The article said he had some success's but didn't name them. As for not getting the Olympics eh, so what, he gave it his best shot that's all you can do. I would have to agree it was a job better left to the Mayor of Chicago or Governor of Illinois.

OR it could be that the Bush pre-emptive wars & the GOP led economic world collapse is being blamed on the USA and now it time to pay the Piper? Obama has improved world opinion, just not enough apparently; too much damage already done!

Wait till he finds out his Health Care Plan won't go through! That will be his biggest loss.

What about the loss of people's jobs here, the Unemployment rise, 6,000.000 people out of work. Does he worry about that? That's a loss for the Majority of Americans.

The Olympics a real loss for Obama. Come on, what is the priority of his Presidency?

Media, look for some real news stories.

Hojo Kate: "He, simply by appearing, brought politics into it. The Olympics are no place for politics." Explain then why the President of Brazil was there. Of course "politics" plays a part in the Olympics, everyone knows that. Just not the type of politics you are claiming. The IOC is chock full of political games.

His "failing" to seal the deal has no bearing whatsoever on anything except that the IOC wished to bring the games to South America, where it has never been before in its history.

Haters - get over it.

It's the corruption in Illinoise.. The Senate seat was for sale to the highest bidder and the governor was impeached for that. who wants to go to a gang/mob infested place like chicago.?? Athletes are more concerned about their sport and should not have to worry about being Bombed like in Atlanta. Face it, America is a target and will be for years to come. We need to concentrate on the war against terrorism and forget the publicity stunts that Obama* is so famous for. The first thing he did in his campaign was Lie and he has been doing it ever since. Oprah should keep out of politics too.

Stella says, His "failing" to seal the deal has no bearing whatsoever.

Well, if he had finished in second place, I would have agreed. Obama fell out of the medal rounds by not getting a gold, silver or bronze medal. 4th out of 4 is not good anyway you look at it.

Chuck Benson - I only have one thing to say to you:

MMM....MMM....MMM - It's lovely to see such an arrogant sob go down in flames. Stick around, there is alot more to come.

Maybe the Olympic Committee was confused- They thought Kenya was his home country! Nice job spending our taxpayers dollars though! Last place like 2012!

Chuck Benson, when you have to start arguing with every one else, maybe you are the problem. Wipe the lipstick off Obama a$$ that you planted there and come out of your bunker. Obama is has bumped Jimmy Carter our of last place to take over the worst president role. GO O GO.

Jimmy says that he has HOPE that Obama will CHANGE places will him as worst president.

He didn't fail at anything. It was a long shot we'd get the games here anyway as they've never been held in a South American country and that's where the selection committee was leaning. I love how this is yet another excuse to take a shot at Obama. Had he not lobbied for the games, you'd call him a failure. He did, you call him a failure...can't win with your side.

To hojokate: It is no failure on Obama's part that Chicago didn't get the Olympics. This was a total effort by a group of people - not just Obama. It is a loss for our country since the olympics here could have added tourists for not just Illinois but many states. And, it would have showcased a great city.

To blame the loss on Obama is just ignorant but, did we expect any better?

Hey, Barry? There's only so much "Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!" can do, OK?

Cheerleading Messiah-in-your-own-mind fool!

And the more you're on the air? The MORE chance you'll make a fool of yourself. The gaffes, embarrassments and misinformation just keeps piling up!

Tends to tarnish the Messiah thing, you know what I mean? Jesus didn't go out of his way for photo ops. That was part of his mystic, OK?

LMFAO!!!

Only in America.

Ok Obi...Tell me what he's actually ACCOMPLISHED in Office as of right now? Many lofty goals he's given you but all I see is the jobless rate hit 9.8% yesterday.

This Olympics thing was a waste of his time on his part. It demeans the office of the President and he shouldn't be doing it. He should of sent a team and that be it.

I don't like that MY President is out in campaign mode 24/7.

Hey MDN -

First, no one would of gave a jack if he didn't lobby for the Olympics. He went out of his way as MY President to do so. It's not an excuse to say something about him when the President himself puts himself out there to be judged by doing it. If he does it, I'm going to give my opinion. And my opinion is he doesn't need to be wasting OUR time "campaigning" anymore...He should of got that out of his system last year!

2nd, the buzz before the decision today it wasn't a long shot at all. Chicago had a legitimate chance and after his "pep" talk to the IOC about how great Chicago is for being his home, they canned it.

Dear Kate, You don't know what you are talking about. The Olympics are not NAFTA or anything. Chicago will not become a ghetto because of this decision. It would have been nice, and he was right to lobby for it, but we obviously can't always get the Olympics in the US. Oh well.

Find something else to whine about.

I agree, the ADD commander in chief will have some successes. The odds are for success if you try to get involved in every single little issue--something's got to turn out right once in a while.

