. Ha, Ha, Ha, you little measly snot. Of course Obama thought he could sway the world with his coolness. The emperor's clothes are being shed by the minute.
Posted by: Mike | October 2, 2009 4:24 PM
I love it. All the dem's complaining about the GOP b*%tching. For 8 years I listened to the Bush bashing. The calls for assasination. How many books were written again that promoted that 2 or 3 maybe more?? Get over yourselves. I will give OUR current president the same respect you gave OUR former one. The ecomony became Obama's the moment it shafted Americans with that kick back filled stimulus bill. Bush was wrong when he did his stimulus and Obama was twice as wrong on his. The man carries no weight in the world. He is making us weaker and weaker each day in the eyes of our enemies. Oh and by the way GRATZ RIO on getting the games.
Posted by: Jess Griffith | October 2, 2009 4:29 PM
This is almost funny, you people can stay divided along party lines and point fingers all you want. Fact is we haven't had real leadership in this country since 1988, so you libs and neo cons can point back and forth all you want, meanwhile the rich and privileged will keep stealing our freedoms away one bill at a time.
United we stand, divided we fall, no truer words were spoken. Look at our situation, is it getting better or worse?
Posted by: jmanonbass | October 2, 2009 4:36 PM
Chicago is a circus.
Obama is a clown.
The world is starting to see what a joke Chicago, Obama, and the USA really are.
The US does not own the Olympics, it is time you did less with your mouth and spent more time earning people's respect.
You got slapped across the face for a reason! People are fed up with your slick salesman, empty promises.
Stop talking and start delivering, or your going to see a lot more of this.
Hey Obama, time for you to do some real work! Stop flying around like some sort of King Hussein, and start working like a Real President.
Posted by: Niente | October 2, 2009 4:46 PM
Every day, more and more, Obama and his cronies show what noobs they are. They are out of their league on the world stage and it shows.
Posted by: Elaine | October 2, 2009 4:49 PM
Weeks ago Barack Obama and David Letterman make headline news: Obama and Letterman chum it up for an hour- while both of their egos are inflated.
Today: Letterman and Obama make headline news: both of their egos are deflating like a balloon leaking helium.
Posted by: August West | October 2, 2009 4:49 PM
The Chicago chickens are coming home to roost! Who would want to go to Chicago, where you can not even screw in a light bulb because it is union work. We used to go there for trade shows and there were about a dozen unions waiting to rip you off at every turn. We took all the trade show biz to Vegas. Too many parasites in Chicago killed the host. Funny how McCormick Place now says "come back, now we do fair days work". They are way too late. And they wanted an Olympics! Ha! You would have the teamsters officiating the basketball games, an IBEW shooting starter guns.
Posted by: davemon | October 2, 2009 4:50 PM
Chicago is a real cess pool.
Posted by: Ramit Upurarse | October 2, 2009 4:51 PM
So, Rahm said the Olympics would work in Chicago because it is "diverse"? What the Hell does diversity have to do with the Olympics?!?! China is not diverse and they threw a great Olympics. Athens is not diverse, and they did great. So Lame, this diversity crap. This was the arguement for Chicago? No wonder we were eliminated first. Oh, and the videos of Blacks killing blacks in mobs on the streets of Chicago didn't help either.
Posted by: George | October 2, 2009 4:58 PM
So, Rahm said the Olympics would work in Chicago because it is "diverse"? What the Hell does diversity have to do with the Olympics?!?! China is not diverse and they threw a great Olympics. Athens is not diverse, and they did great. So Lame, this diversity crap. This was the arguement for Chicago? No wonder we were eliminated first. Oh, and the videos of Blacks killing blacks in mobs on the streets of Chicago didn't help either.
Posted by: George | October 2, 2009 4:58 PM
I have only ONE thing to say to the libs:
BUSH
DERANGEMENT
SYNDROME
Payback is a bitch, ain't it?
"We won, you lost, get over it."
Yeah? Keep whistling past the graveyard DNC.....
Posted by: Greg Barton | October 2, 2009 5:04 PM
Diversity. Got it.
Posted by: Dave M. | October 2, 2009 5:07 PM
FAIL FAIL FAIL - Barack Hussein Obama, Hmmmm Hmmmm Hmmmm!
Posted by: John | October 2, 2009 5:07 PM
I for one am delighted Comrade Obama and his cronies were seen by the Olympic committee as untrustable power and money hungry dipsticks!.
Posted by: Duane | October 2, 2009 5:08 PM
You wanna know how to get the IOC? They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. *That's* the *Chicago* way! And that's how you get the IOC.
Posted by: frdeb | October 2, 2009 5:16 PM
Chicago would have been better off having
Ozzy Osbourne instead of Obama speak for them
Posted by: spence318 | October 2, 2009 5:24 PM
Kelly, you make comment about Bush going to China. Well, guess what Bush was making himself out to be the end all, cure all. The Nutty Professor said his efforts have helped the economy turn the corner. I believe the market was down today (and yesterday) most likely because he wasn't here. If the article is about The Nutty Prof than talk about him. Where are all the lefties when it comes to the war? I don't support the war(s) when we have a weak president in office i.e. someone who will not fight to win! I was never for the war(s) in Iraq and Afghanistan but am not a "protester". I do protest this nut, however. He is all about him and his "star" power. He needs to retire to Kenya or Hawaii or Chicago but get the #$%# out of Washington!
Posted by: Davis Bare | October 2, 2009 5:26 PM
Great Job Michelle, Rahm and Barry Sotero!!!!!!! The worlds 3 biggest egos get crushed LOL
Posted by: Rev Barney Pflegar | October 2, 2009 5:27 PM
You idiots that say Republicans want America to fail are just that... idiots. We don't want America to fail. We want Obama and his lying bs to fail. Big difference. I want his policies to fail because I don't think they are good for the country. Is that really so hard to understand? Really?
Posted by: kc | October 2, 2009 5:35 PM
The IOC must be racist - what other explanation could there be? It must be "W's" fault! What other explanation could there be?
Ha, ha, ha, the Demoncrats must be apoplectic. Not only are the American people rejecting their inane policies, but the world is as well. What's the matter liberals? You said that after the messiah was elected the world would love us. Well your fanboys are killing our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and trying to blow us up here at home. Iran is building nukes faster than the swine flu is spreading and the Russians are laughing. Our economy is in the tank and is showing NO signs of recovering. You can't pass health care reform because we don't want it. Besides, it doesn't even contain any tort reform (I forgot, you are in the pockets of the trial attorneys.) Face it, the Demoncrats are inept and are destroying this country.
Posted by: Mike Jefferson | October 2, 2009 5:42 PM
Summer Olympics???
Isn't it Winter in Rio in July?
Posted by: Dee Bee | October 2, 2009 5:52 PM
Congratulations Rahm and the rest of the Chicago posse. Your arrogant and sense of entitlement attitudes blew it. You got what you asked for and deserved.
Posted by: Terry | October 2, 2009 5:53 PM
This is so horrible , After Barry, Michelle & Oprha gave so much. Riding on a tax payer paid 757's, giving endless parties at our expense and not being able to bring the games to the MOST CURPUT CITY IN AMERICA. It's all racism. I want the DNC to demand an investigation of the IOC now!
