Thread: Full-Court Press by White House Fails to Sway Committee

OCTOBER 3, 2009

Full-Court Press by White House Fails to Sway Committee

Comments 221
By ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON

The selection of Rio de Janeiro over Chicago for the 2016 Olympics was an embarrassment for President Barack Obama, whose appearance before the International Olympic Committee was the first by a U.S. president.

Mr. Obama revved up the White House machinery to aid Chicago's Olympic bid, sending First Lady Michelle Obama and adviser Valerie Jarrett to Denmark leading a delegation that included nearly a half-dozen top administration officials.The White House announced only last week that he would join as well. The widespread perception was that he wouldn't have decided to go unless Chicago was virtually assured of a win.

But the city was cut in the first of three rounds of voting. "I believe it's always a worthwhile endeavor to promote and boost the United States of America and invite the world to come see what we're all about," Mr. Obama said upon returning to Washington Friday. "And we obviously would have been eager to host these Games, but...this nation and our athletes are still very much excited to compete in 2016."

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Associated Press

President Barack Obama during the Chicago 2016 bid presentation Friday at the Bella Center in Copenhagen. Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting in the competition to host the Summer Olympic Games.

Some critics pointed fingers at Chicago Mayor Richard Daley for failing to accurately tally Chicago's support before putting the president's credibility on the line.

Others noted the role of Ms. Jarrett, the administration's liaison with the business community. Ms. Jarrett, former vice-chairman of the Chicago bid committee, directed a White House office devoted to the effort and had the deepest knowledge of the bid's strengths and weaknesses. Attempts by her spokeswoman to reach Ms. Jarrett weren't immediately successful. She didn't issue a separate statement.

In brief remarks, Mr. Daley didn't discuss the specifics of Chicago's bid. "I was shocked," he said. "I was disappointed. I couldn't believe it. Like anything else in life, you move on." Mr. Daley couldn't be reached to comment further. Rep. Mike Quigley, a Democrat from Chicago's North Side, said the city's lack of a federal guarantee to pay for the Games -- which other bidders had -- was a big reason for the loss. It is understood among U.S. candidate cities that while the federal government provides security, it is up to the city to secure private-sector sponsors and sign a revenue guarantee.

Democrats broadly supported the president's trip. But supporters acknowledged beforehand that the effort could cause problems for the president. "I know the president is probably going to get a lot of backlash," said Olympic track medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who was part of the Chicago bid since its start and appeared with the Obamas at a rally on the White House lawn last month. "I hope not. I think it just shows his magnitude of strength and endurance."

Republicans used the IOC decision to say Mr. Obama should better choose his priorities. Chicago's loss came the same day as a dismal U.S. jobs report. "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."

Said Tony Fratto, deputy press secretary for President George W. Bush: "Certainly the failed effort in Chicago along with a bad jobs report coming out puts critics in a position to say, 'Why was he running off to Copenhagen when we have more important issues to deal with?' This idea that other nations will do something that's not in their best interests because they like you is just silly."

Others said that because competing cities were sending their own heads of state, Mr. Obama had little choice if Chicago wanted to stay in the running. "It's better to throw the Hail Mary pass than get down on your knees and concede the game," said Jack Quinn, former counsel to President Bill Clinton.

Write to Elizabeth Williamson at elizabeth.williamson@wsj.com

Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page A5

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1254528 ... atsNewsTop

Some critics pointed fingers at Chicago Mayor Richard Daley for failing to accurately tally Chicago's support before putting the president's credibility on the line.

Go Mayor Daley!

Originally Posted by Rockfish

Some critics pointed fingers at Chicago Mayor Richard Daley for failing to accurately tally Chicago's support before putting the president's credibility on the line.

Go Mayor Daley!

Maybe there are some who know more about this than meets the eye. Obama's credibility is in the tank and there is more to come, starting tomorrow.

I know I am off topic here but has anyone else noticed that in almost every picture of Obama....he is looking Down His Nose?