Nice that he can spend hours schmoozing with IOCC and 30 minutes for the military update. Shows where his priorities lie.

Then there's the '2 week deadline for Iran, August deadline for healthcare, Gitmo closed by the end of the year' issue. Everyone knows by now that if you wait him out, he'll get distracted by something else and forget about it. He talks and talks but engaging the brain and thinking, how am I going to make this happen might be a good idea going forwards before putting the mouth in gear.

BTW, I'm not a racist hater. I'd love to see him succeed but the die has been cast and you can't remake a first impression.

He does tend to have a short attention span. Of course, it is always when the heavy lifting starts (details and such) that he starts looking for something else.

After all is said and done, there is a measure of good that came out of this... We dodged a bullet really.

Setting aside all the political posturing and such that goes with any and all Olympic bids. the logistics and financial burdens before, during and after the Olympics are best laid at some other country's doorstep at this time. It's just unfortunate that our president momentarily lost sight of more important issues in this country and equally unfortunate - He did so before the entire world stage. You'll notice this won't cause any harm to Oprah's image. She had enough intelligence to remain in the background just enough not to get anything smudged on her regal personna, but close enough to revel in the glory if it had proven successful.

Agreed. Its about time Obama's ego is put into check. He thinks everything he's doing is for the greater good. Well Mr. Obama, it looks like the rest of the world can see through your arrogance. Now, maybe if this country could, we might get somewhere.

Barack Hussein Obama's Spin on Embarrassing Olympic Bid Defeat:

"Hey it's not whether you win or lose. It's how you play the game and how hard you try!"

No doubt foreshadowing his pending speeches after he botches Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.

LMFAO!!!

THAT'S Our President though!

I want RESULTS!

I want healthcare reform done

I want jobs again

I want companies confident

I want Osama done for

I want troops home from Iraq

I want Iran Sanctioned

I want Guantanamo done

I don't give one cent about Chicago Olympics in 7 years!

msnb: Obama's high-profile failure to win the games for Chicago could feed negative narratives already nipping at his heels— that he is a better talker than deal closer, more celebrity than statesman

Ya think?

s

Sure GW was a moron or whatever, but does that mean Obama should be the same way, if not worse?

Actually he didn't dodge the draft...that report put out by CBS was wrong. They kept info out of the segment that would of shown otherwise. There were documents that has his volunteering to go. But I'm sure you'll still going to believe it he dodged the draft just cause...

And by criminal you mean??? Come Dachs get a life...still bringing up Bushisms, get out of here with that. We've got a new gun in the house, why don't you start getting on him and it will be more productive for everyone.

I can accept an average man (Bush) not excelling. What is the excuse when someone as smart as Obama fumbles as much as he does?

But if Liberals didn't have Bush to complain about, there would never be news. Where would this world be without Keith Olberman, David Lettermen, or Jon Stewart. People who elected Obama, I can guarantee about 25% of his votes came from people who get their news from these nimrods.

In Texas, it's called "All hat, and no cattle".

I guess Europe has figured out before we have that he talks a good story, but doesn't have any substance.

Chicago should have sent Blago - he might have been more successful.

At the very least 'The Big O' should have made use of all that wasted jet fuel by having a genuine 'Kodak Moment' for the good citizens and cronies of Chicago and have Air Force One buzz the skyline of downtown like was done in New York.

Oh wait... He discharged the person responsible for that decision, didn't he? Thereby absolving himself from any thoughts of personal ineptness.

Hojogate:

The cost of flying Air Force 1 was $900,000 dollars. I think this is a low estimate. Fuel costs that much!.

What about all the people they take with them on the flight to Copenhagen or anywhere else. Michelle has 27 aides, all the media, hotels, cars, Security, meals, strict protection, and paying for all of Oprah's people and her entourage.

Doesn't Michelle take her hairdresser, and wardrobe person with her, also?

Pres. Obama takes his I-POD and plays games, while "Rome" burns in the US.

It didn't take long for the liberals to place the blame on GWB. It is simply amazing that liberals just can't let go of their object of hatred. Hey libs - let's not look at this square in the face as something Obama botched up, let's spin it around and indemnify Obama.

Liberals won't ever change. In the face of the abyss, if Obama said jump, you'd nod your heads and willingly fall to your demise. Such loyalty to a politician is insanity. In a logical world, this would equate to insane people following an insane leader.

Explain to me how you can justify the millions of dollars spent on this trip. There was no positive outcome, there was no positive intent and the results speak for themselves. Don't you think Obama should be spending time doing real work, like figuring out how to win in Afganistan? How about real work like promoting this country's welfare by speaking for us instead of against us.

No wonder the olympic committee rejected Chicago... Obama's previous speeches against this country are the testimony. Who would vote for the US when you have the leader of the country speaking out against us? Hmmmmmm???