Posted by: Who cares | October 2, 2009 5:57 PM
Rahn, the SERIAL CORRPUTER and SERIAL CURSE WORD USER, should have a "good seat"...in Federal Court being held accountable for his role in the "Blago-gate" (i.e. Illinois Governor Scandal). Also his Brother, apple does not fall far from the tree, is an OPENLY Anti-American Way of Life.
RAHM should stick to dancing as he was a "male dancer" with a Napolean Conplex.
PATHETIC PARTISAN PUPPET.
Perhaps the Olympic Committee did not want to be TARNISHED by dealing with CORRUPT CHICAGO POLITICIANS who spend hundreds of millions of dollars chasing the Olympic Bid but can't won't PROTECT and/or EDUCATE Public School Children! PATHETIC!
Nuff said.
Posted by: Jeff Schrembs | October 2, 2009 5:57 PM
Chicago is an openly corrupt shithole and every mobster within 100 miles would be in on it. It is very telling they told Nobama to shove it in the first vote.
.
Posted by: DigitalBob | October 2, 2009 5:57 PM
OOPS!
Posted by: J.ROSELLA | October 2, 2009 5:57 PM
This is Shrub Jr's fault. If he hadn't turned the whole world against us, President Obama would have been able to win over the IOC and the Olympics would have put all of Chicago and the whole country back to work. That's what the Olympics do. The Rethuglicans ruined it for us. I hope you are happy, Pre-pukes.
Posted by: I wanna be a Republican Idiot | October 2, 2009 5:58 PM
He should have mentioned how diverse the diverse city of Chicago is.
Posted by: Rudey | October 2, 2009 5:58 PM
So, Rahm...Do I see you about those tickets or what? Hook me up, man!
Posted by: Gohn Jalt | October 2, 2009 5:59 PM
Diversity! Diversity! What the hell is he talking about! You mean blacks! Illeagals! Stupid idiot! LOLOLOLOLOLOL Rahm is an idiot playing on race every day! I do believe AFRICA is more diverse than Chicago you idiots. I just love it! THANK YOU IOC! THANK YOU WORLD! CONGRATS TO RIO FROM USA! Michelle who?
Posted by: Bo | October 2, 2009 6:00 PM
Chicago didnt deserve the olympics. Crime capital. Scandal ridden politics and pay for play. Chicago's citizens are suffering terribly due to Valerie Jarrettes, Obama's and Rezco slumlord investments. I think its beyond hypocrisy to assume that Chicagoans would be glad to get paid to work and build those platforms that would be used to host the olympics and in the end not be able to afford the tickets for a single event due to the increase in taxes they will be forced to pay for the olympic platforms to be built.
Obama you have embarassed all Americans today. Once a proud Dem. Now I have no hope and only change in my pocket.
Posted by: ct | October 2, 2009 6:03 PM
-- Barack Hussein Obama
-- The IOC said Chicago's OUT, now Michelle can go and POUT.
mmm, mmm, mmm
-- Barack Hussein Obama
-- Somebody got maimed by a 2 by 4, now the Olympic games are OUT THE DOOR.
mmm, mmm, mmm.
-- Barack Hussein Obama
-- Valerie Jarrett had a room for rent, now she won't make a CENT.
mmm, mmm, mmm.
-- Barack Hussein Obama
-- Oprah wanted the games in Lincoln Park, I think we can agree she JUMPED THE SHARK.
mmm, mmm, mmm.
Posted by: Sofaking Weetoddett | October 2, 2009 6:05 PM
If you don't want the Olympic games on AMERICAN soil....Leave. You are unAmerican. You are a disgrace.
Posted by: Muhammed al-Jihad | October 2, 2009 10:31 AM
You are delusional.
Posted by: Todd | October 2, 2009 6:10 PM
Hello JaneR These are the 2016 Olympics. Construction will not begin for another 4 or 5 years. Please tell us how it will help our unemployment situation RIGHT NOW. your quote follows:
"Given the unemployment rate "right now", and the number of jobs the Olympics would create in America, it seems to me it would be remiss of Mr. Obama if he *didn't* go to Copenhagen to make our case.
Posted by: JaneR | October 2, 2009 10:07 AM
Posted by: Tom in NY | October 2, 2009 6:10 PM
Rahm Emmanuel shows what an idiot he is by being unable to say anything specific about Chicago except to use the word "diversity" four times. People who fall back on this word don't know what they're talking about - I know because I had a girlfriend once who kept telling me about how much she liked northern California because of the "diversity" - thought she had actually said something important, even though I never could get her to say anything specific, like (say) the species of birds or the circumference of the redwoods, because she was a lamebrain, like Emmanuel.
Posted by: John E. Onthespot | October 2, 2009 6:11 PM
Hey Michelle:
"It's a downright mean world."
Posted by: Conserve1 | October 2, 2009 6:12 PM
Poor Raham.
I can't believe it, all of those committe people - racist right wing conspirists.
I wonder if Roham will send the Olympic committee a dead fish.
Bahhahahahahahahahahahah
Posted by: David | October 2, 2009 6:16 PM
If only Acorn was there to count the votes
Posted by: FunCo | October 2, 2009 6:24 PM
STOP THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN & IRAQ! NO BLOOD FOR OIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE WORLD IS ANTI-AMERICAN...not anti-democrat or republican or anti-conservative or anti-liberal (though, again, no more labels please my friends on the left). Have some sense. Obama's ego is too big and his accomplishments too little. America is not pro-Socialism. Spend a minute visiting with General McCrystal, not hopping on flights to pacify your old Chicago political cronines!!!
Posted by: John G, esq. | October 2, 2009 6:25 PM
Obizzy = FAIL
Posted by: Dee Snutz | October 2, 2009 6:27 PM
Rachel sure did have a BIG problem with Grayson's use of a word...
She sounded just like an AIPAC Neocon "dishing out the punishment"
Honesty compassion intelligence guts?
We have an ongoing American Holocaust.
Do you still want to believe what they told you about 9/11?
The guilty are busy importing private mercenaries to hide behind.
Posted by: gravel kucinich paul nader | October 2, 2009 6:29 PM
Two reasons why the Ineligible-Affirmative-Action-Usurper-in-Chief failed to land the Olympic bid for Chicago:
1) Affirmative action does not sell overseas, and
2) Europe has already had experience with one Hitler. It did not turn out well for them.
Biden for President. Remove the usurper.
Posted by: RationalGeezer | October 2, 2009 6:30 PM
What a humiliating blow to the President and his credibility. Is this his Katrina moment, when both he and his administration look incompetent? Shocking that they would spend so much prestige and political capital on a risky gamble like this. I guess experience does matter after all....
Posted by: joe jackson | October 2, 2009 6:33 PM
hey jack, when gw was prez i dont remember being unemployed , in fact there werent enough people to get the building done. i didnt know ANYONE that was unemployed. now everyone is out of work. put the blame where it really lies. a prez that has never run a business that thinks hes a rock star........... obama couldnt find his shoes in the morning with out help.............and thats bullsh*t that construction workers will have work, only lazy union workers and their corrupt leaders will be skimming money so so there will be no money left to finish anything...........jacks comment below defending the incompetent chief......
Hey, "unemployed construction worker Brad Stotlar," what do you think the President is doing? If Chicago gets the Olympics, do you think all the games will be played in Soldier Field? Of course not. The Olympics means we'll have to construct new stadiums, an Olympic village, new roads and CTA stations, which in turn will lead to more residences and buildings in the loop and south loop.
