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Mayor Daley and then-Presidential Candidate Obama at a 2016 rally in June 2008 (Marcus Gilmer/Chicagoist)
Sure, the First Lady is going and Oprah's mulling it over, but President Obama is skeptical he'll get to visit Copenhagen in October to make a last-second pitch for Chicago 2016 because he's got other things on his "to do" list. But to hear at least one member of the IOC talk about it, President Obama is the key to the whole deal for Chicago. An IOC member named Dick Pound (no, really) spoke at a symposium focused on the Olympics last night and said, among other things, "If you have a popular and transformational leader and you don't use him, you're not maximizing your chances. To the extent that the mayor and Pat Ryan can twist the presidential arm, they should do that. I think it could make a huge difference."
Okay, that makes sense. But Pound also played the "everybody else is doing it card," saying, "The risk is, your competitors are going to say 'Oh well, you know, he's too busy to come, but he sent his wife.' How that would play, I don't know." Indeed, the Trib notes:
Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva already has said he'll be in Copenhagen, as will King Juan Carlos of Spain. Japan has invited incoming Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Crown Prince Naruhito to attend.
Of course, in this case, "busy" means "hammering out health care reform." Pounds not alone in his stance, though. The Trib doesn't buy the excuse, either, according to this editorial.
Busy with health-care reform? That's the excuse? Is he afraid that House Republicans would launch a surprise attack on Medicare on Oct. 2 while he's in Copenhagen?That sounds pretty flimsy. We suspect that Obama is being cautious about putting his prestige on the line and coming home empty-handed. It would be tough to lose to a guy whose nickname is Lula (Brazilian President Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva will represent Rio.).
Would it kill the health care bill's chances if Obama sneaked away for a weekend to Copenhagen? Probably not. Would it help Chicago 2016's chances? Of course. But you can't give the guy grief for prioritizing health care reform over the Olympics because bungling the reform will do far more to tarnish his prestige than "to lose to a guy whose nickname is Lula."
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I say again, it all depends on whether Obama shows. If he goes, we get the damned thing. Here's hoping he stays home.
Also, I'm going to legally change my name to Dick Pound.
Interesting thought. So he'd probably know if he had a chance or not before hand. Hmmm...
Well as the only person on this bored who wants the Olympics here here's hoping he goes!
Ugh, ugh, ugh. The Olympics are a fucking sports event wherein everybody stands around pretending to like each other and be all into international cooperation. It is the silliest charade on the face of the planet. Our president, however, can try to do things that will make international cooperation/group hand holding a reality. So, if he has to miss a meeting to set up this stupid pageant, I'm not gonna cry about it.
Seriously, I know this means big things for Chicago's economy, but why are we all getting our collective underwear in a bunch over a few mass spectacles and some people running around with various different types of sticks?
If Obama goes to Copenhagen, Fox News will have another reason to lambaste him--"Health care is exploding, and the President is campaigning for rhythmic gymnastics!" Also, while Juan Carlos is technically the head of Spain, he has little to do with the actual running of the country. It would be a bigger deal if PM Zapatero showed up.
I hope he stays put. Maybe he's noticed there's a lot of us who don't want the games here. I know Ritchie doesn't care, but it's true.
God, I hope he stays home.
The American taxpayer should not have to pay to send our President on a meet-and-greet with the aim to place an additional tax burden on Chicago taxpayers over the next decade. I hope he stays home, too.
Well, the American taxpayer paid for him to go on a one-night date in New York City. The American taxpayer is also paying for him to travel around for all of his media appearances. The American taxpayer also funds ACORN, a criminal organization.
So, your problem is really with the American taxpayer.
One night date in NYC, 3 weeks in Crawford, TX, ACORN, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq.. make up your mind taxpayer! Stop paying for stuff!
Sorry folks, but that name for the IOC member makes me go, "Whoa!"
ACORN is not a criminal organization, you stinker! (The Brady Bunch has scarred my brain.)