Report from Denmark has the IOC seeing Obama as disrespectful when he flew out 5 hours before the decision announcements were made. All the fake charisma and charm spin the fringe media pours over him doesnt look so great now does it? And I,m sure the liberals dont feel bad about the millions of taxpayer dollars spent to go there either . Sad, sad episode.As the saying goes , you can fool some of the people some of the time but you cant fool all the people all the time, Congrats RIO!

Obama did what his wife and Oprah wanted him to do. Certainly, he was advised that it was unlikely that Chicago would be selected. The Chicago bid could not stand on its on merits against the bid Rio presented. Mayor Daley resorted to celebrityism is strengthen a weak bid. I guess he was being a "good" husband. Unfortunately, it cost the taxpayers a "pretty" penny.

Stella:

None of us are "haters" or 'idiots" (as the famous word used on this board), but people who are highly concerned about our own welfare and our families welfare. The lack of interest Pres. Obama pays to the American people voices is discerning..
.

Americans want his attention. We don't get it. So far, he has tuned us out. We have questions, wanting answers.

No, O thinks he has all the answers. That is do NOTHING. Ignore the American people who voted him in office. " Promises made, are Promises Broken".

He lives in another world, very dettached, not realizing he took on the greatest and hardest job in America, that of being the President of the United States. He's more interested in playing sports, and chumming with the big boys, flying abroad, just shooting the breeze, and enjoying every perk being President has to offer.. He is much like a Frat boy, having a beer.

We want substance and help. Everyone needs help from him. Americans want someone who is on solid footing and takes his job seriously. Does he consult with his Vice President, Joe Biden, or does he delegate his work. No one knows.

America is deeper in the mud. I guess he must think it is truly fun to be unemployed. He likes fun.

Fun doesn't get the job done. Someone who truly loves America, and wants to see the best for it's citizens isn't in the White House. He's "Out to Lunch". Closed sign on the front door.

Sorry.

Latest from Rasmussen, the most accurate pollster for the 2008 elections;

"Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance. Fifty-one (51%) disapprove."

Also, Obama's "Approval Index" (Those who strongly approve minus those who strongly disapprove) is now a MINUS 10%.

These figures are BEFORE the $ multi-million fiasco to Denmark for Obama, Michelle and their entourage.

Looks to me like the IOC is not as easily swayed by style and flash as the American voting Public is. The Obamas and their celebrity friends are all style no content.

The emperor has no clothes! When will the rest of you brain-washed Obama-Zombie idiots ever get it?

God help us all!

Is the Bush bashing going to still go on long after Pres. Obama is gone?

I don't get it. Using Pres. Bush as the bad guy, deflects from the issues Obama can't resolve.

Pres. Bush is smart to stay out of the limelight, unlike my favorite Pres. Bill Clinton (really).

Who wants to be tortured by this nonsensical talk by a bunch of people who have no dignity, who try to bully people they disagree with. Please use more intelligent reasons.

Bullying means you have no power.

Pres. Bush was focused, and did the best he could, especially with 9/11 and protecting us from the Terrorists coming to your doorstep, blowing you up.

"Could failed Olympic bid hurt his efforts on issues such as health care, war?"

*facepalm

The response to this whole event reveals so much about the egotism of modern day America. Everything is about THEM!

It's as if people act that the only variable in the decision was Obama's charisma, as if the fate of the games rested solely on his shoulders and wasn't just one of a host of relevant factors.

For instance, perhaps Rio got it because South America has never hosted the Olympics before and they made a serious bid? That and how many times as the U.S. hosted the Olympics?

That's just one example to take into account, but no, the lazy mainstream media interprets the decision of an international body solely through the prism of Obama's charisma.

What a lazy, lazy analysis.

President Obama looks like the logical replacement for Billy Mays. Maybe he could sell Oxyclean, but wait he would have to have his teleprompter.

5 young men have died in Afghanistan since McChrystal gave Obama his request for more troops on 9/26/09, But Obama wants to play big shot, spent $900,000 of our tax money to fly himself and his wife with Oprah tagging along to Copenhagen, for what to give the unions and city thugs more money to spend on themselfs. It was great watching the Union thugs out in the Chicago streets with their orange T-shirts on, the look on their faces was almost worth the $900,000 it was so good to see this was the best day. Everyone should E-mail a line to Obama and remind him it's been 7 days 5 young men have lost their life in Afghanistan since McChrystal gave you a written plan for more troops. We should sent him a note for every death in Afghanistan until he gets us out. Oh by the way e-mail Oprah tell her she needs to chip in $300,000 for her ticket to Copenhagen aswell.

totally agree, with jobs at a premium, he has no problem jumping in airforce one and jetting all over the world, like see what a big man i am, so all you obammie worshipers see what you got A BIG PILE OF HOT AIR.

LMAO.....Anyone else read the online comments of the Chicago people in the Chicago Newspapers????