Quit whining about what Obama should and should not be doing. He has been doing his job for this country and then some. For the past eight years we've had such dismal leadership, we forgot what "working" looks like. If Chicago gets the Olympics, it will be a construction worker's dream.
Posted by: merv | October 2, 2009 6:34 PM
What's the over/under on Rahm's future employment at the White House?
Posted by: patch | October 2, 2009 6:35 PM
I was really cheering for Chicago to host the Olympics. I really think we had it in the bag before 0bama decided to fly off on a Copenhagen victory lap.
Not only did 0bama just not have what it takes to win for America, it appears he actually was the deciding factor for why we lost.
I think he and Michelle left a really bad impression on the IOC, that it was all about them (wanting the Olympics to be held down the street from their house, sitting in daddy's lap, hailing only the achievements of black athletes, etc.) and not about the spirit of international cooperation that the games are supposed to be about.
I really think 0bama's outsized ego and narcissism blew it for all of America again.
Posted by: Edward T. Hrad | October 2, 2009 6:55 PM
If McCain had won and was pushing the Olympics, would all of the Republicans be against them? I highly doubt it. When you complain "oh the politicians are bad!" think honestly to yourself...countries across the world have had the Olympics. The US has had them multiple times. When we had them before, was it only beneficial to politicians? Was it only for selfish reasons? Did we not have additional pressing matters to attend to? Has a country ever collapsed because the weight of the Olympics was too much to bear? Think about that. Then think, do you really not want the Olympics...or are you still a little sore that your guy lost? Do you really have the kind of energy it will take to despise Obama for the next 3 years? Better hope he doesn't win re-election or you'll have a stress headache the size of Texas. You can only hate so much before you start to go nuts (as evidenced by the birthers)./////////////////////////////
IF MCCAIN WAS PRESIDENT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON WHAT HIS COMMANDERS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ NEED TO WIN 2 WARS AND BRING HOME OUR SOLDIERS ALIVE!
Posted by: Darah | October 2, 2009 7:04 PM
The rest of the world was rewarding Brazil and the integrity of President Lulu DaSilva for coming to the aid of a democratically elected President Zelaya of Honduras who was ousted by USA trained "School of the Americas" military thugs representing the corporate interests of USA.
While Obama feigned concern for Honduras, he sat and did nothing while the world watched.
Everyone in the world is aware, except people in the USA.
Posted by: Paolo | October 2, 2009 7:10 PM
Zero's pitch was “Nearly one year ago, on a clear November night, people from every corner of the world gathered in the city of Chicago . . . to watch the results of the US presidential election. . . And so I urge you to choose Chicago!”
How could the IOC not choose Chicago after that?
Do they not believe in the Salvation of the Messiah?
Was this a wretched act of Blasphemy from the Godless Europeans?
Posted by: Jerry Wright | October 2, 2009 7:11 PM
If Obama attended the games, as our common representative and to cheer on our countrymen, same as Bush did, then fine -- and, unless we had an immediate problem at home, I'd back the move; however, this was a silly stunt and nothing more.
Looking at this self-promoting, ego-stroking speech, I would not at all be surprised if that was the real reason Chicago was tossed out in the first round. That pushed Bush out of my "number one most embarrassing speech to read" chart -- and Bush at least had the excuse of not being a good public speaker. Whoever writes Obama's speeches shouldn't be a cult member. "Come to Chicago to Inflate My Ego" is a poor message.
From my perspective, I say let Rio have it. It's about time at least ONE city on that continent got to host one.
Oh, and you lefties, keep up that hate-mongering, reactionary mind-set. It makes me chuckle every time you call conservatives "mind-numbed robots" while you lip-synch the hatebushhatebushhatebushhatebushhatebush mantra.
Posted by: TABrian | October 2, 2009 7:13 PM
How many literally hundreds are killed in gang violence in Chicago. Chicago was a terrible choice for the USOC to pick to be the city to represent the US. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. And all the overexposed BS that the leftist messiah Obama can spew wasn't going to get the US the games. It doesn't help that you had TWO Obama's speaking.
And this diversity stuff. THIS IS THE WORLD, NOT THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. They're picking a country to host, it could be all Japanese, Spanish, etc. Since when is diversity an issue. Chicago had nothing to sell because it's a terrible. Pick a world class city next time, that people from the world actually would want to visit, like SF.
Posted by: James | October 2, 2009 7:21 PM
Funny, but Rio used Obama's standard defense against him:
"It's our turn! We've been discriminated against!"
Hope Jeremiah's dusting off that chicken sermon.
Posted by: MarieE | October 2, 2009 7:24 PM
The olympics committee is obviously racist because they didn't vote for obama.
Posted by: DH | October 2, 2009 7:27 PM
wait !!... what ?!?! ...the world LOVES obama... does not compute !..michelle "sacrificed" for this... does ... not... compute... hope !.. zzzt... change !...zzzzt.. duz nt cmpoot.... zzzzzpfffft !!!!
Posted by: el polacko | October 2, 2009 7:37 PM
Ha,ha,ha,
http://thesecretsofvancouver.com/wordpress/chicago-is-out-the-world-know-something-america-doesnt
so long...
Posted by: Jim | October 2, 2009 7:40 PM
I think that continuing to have spokespeople like Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, O'Brien et al spouting horse shit all the time and being listened to by all the embassies in the U.S. and by satelite overseas may have helped to sway the votes of some other nations who's feeling have been severely hurt!
Posted by: smitty | October 2, 2009 7:52 PM
I think that continuing to have spokespeople like Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, O'Brien et al spouting horse shit all the time and being listened to by all the embassies in the U.S. and by satelite overseas may have helped to sway the votes of some other nations who's feeling have been severely hurt!
Posted by: smitty | October 2, 2009 7:53 PM
Mr. President how about working as hard for real jobs? Chasing after the Olympic torch doesn't do much for clean air with those two big jets and staffs. You can stay in Chicago and watch Olympic amateurs at Bulls and hawks games. The Olympics are a professional farce amateur aspect of the games is lost. How could Chicago ever top Beijing or Barcelona...and besides Rio needs it...
Posted by: gle136 | October 2, 2009 8:05 PM
Extraordinary!
Barry O races around the world to tell everyone everywhere that the USA is awful and has been awful for 250+ years. Then his wife tried to convince a bunch of politicians, who have been listening to Barry bash his OWN country, that the USA is *the* place to have the Olympics, especially in Chicago, where kids are murdered in broad daylight.
Does anyone, ANYONE, not understand that Barry screwed all of us on this one.
Posted by: R | October 2, 2009 8:08 PM
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He though he was so charm’d and witty
To make Chicago the next Olympic city
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
And they must do as Michelle said
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He just forgot his previous trip
where he compared us to sh_t
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
I’m not surprised at all today
because this dude is made of hay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Posted by: DrEdu | October 2, 2009 8:18 PM
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He though he was so charm’d and witty
To make Chicago the next Olympic city
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
And they must do as Michelle said
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He just forgot his previous trip
where he compared us to sh_t
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
I’m not surprised at all today
because this dude is made of hay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Posted by: DrEdu | October 2, 2009 8:22 PM
To bad for Chicago. The IOC had planned to add 2 more events. Golf and 800 meter political corruption.
