2016 Postmortem: An Inside Look At Hopenhagen

By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on Nov 10, 2009 8:20PM

Sure, we're over a month removed from the vote that sent shockwaves through the city (no matter what you thought of the bid), but we're just now starting to hear more information on what exactly went on in Copenhagen. The latest comes from Jack Kelly, of Lexington Kentucky and member of the 2016 bid.

There was a great deal of anticipation prior to Chicago's presentation that disappeared almost immediately. The first two presenters (of nine) were uninspiring and focused on how Chicago could run a great Games. It has been widely said that this Chicago bid was the "best-ever" United States bid, but all of the focus was on mundane technical preparations. The third U.S. presenter, a veteran of many such events, did a great job on the sports and athlete area, speaking engagingly in both English and French. He was followed by other perfunctory speeches, and we all began to look at each other with concern. The Obamas followed with enthusiasm and with strong messages, but the overall impression was not strong and the aftermath commentary criticized the president as being "too cerebral and self-satisfied." His late arrival with a large entourage also was widely criticized.

Kelly's thoughts mirrored some of our own. Read the rest of his account here. [via]