Keane observations about life, politics and sports.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Presidential Stature Diminished

Taking a risk of appearing ineffectual, President Obama went to Copenhagen with his wife Michelle and Oprah Winfrey to argue for Chicago's selection to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. The effort did not pay off as Chicago was eliminated in the first round of cuts this morning. Will Obama get partial credit for at least trying? Or will people conclude that his strong arm efforts backfired and hurt Chicago's chances? Some in Illinois who were hoping for a major boost to the local economy will be left wondering if they lost out because the impression of heavy handed tactics lead the Olympic Committee to believe they'd look weak if they gave in to Obama's demands.

Separately, realizing that the Olympic Committee's past is almost as corrupt as Chicago maybe the real answer is just that the other cities offered bigger bribes.

Regardless of how the decision was made, this moment won't likely be a highlight of the tour of Obama's presidential library.

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4 Comments:

Blogger Madrigal Maniac said...

Watergate, having sex with an intern, starting a war of choice, and ruining our economy.These are things that degrade the presidency.

Presidential stature diminished?

We are trying to recover from a financial crisis that affects all Americans in some way. Americans and the media will forget about this story by tomorrow.

October 2, 2009 at 6:48 PM

 
Blogger Ben said...

I dont think people will forget....the story might fade, but people will remember.

October 6, 2009 at 12:36 PM

 
Blogger Madrigal Maniac said...

What I think is more telling is that some conservatives were actually happy that the United States lost the Olympics. Something in the past conservatives and liberals have supported. They put their hatred of Obama over country. Very Patriotic.

October 9, 2009 at 7:29 AM

 
Blogger LargeBill said...

Madrigal,

In your first post you state this would be forgotten by Americans by the next day. Then you respond to the post again 7 days later. Sounds like you didn't forget by the next day.

Also, I think you are little confused. Most (if not all) were not rooting against the Olympic bid. We mocked the narcissistic speech Obama and the Mrs. gave which indicated they thought it was all about them. I don't hate Obama and don't know anyone who does. I have disdain for his arrogance and am not in agreement with his policy positions. Don't mistake that for hate. Hate is the level of vitriol leveled at Bush the last eight years.

October 9, 2009 at 9:53 AM

 

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