Posted by: Dork Steinhaus | October 2, 2009 8:26 PM
Obama acted like a lobbyist on behalf of the city of Chicago on the taxpayers dime! Democrat or Republican, this should have not been condoned by anyone, let alone the Congress. He won't even be President in 2016 if Chicago got the games. So he used our tax money to try to fill the pockets of his cronies after he would be out of office. That is despicable!
Secondly, a US President has never got before the IOC (a more corrupt bunch than the city of Chicago could ever generate) and begged for the Olympics. It diminshes the Presidency and Obama only stood to lose if Chicago was not picked. And they weren't...and he has now lost more political capital. Nothing Obama has done has worked...NOTHING!! Way to go Obama!
Posted by: John | October 2, 2009 8:28 PM
Obama was looking to pay back the unions for their support and to have his wealthy backers, including those in his inner circle, scam even more millions. Obama and Chicago's Crooked Politics....Perfect Together.
Posted by: Dan | October 2, 2009 8:29 PM
Obama was trying to pay back the union bosses for their support and also to allow his wealthy inner circle backers and political cronies to scam even more millions for themselves.
Posted by: A.C.Guard | October 2, 2009 8:33 PM
I'm Obama the magic man,Dup'd Dup'd
I'm Obama The magic man,Dup'd Dup'd
I lie to the people
cause they are such sheeple.
I'm Obama the magic man,Dup'd Dup'd
I'm Obama the magic man,Dup'd Dup'd
I'm Obama The magic man,Dup'd Dup'd
I lie in my speeches
It's Marxism I teaches
I'm Obama the magic man,Dup'd Dup'd
Sung to Popeye The sailor man.
Sorry Popeye.
Original verse by
Peter Courtenay Stephens
Dup'd abbreviation for duped. As in the American People have been duped by this duplicitous person.
Posted by: peter Courtenay Stephens | October 2, 2009 8:45 PM
Was it Obama or Beck/Fox who lost the begging to the IOC to host 2016?
Mmm....mmmm....mmmm
Barack Hussein Obama.
No longer a messiah.
Beck is telling us the truth, our own president, the press, congress & the rest of our representatives are all lying and the peasants are getting peeved.
Posted by: Bob | October 2, 2009 8:59 PM
Paolo 7.10 p,m. - Nice try. Obama, Clinton and all the left-wing cronies rallied around their own treasonous Commie pal Zelaya (read the Honduran constitution), as did Lula. But you think the world is enamored of these Latinos who want to be rulter-for-life? You think Brazil's happy he's camping out in their Embassy? Dream on. I'm glad Rio won, but get real.
Posted by: John E. Comelately | October 2, 2009 9:14 PM
OK Rahm, How much Money did you.. the Obamas, Valerie Jarred, and Oprah/ Mayor Daley lose by buying Rat infesred South Chicago Slums in the Hope to use Stymulus Money to build the Obama Olympic VIllage in that Combat Zone???( yess justified as Shovel reday Projercts of Course) Just wondering mind you!! So will you and the KLan in the WH now get to call the IOC a RACIST bunch ???
Posted by: redhawk | October 2, 2009 9:17 PM
blah, blah, blah. Yada, yada, yada. WHO CARES? Obama is a Socialist, racist and an elitist. Given the current economy, why is this important?
Posted by: larry | October 2, 2009 9:23 PM
Emanuel pounding on about "diversity" in Chicago is laughable as we all know Chicago is a one horse, one party, grafting/grifting 20% off the top dump. It's a fixed town so lets all get over it.
The only thing diverse about Chicago are the suckers who live there that think an honest days work will pay off. Chicago tying to grift in on the Olympics says only that number local suckers not on the take are now outnumbered by those that are. You can't polish a turd.... And that's all I got to say about that.....
Posted by: Scott | October 2, 2009 9:26 PM
When will the Obama Olympic Apology Tour begin? Will he tell the world how "we Americans" screwed this one up?
Posted by: Grumpy | October 2, 2009 10:12 PM
How can an administration that cries wolf about global warming justify wasting resources and precious energy (not to mention $$) on "games?" The sky is falling and we are playing? lol
Posted by: DHarr | October 2, 2009 10:20 PM
What most of the liberals fail to realize is that the President of the United States just traded the prestige of his office on a failed mission. One should only trade something as valuable as that on a sure bet. (I think it was reported that we came in fourth in the voting!) That does not equate to wise judgement in my opinion.
Posted by: econ101 | October 2, 2009 10:22 PM
American is becoming the laughing stock of the world, but I think this is what Barry and the boys want! I just wish Michelle would sacrafice herself on an alter somewhere. Rahm Emanuel has daddy issues and he is taking it out on America.
Posted by: Will Kane | October 2, 2009 10:28 PM
Obama - worse than Carter, Dumber than Bush
That ought to hemorrhage some libs brains cells.
Posted by: shamalamadingdong | October 2, 2009 10:31 PM
What most of the liberals fail to realize is that the President of the United States just traded the prestige of his office on a failed mission. One should only trade something as valuable as that on a sure bet. (I think it was reported that we came in fourth in the voting!) That does not equate to wise judgement in my opinion.
Posted by: econ101 | October 2, 2009 10:33 PM
Thank you IOC. My taxes will not go up for dead fish and his friends. Chicago is heading the way of Detroit. It is no longer the second city might not even be the 10th. I just free the retribution that will be taken by BHO and his cronies. He will no longer be distracted by his 1936 dreams and will be able to bring down his boot heel on the constitution.
Posted by: dts3204 | October 2, 2009 10:35 PM
Lets see according to Obama The United States Sucks its a bad place full of hate, racist people and racist police and poor people who are starving and dying in the streets and global warming is destroying are country along with Big business and capitalists who the hell would want the Olympics held here
Posted by: scotty | October 2, 2009 11:03 PM
They'll rue the day for defying me! I didn't fly my wife Chewbacca across the world and back, at the cost of millions and millions of tax payer dollars, uhh, to be said no to! Uhh, they're all racists over there. Uhh, I inherited this mess from the uhh, previous administration. Uhh, it could have been much worse, if I uhh, hadn't acted so quikly to stop the bleeding. Uhh, hooray for me!
Posted by: Barack The Destroyer | October 2, 2009 11:10 PM
Rahm...where do I get my tickets...oh they...nevermind
Posted by: A.G. Stockstill | October 2, 2009 11:18 PM
Obama's screwed.
He lost.
Chicago citizens won.
Posted by: Brock | October 2, 2009 11:20 PM
I feel sorry for Chicago,just a little, OK.
However, that said Rio really did deserve it more. Not only did the Pre-sident make a big mistake going to Den-
mark in the first place, when so many
are suffering here, and in afg. etc.. His
and Michelle's pitch was sooo narcisstic
and all about them, it was enough to make ya throw-up, for christ sake! Somebody needs to give that whole group a reality check.Their Pitch was enough to put anyone OFF and is probably what Blew it for Chicago.
They stood there talking like poor,poor Pittiful us should surely be the ones to get the olympics. The only problem they weren't playing the typical we love & want to drool all over you audience, they always play to here, and it Fell Flat. Cause in the real WORLD , people get tired of the sympathy card being played all the time, and these two have been playing the same tune there whole poor poor little ole lives. So now since that didn't work, they'll have to switch up to the Race card AGAIN!
Posted by: Ruth will | October 2, 2009 11:27 PM
Rio offers legalized prostitution with beautiful Brazilian girls -- the kind whose behinds Obama couldn't keep his eyes off of when he was in Rome. Chicago offers the bovine Oprah and the equine Michelle. Which city would *you* vote for?
Posted by: Farmer Bob | October 2, 2009 11:33 PM
We're # 4. We're # 4! Whahooo #4! Maybe if the Obama's presentation were not all about them, the Oprah, Michells father, and their kids but instead about the games and unity it may have had a different outcome. I would like to see an article get to the heart of the matter...Obama blew it...again.
Posted by: Todd | October 3, 2009 12:01 AM
It was silly for (R) to criticize BO for going to pump the Olympics. It's not a bad thing -- unless we the taxpayer also paid for Oprah, etc.
However, it was silly that the media was so stunned by the fact that BO couldn't sell the Olympics for the US. That the "beloved" and "most popular" US president couldn't convince world voters to side with the US hopefully pops their bubble of BO's perfection in their eyes.
I'm sure they'll blame FOX or Beck or teabaggers (of which no overseas IOC voters care or know about anyway), but it will be a moot point.
Can someone see what the Emporer is wearing yet?
Posted by: davidlamb12 | October 3, 2009 12:04 AM
The number of fools who still support Obama is shocking. You are idiots, plain and simple. The man is a fraud, a liar, and absolutely unqualified to be president. He has handlers; people who tell him what to say and what to think. Way to go, libs, you have your puppet, too bad the rest of us aren't following him......you are such morons........
Posted by: Mike | October 3, 2009 12:53 AM
Who do I send the Bill to? I want my money back for the money this duffus wasted on TWO PLANES to Denmark. This guy is a BIGGER JOKER THAN BUSH! I also expect the hag that went with El First Duffus wife to pay for her trip out of her pocket and not mine! This family lacks common sense!
Posted by: Bubba | October 3, 2009 1:19 AM
Obama and his wife are a joke. They wasted millions of OUR tax dollars to fly to Coppenhegen using TWO planes to rally and of course it back fired on them. I am so sick of his arrogant garbage. How many unemployed people could use a little of that money? The Olympics usually cost the city much more than it brings in! If you cant pay your bills and your wife finds out that you are gambling $200 a week what do you think the outcome would be? We are broke and Obama is a drunk sailor.
Posted by: Andre | October 3, 2009 1:45 AM
Who do these Obomber whackos think they are! This our country not the OBAMA NATION !!!! We are being attacked on our own soil and his biggest priority is a shuffle board tournament 7 years from now!!!!!!!!! We really need get back to basics!! Like military supremacy!!!!!!! Who wants to be a lamp shade?
Posted by: Jimmy | October 3, 2009 2:03 AM
miss Bush yet ?
Posted by: irishrock | October 3, 2009 2:36 AM
THESE RAHM-A-LAMA-DING-DONGS COULDN'T PULL IT OFF. THEY ARE SO OUT OF THEIR LEAGUE AND OUT OF TOUCH. NOT ONLY ON THE WORLD STAGE, BUT WITH THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE. THEIR WORDS ARE EMPTY - WE WANT POSITIVE RESULTS - NOT FLOWERY SPEECHES! HE'S PATHETIC...
Posted by: roseniki | October 3, 2009 2:48 AM
I have seen a few allusions to Bush, and one to McCain. Just wait, in another 6 months we will be seeing "Gee I miss George Bush" bumper stickers. And most conservatives did not really Bush he was better than Gore or Kerry . The point is Presidential Capital is spent only on something critical and publicly only on something where their capital will surely tilt the scales. We are seeing an amateur without the experience. We are also seeing an arrogant man who thinks of himself in an unrealistic way. Google the Sarkozy quote. Sarkozy has not respect for him. And what is funny, Pelosi and Reid are eating this up, the weaker Obama is, the more powerful they are! We are watching the amateur hour. Unfortunately it will cost American lives in Afghanistan!!
Posted by: Joel Weymouth | October 3, 2009 3:30 AM
redhawk has a good point. If we truly had journalist now who did real investigation and not "internet" toolers who get their information off the net, then we might have a pretty good scandal here. Along the line of getting rid of missile defense in Poland so that Russia would do business with GE: which owner NBC, MSNBC and both networks having their nose so far up his "butt", they must be pinochio. The missile defense would be impeachable (treason and bribery) and if there is evidence of purchasing property with expectation of the stimulus: can you say "TEAPOT DOME"? That scandal was far worse than Watergate as these would be. And the MSM does not control information like they did in 73 or 96 (with Clinton). It will come out.
Posted by: Joel Weymouth | October 3, 2009 3:37 AM
Obama has proven himself to be nothing but a head full of empty clichés. His rhetoric like his promise of hope and change is long on worthless repetition and lacking in substance.
Nothing he has done to date has lessoned the down turn in the economy; instead it just keeps getting worse. After attempting to win one for his cronies he returns from the IOC empty handed to a nation greeting him with 260,000 more lost jobs.
His reply to this latest body blow to the financial markets is, “recoveries never come all at once but rather in fits and starts”. What more could we expect from the great orator but more scraps of scribble speak swill served up to the masses?
Yes America, take that home and feed it to your kids; console yourselves with the knowledge that we are experiencing a jobless recovery - so say the talking heads carrying the water for the Obama.
Then, after taking in his frothy words try and feel sorry for the president and his wife - so worn out after having inconvenienced themselves for all the children of America only to be rebuffed by an ungrateful world.
Who do these phonies think they are fooling with their charade?
We have no idea how we are going to pay for the debt we are racking up all the while the First Family returns after attempting to foist another budget busting venture on every tax paying American. These folks are driving the nation off a cliff and we are helpless to stop the inevitable.
Well, what if we demand in no uncertain terms that this President starts helping American businesses so they can put people back to work rather than enlarging the cost of Government and placing yet more burdens on the backs of the people?
How about we demand this president take the war in Afghanistan seriously like he said he would?
How about this president starts taking action to safe guard our borders and allowing the intelligence community and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent the loss of American lives on our soil?
How about this president wake up to the fact that we have allowed our enemies to root into our cities and towns to plot and execute campaigns of terror?
How about this president takes the time to understand that when our streets run red with the blood of our neighbors, when the first bus explodes, the subway erupts in a fire ball, or a school full of children is attacked the blood of the innocent lives cut short will be on his hands.
How about this president allows the reality of this very real potential to dawn on him and he realizes that there will be no amount of water available to cleanse the stain of guilt and negligence that will be his to bear?
Dusk was upon us when we elected this man and if the first ten months of this president’s term are any indication a very real darkness is about to fall upon our nation. How long this night lasts and if there is a dawn to look forward to remains to be seen.
It’s time we make our voices clear to this president.
Posted by: Dave 2009 | October 3, 2009 4:23 AM
Maybe Rahm should of sent them a deaf fish before they voted. What a waste of taxpayer money!
Posted by: Jim Gordon | October 3, 2009 4:55 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
I was rooting for Chicago until Zero decided to get involved. Then I knew it was going to be a disaster.
OLYMPIC FAIL!
I'm with Rush. I hope he fails.
Posted by: Capital G | October 3, 2009 5:04 AM
ahh yes, maybe Rahm will get good seats ..IN RIO!! SNAPPP Chicago and OBAMA! Someone said Chi didn't win b/c Corruption just isn't a Olympic sport. I think it is. By the way,..did anybody check Obama's birth certificate at the border to make sure He's really a citizen?
Posted by: Robb32 | October 3, 2009 5:16 AM
Why are people acting like this is Obama's first failure? How much did this failed attempt cost? Peanuts compared to the cost of other failures. The failed clunker program cost billions. The failed bail out of the auto industry cost trillions. The failed bailout of the banking industry cost trillions. The failed stimulus of the American economy cost trillions. Yes, Virginia there are other Obama failures and will be more to come.
Charles, in Alabama
Posted by: Charles McFatter | October 3, 2009 6:21 AM
Chicago is diverse for sure. The Crips, the Bloods, the Democrats. It used to even have a Republican, but I hear he moved.
Posted by: Cheryl Lynn | October 3, 2009 6:24 AM
All Hail Obama!
All Hail the State!
Oh wait...
Its funny that Chicago is too corrupt for even the IOC.
Posted by: JamesJ | October 3, 2009 6:40 AM
These guys are Puppets of the new world Order=Gestapo=Nazis=Police Nation=Surveillance society=Prison Nation=Federal Reserve=printing meaningless money out of thin air=Patriot act=Lost freedoms=Trying to take away USA Sovereignty=economy is being purposely destroyed so they can fulfill their agenda=A NEW WORLD ORDER=get ready to get chipped in the near future.
Posted by: Michael Banker | October 3, 2009 6:57 AM
Love reading the early comments by the libs who thought their Dear Leader had it wrapped up! The arrogance of this president and first lady (not to mention their followers) is nothing short of astounding! I'm so glad to see that while they run around calling attention to themselves and how much they've "done" - while doing nothing but blowing smoke - the world doesn't buy it. Gives me "hope" for a quick "change"!!! LOL!
Posted by: Angela-in-Texas | October 3, 2009 6:57 AM
Rahm Emmanuel is an example of the most dangerous kind of person ... an idiot who doesn't know they are an idiot. The arrogance and
presumptiousness of someone supposedly educated and experienced is amazing. Has he not had enough failures in his life to learn humility, patience and graciousness?
Posted by: George | October 3, 2009 7:35 AM
Mr Boondaggle goes around he world trashing America and then reverses field when it is convenient for him and his cronies to cash in at the Olympics in his old community organizing society of Chicago Land. It is as pathetic as it is laughable. The country is spriraling down in jobs with over 250k lost this month alone while he and his wife want to spend us into oblivion. The premise that the people who voted for Obama and still support him have never understood is this: GOVERNMENT HAS NO MONEY EXCEPT THAT WHICH IT TAKES FROM THE PEOPLE. NO MATTER WHETHER GOV'T BORROWS IT, TAXES IT, OR PRINTS IT THE PEOPLE (thats you and me or our children or grandchildren) have to pony up the money. Government produces nothing. It only has money it takes from the people. When you finally have more gov't demand than the people can support then you have a collapse. Barrack Hussein Obama is driving us headlong into a tipping point where chaos and a general tax revolt could take place. A currency that is based on lies and hot air and endless government spending that produces nothing is bound to eventually collapse. But socialists and marxists don't care about such things. Regardless of what the data shows them, they think gov't is the answer. People of America wake up while there is still time and vote these misguided people out of office. Let's start in 2010!
Posted by: Rip Gompers | October 3, 2009 7:38 AM
O-Be-The-One-Ka-Nobody and his hairy sidekick Chewbamachelle sure laid a big one! It's time to scrub that giant skidmark named Chicago out of the underwear of humanity once and for all. Rahm was right. We'll get tickets -- to Rio! BWAHAHAAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!!!
Posted by: Armed Texan | October 3, 2009 7:41 AM
Why do people make up things about Michelle Obama. Check this out :
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/504/
Posted by: BruceBodner | October 3, 2009 7:44 AM
Barack & Michelle Obama have literally traveled the world telling WHOEVER would listen that America had been the prime source of evil in the world; and, henceforth needed to atone for its past transgressions. In Michelle's own words: "Our souls are broken in this nation"; "blacks must join in solidarity to combat a white oppressor"; "America is a nation that was founded on crime and hatred"; "we're a country that is just downright mean."; "We're a nation of cynics, sloths, and complacents."; "America is guided by fear, and getting worse all the time."; and, goes on to lament that she will face, "further integration and/or assimilation into a white culture and social structure". Hate filled dictum that irrevocably revealed the current 1st lady's deeply angry disposition towards America. All of this from a woman who has benefited enormously from affirmative actions which she conveniently neglects to mention! Along with her husband's long-term subversive associations, his immersion in seditious anti-American diatribe; and, his recent proclamation: "I don't want that (referring to America in its current form) for my little girls.", has indeed revealed the Obamas as the real-life Manchurian Couple. In brief, the International Olympic Committee simply took the Obama's at their own words; and, relegated America to "LAST PLACE" in the competition for the 2016 Olympics. Greg Neubeck
Posted by: gneubeck | October 3, 2009 8:43 AM
The obama's spent nearly a million dollars, in the middle of two wars, the falling dollar, the robbing of health care, so he could help his dishonest cronies in Chicago cheat the system and rob from us! I bet he would have used the half billion he plans to steal from Medicare to pay for it if Chicago won! No wonder his polls are falling> he should be impeached...
Posted by: Charlotte | October 3, 2009 8:51 AM
Certainly, Rio has more right to host the 2016 games than Chicago. Brazil isn't in the economic mess we're in and Rio is a tourist destination far suoerior to Chicago. Rio is also in South America and no olympic games in the western hemisphere has been held to the south of Mexico City. If the games are for the world, wouldn't you think the South American continent deserves to be a host ?
Posted by: Mark | October 3, 2009 9:05 AM
The ego has landed says it all. Now stay in the White House and get to work.
Posted by: Werb | October 3, 2009 9:08 AM
Chicago is a competitive city. Is he talking about the violent competition between gangs that led to the brutal murder of a young Honor Student? Maybe they were in training for the olympics, will that be a sport? Chicago is a disgrace, thanks to the Democrat leadership for years. That city is a cesspool hid beneath the rich folks that thought they would enrich themselves even more by bringing in the Olympics. Well their Dear Leader Failed, Boo Hoo!!!
Posted by: Ruth | October 3, 2009 9:14 AM
Gee, I guess Obama's "Apology Tour For America" has come home to roost. I, personally, am happy that the Games were not awarded to the Chicago Crime Syndicate. Best wishes to Rio!
Posted by: Fed Up! | October 3, 2009 9:16 AM
This week’s polls are a disaster for President Obama. The Rasmussen poll has his approval dropping to 45 percent, after several weeks at 49 percent. The Zogby poll has it even lower — at 42 percent.
Posted by: ed sonner | October 3, 2009 9:28 AM
It's pay back time to the IOC - watch Obama pull a Jimmy Carter and boycott the London Olympics - that's the Chicago/Democrat way.
Posted by: Dubious Brother | October 3, 2009 9:32 AM
Obamais an abject failure. Nuf sed.
Posted by: Jack Offelday | October 3, 2009 9:38 AM
I was glad to see the world reject what was going to be the most corrupt Olympics program in one of the world's most corrupt and violent cities. Mayor Daley is not his father, who was a great American. He is a thoroughly corrupt political hack and in league with the most corrupt administration run by his street organizer. Oh yes, the Daley-Obama mob was really ready to clean up-really! Rahm is the chief grifter-enforcer. Fortunately, they all got what they deserved-rejection. Now it's our turn to throw them all out!
Posted by: John Dodge | October 3, 2009 9:51 AM
Another reason to stop being the world's police force. We are fast becoming the "leper" nation, when in fact, we are the PRIMARY peacekeeping and "advancing the age of reason" force in the world.
It's not obama, as much as I think he is a sham, it's not. It's the image of America; Uncle Sam has tattered clothes, a black eye, blood drooling from one lip, and is walking on crutches. All from our efforts to help the world.
From that effort, we are continuously snubbed, ridiculed, and attacked. Let's save over $400 BILLION each year (at least 1,200 for every legal US citizen) and redirect those monies INWARD! Let's see the world one year later, AFTER we stop assisting.
BTW: Of our total aid, about one-quarter went to high-income nations, led by Israel which currently has a per capita GDP of $18,100, the 19th ranked country in the world. The average Israeli citizen received the equivalent of more than $500 in U.S. aid in 1997.
By contrast, the average citizen of sub-Saharan Africa, the world's poorest continent, received $3 dollars American aid in 1997.
Hmm... doesn't seem right, does it?
Have you seen the show "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?" We should put them in charge of the US for a year. I think we would be better off vs. our current politicians.
Posted by: Jeff | October 3, 2009 10:05 AM
Seems like the Obama team is blaming President Bush. Is this getting old or what!
Posted by: Cyndy | October 3, 2009 10:12 AM
the only thing I see here is that people around the world do not trust Obummer
he talk out of both sides of his mouth
I will suppot the Chech rep and Poland only to not support them, during the campaign saying one thing to the Jewish comm to get their vote and then screw them when he wins their votes
and saying something different to the Muslim comm about the Jewish comm
this man is out to destroy this country...what an ego
Posted by: mom | October 3, 2009 10:38 AM
Rahm is so dang cute i just want to put him in my pocket, my back pocket and then sit down.
Posted by: russf | October 3, 2009 10:40 AM
Ted Turner to announce the re-start of the Goodwill Games in Chicago and it's renaming to the Obama Games in 3, 2, .....
Posted by: RFC | October 3, 2009 11:02 AM
As a right wing extremist, I see nothing wrong with the President venturing abroad to try to win the Olympic bid for his political hometown and this country. But, the world is not America, and as the President has been thorough in pointing out, this country has a long list of terrible sins. Has that not been the message for these many months in office?
The Olympic Committee, however, has members from other countries and they read newspapers and watch TV. Imagine how they must have reacted when reading about Michelle's "sacrifice". Or Rahm Emmanuel's "cheap seats" remark. Petty stuff that speak volumes to those outside Chicago.
There is a reality of politics throughout the world. When someone is not liked, or is judged to be long on words and short on achievement, it is best, sometimes, to take a low profile, to not presume the golden value of the words you read into the microphone.
This was one of those occasions. Entering the Olympic trials, the middleweight from Kenya by way of Chicago, lost in the first round, outfought by an unknown from Rio.
Posted by: jggrimm | October 3, 2009 11:21 AM
I guess standing behind a teleprompter and saying "me me me" only works in Chicago and Washington DC
Posted by: Doug | October 3, 2009 11:28 AM
Obama, Biden, and Pelosi still argue that the economy has bounced back due to the Economic Stimulus Package that the Dems passed in Congress, yet Americans continue to lose their jobs at an alarming rate. If Obama says "the measure of an economy is, is it producing jobs?", and the country is losing jobs instead of producing jobs, how can he say in the same breath that the economy has bounced back? When will this guy be held accountable for his misinformation? He's always trying to toot his own horn but every action he has taken since he took office has made things worse.
Posted by: tim | October 3, 2009 11:31 AM
Obama and plex-glass have this in common; both are made of the same plastic you can see through.
Now, there's a transparency you can believe in.
Posted by: Dave 2009 | October 3, 2009 11:32 AM
who pays for the promo for chicago. i assume illnois taxpayers pay the millions it cost to send such a star studded panel for them. whilke kids are dying in afghanistan this man chose to give his political cronies in chicago a socalled boost so they could profit off the olympics. bush went to china why because because of democratic over spending we owe china our country because of the debt they buy. just like ob bows to the saudi king he also has too bow to china because with out them we crumble under our debt. which with democratic control we are out spending bush 3-1. with china ready to pay for it for now.
Posted by: carlb | October 3, 2009 11:46 AM
"YES WE CAN"!
to the moron stating his Pres. Hussein Obama has been doing the job for 4 years? Idiot! What job has he been doing? and "Republicans quit whinning". We aren't "whinning" you fool, we are REVOLTING! (no pun intended)
Posted by: RICK TETER | October 3, 2009 12:01 PM
And all the king's horses and all the king's men could'nt put O'Humpty back together again.
Posted by: spawn44 | October 3, 2009 12:28 PM
Mr. Obama continually demonstrates the audacity of arrogance. He acts and speaks as if he is always right and those who disagree with him are cognitively lesser. He has never met humility and his arrogance seems a symptom of a warped sense of entitlement.
Official Chicago has earned its reputation for deep, persistent corruption. Mr. Obama has decided to claim and champion Chicago as his hometown.
Thus, his trip to Copenhagen did not look like a humble man seeking to advance the interests of his nation. Rather, it looked like the claim of an heir to the divine right of kings going to claim his prize on behalf of an aggregation of the corrupt.
An arrogant president who uses extensive federal resources at the highest level to support the Olympic proposal of a city with a reputation known worldwide for its corruption is profoundly embarrassing.
To see such an attitude rejected is profoundly satisfying.
Mr. Obama, close the deficit. Close the border. Unite us as one with the English language. Keep us safe. You will never have the divine right. But once you have accomplished these things you will have the reverence shown to Washington and to Lincoln. Your unconscious assumption of such reverence now insults your fellow citizens.
Unless you heed what we demand, you will not have the second term you already claimed in Copenhagen. You will move back to Chicago, scorned, on January 20, 2013.
Posted by: Matthew | October 3, 2009 12:29 PM
Obama, his very essence is shaping up to be a cliché. His rhetoric, like his promise of hope and change, is long on worthless repetition but lacking in substance.
Rather than mitigating the deepening financial down turn his actions exacerbate the problem. As fortune would have it his priorities have met with reality and the juxtaposition couldn’t be more revealing. A lavish display of waste acquires the spot light for this latest foray to Sweeden, to win one for his cronies, only to return with the spot light focused on an empty handed president greeting a weary nation with 260,000 more lost jobs. Ooops, that went bad wrong big time!
Obama, not one to let a little bad news phase him rises to the occasion. His reply to this latest body blow to the economy is, “recoveries never come all at once but rather in fits and starts”. A grateful nation is speechless, what more of the great orator can we ask for but these empty scraps of scribble swill served up to the masses so eloquently?
Yes America, take that home and feed it to your kids; and console yourselves with the knowledge that we are experiencing a jobless recovery - so say the talking heads carrying the water for their Obama. Now do the right thing after assimilating his frothy words and feel sorry for the president and his wife - they are so worn out after having inconvenienced themselves for all the children of America only to be rebuffed by an ungrateful world.
Well, pardon me for asking, but, who do these phonies think they are fooling with their charade?
We have no idea how we are going to pay for the debt we are racking yet the First Family attempts to foist another budget busting venture on every tax paying American. It is becoming more than transparent that these folks are driving the nation off a cliff in their attempt to garner investments in power and wealth for themselves while we are helpless to stop the inevitable ruin of life as we knew it.
Perhaps it’s time we speak up from the back seat and demand in no uncertain terms that this President start helping American businesses so they can put people back to work rather than enlarging the cost of Government and placing yet more burdens on the backs of the people?
How about we demand this president take the war in Afghanistan seriously like he said he would?
How about this president start taking action to safe guard our borders and allow the intelligence community and law enforcement the tools they need to prevent the loss of American lives on our soil?
How about this president wake up to the fact that we have allowed our enemies to take root in our cities and towns for the purpose of plotting campaigns of terror?
How about this president takes the time to understand that when our streets run red with the blood of our neighbors, when the first bus explodes, a subway erupts in a fire ball, or a school full of children is attacked the blood of innocent lives cut short will be on his hands.
How about this president allows the reality of this very real potential to dawn on him and he realizes that there will be no amount of water available to cleanse the stain of guilt and negligence that will be his to bear?
My oh my, when these things are viewed against the back drop of recent events and this president’s inability to avoid knowledge afforded him from classified reports questions begin to surface.
Why did Obama eliminate over 350 boarder guards? Why is Obama eliminating the ability of law enforcement to intercept intelligence from our enemies? Why is it really necessary to move enemy combatants from a perfectly good facility and into the general population of our criminal population?
Cynicism these days is running rampant for me regarding Obama. I really do not believe anything the man says and I have become more than skeptical about an administration’s motives whose temerity belies their motives by admitting that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste. Frankly, I have no reason to believe that something more sinister is being orchestrated by the Chicagoans in the White House.
Hind sight being twenty – twenty history is telling us that dusk was upon the nation when we elected Obama. Looking forward, if the first ten months of this president’s term are any indication, a very real darkness is about to fall upon our nation.
How long the night lasts and if there is a dawn to look forward to remains to be seen. If there is anything we can say to our president it may well be past time to make our selves clear to this him.
Posted by: Dave 2009 | October 3, 2009 12:33 PM
obama needs to work on domestic problems and problems abroad and stop fishing for feathers in his hat... so far he has none... although i'm american i think brazil deserves the opportunity... the arrogance of this administration is as bad or worse than the last... we have a weak commander and chief with a wanna be socialist agenda at home... jobs are disappearing, their will be civil unrest eventually... just part of the plan... we could end up a military dictatorship in the next ten years... all it will take are a few city wide riots like in l.a. but simultaneously.. then they'll have it just how they want it... let the real games begin... actually 2016 sounds about right...
Posted by: tdog | October 3, 2009 1:05 PM
Got to love IT! The whining of the left is almost palpable!
The MOO's went and got the middle finger from the IOC!
Posted by: TNT go BOOM | October 3, 2009 2:32 PM
SHE TOOK AIR FORCE 2 AND HE TOOK AIR FORCE 1. FOR WHAT? AS PAYBACK FOR THE CHICAGO OLYMPIC COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS 2008 CAMPAIGN? AMERICANS DON'T LIKE THESE TYPES OF GIGS.
Posted by: DANSHANTEAL | October 3, 2009 2:35 PM
HAHAHAHA Rahm you moron
Posted by: Butch | October 3, 2009 2:40 PM
I bet Jesse Jackson Jr. and the slum owner that was going to have 10 billion dollars pumped into their pockets are crying.
Thank God this happened. Thanks Barack, Michelle and Oprah
Posted by: 10 Bears | October 3, 2009 3:21 PM
Where were those seats, you little thug?
Posted by: Superpower | October 3, 2009 3:28 PM
This country does not deserve to have such an event.It's about crooks and corruption. If it were about the spirit of the games it might be a different story. But again money and me me me gets in the way.
Posted by: Cliff | October 3, 2009 3:54 PM
Interestring artcle in the Wall Street Journal by by Elizabeth Williamson.
I liked this quote because it states so well the high estimation Obama has of himself.
"For this president, everything is a priority," said Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R., Mich. "He believes that he's got this Midas touch, that if he touches it, everything will go fine."
Well, that’s for sure. What ever the issue, whether by design - as in a public option for health care sure to kill private insurance, or, stimulating the economy – who knows what he’s thinking of there it sure isn’t working, or, foreign affairs - he rolls over on his back in front of stronger alpha males, or, this trip to Denmark - he actually thought this was in the bag, the real truth be known. Obama’s touch is more akin to the kiss of death.
If you take wrong headed ideas, no practical experience, a novice at best, over stuffed ego and a presumption of the political equivalent of carte blanche, what do you get?
It appears you get a president who thinks he can bluff his way through a job that is so far and away above his head he can’t even appreciate what he has gotten himself into.
I have never voted for a Democrat running for presidential. However, given the option of snapping my fingers to replace Obama with Bill Clinton I would gladly cut off those snappy fingers if I thought Bill could take over tomorrow rather than let Obama serve out his term.
I see a vignette somewhere out west.
An old cowboy places his hands in his pockets; transfers his weight to one leg, bends the other slightly then leans forward a bit.
From under his Stetson he looks the reporter in the eye and says, “Obama?”
Then he turns his head to one side and launches a mouthful of tobacco laced spittle. Pa-tooie!
The gooey glistening glob splatters on the dry dust about five feet from where the cow poke stands.
He turns back to the youngster from NPR and with a pensive look he pauses for a moment and then replies, “No thanks kid”.
With that he turns to climb up onto his horse. Once mounted upon the regal steed he looks one last time at the reporter - places a thumb and forefinger to the brim of his hat and nods to him ever so subtly.
Without further notice the cowboy rides off into the sun set where the promise of freedom and honest living is a surer bet than anything President Obama had managed to articulate during his ten months in office.
Posted by: Dave 2009 | October 3, 2009 5:41 PM
Now let's see those great civic benefactors, Pritzker, Ryan, Kenney, etc., do something to stop the killing of 13 year old kids in the streets of Chicago.
O, wait. Probably not too much $$$$ in that.....
Posted by: ornery | October 4, 2009 12:02 AM
Seems like the Obama team is blaming President Bush. Is this getting old or what!
Posted by: r4 card | October 24, 2009 5:12 AM
Rahm Israel Emanuel is an American politician currently serving as White House Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama. He served previously as Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Illinois's 5th congressional district from 2003 until his resignation in 2009 to take up his current position in the Obama Administration.Republicans have been ready with criticism for President Barack Obama's overnight journey to Copenhagen, where the president today pressed Chicago's case for the 2016 Olympic Summer Games -- playing booster, as the Republican National Committee put it this morning, for Obama's "Chicago Fat Cat Friends.''
Posted by: Mio Navman M450D | December 18, 2009 12:29 AM