From what I am reading 9 out of 10 Chicagoans are very happy that Chicago did not get picked!!!!!

It appears only the Politicians and the Unions wanted the Olympics,, the every day hard working taxpayers DID NOT WANT IT!

Again we have the idiot Politicians not listening to the people but as with all Demoncrats....follow the money trail.....

It is just too funny,,,,,Obama loses again......... His royal highass will really be out to pass the Healthcare Bill that none of the hardworking taxpaying people want and will be have the Olympics all over again...I surely hope so...for the arrogant SOB's are not listening to the people.....

Flip the house in 2010!

Its Bushes fault, cause all he has to do is show up and open his glorious mouth and they all give him what he wants, so it has to be Bushes fault.

It could have gone to Chicago, unfortunately, our country has no more money left in which to bribe the IOC. I also think that the free demonstration of a brazilian wax job sealed the deal.

There is a story about George Washington that comes to mind. As the first President, he was offered a number of grandiose titles but chose "Mr. President" instead. He was keenly aware that the role of President required an appropriate use of power, so when a bill that he was concerned about came before Congress for debate, he hurried over to speak on the floor of the Senate. He stopped outside the doors and went back to his office. He realized that to be considered above the debate, he had to stay out of the debate.

Obama hasn't learned that yet. He gets into discussions about the NBA, chats with David Letterman, and stumps for an Olympic site selection. If he wants to be considered Presidential, he has to act Presidential. I'm not a hater, but I am not seeing anything presidential in this man.

I heard that it cost $900,000. Plus whatever Michelle bought.

First of all whatever happen to freedom of the press...i think New-vine is overstepping their boundaries a little I mean who cars if someone call another person a jerk get over it...but this is America you are free to breath that's about it...but personally to find out that they spent 70 MILLION DOLLARS ON THE BID ALONE! I think China call the president of the IOC and told him look we have no interest in hosting another Olympics.....HAHAHAHAHA RIO was the favorite from 2004 after China everyone talked about it being in RIO next...and second of all...how come the media covered this bidding so much more than any other Olympic bid.....personally I think every night one American Soldier should be recognized on national television for their service no matter what it is.....no instead we watch what M. Obama is wearing sorry but I am sick of that crap...ooo wow she wears clothes as if she has class...good for her she dresses like a WHITE EUROPEAN WOMAN....wow. I am sorry but I think Americans live in a dream....ohh just like that saying..."The American Dream"...should be more like "The Americans are dreaming"....I am on a roll boys and girls.....

What "successes" has Obama accomplished in his presidency so far? Unemployment is almost 10%, the national economy is in shambles, the people of America are at each other's throats like no other time since the Civil War, two wars are still raging, businesses are failing everywhere, his administration is filled with terrorists, traitors, tax cheats, racists, leftists, radicals, predators, anarchists, and liars of all descriptions. The failure to bring home the Olympics is just another instance where his lack of true leadership is failing his supporters and giving aid to his detractors.

You guys must watch a lot of Fox news. I don't consider this to be a blow to Obama whatsoever. He didn't bring politics into it, this was done as to not throw his wife tot he wolves. That's OK because America will just have to sweep the 2016 Olympics!

The evil that is here in America occupies 1% of the population. Forbes annually or whatever makes a list of 400 or so of the richest people in America, I imagine that the problem is on that list, and I don't think it is all of them, but a choice few. The problem is also in the American political system and its connection with special interest groups and their connections with big business here in America and those business's connections with the rich and powerful over seas who time and time again show how much they hate Americans.

Big business does not care about the rest of the 99% of the population and they don't care about what war kills what people, just as long as they can make big bucks off of it they could care less. There is a tank plant in Lima, Ohio whose worker's livelihoods rely on war. Killing should not be a livelihood. Why can't we use that technology to build tanks for our armored vehicles over here, or for the police, or even school and public transportation? Probably because there is no money in it.

We have to take the money out of war! I know that when you spout special interest groups it sort of sounds like the same generic rhetoric as the right wing spouting off about death panels. Well those interest groups have goals that are put in motion by big business, that did some negotiating with big business over seas, that give the some "goals". That is the problem, big business is not motivated by "the right thing to do", they are motivated by money and to them, "the right thing to do" is to make as much money as possible however they have to do it. Well when big business is motivated by the rich and powerful over seas, who hate us in the first place, you can damn sure bet that the big businesses over here don't have our best interest in mind. That means that the special interest groups they send in to Washington don't have our best interest in mind and that means that the politicians whose campaigns get a considerable donation from them don't have our best interest in mind and almost all of those politicians are republicans. It is a known fact.

They say Democrats are guilty of it too and I imagine some of them are, but they have sort of this strict policy about the fact that campaign contributions need to come from constituents and not businesses. It is what they call a grass roots campaigning.

I as a computer owner and a mac owner know that if you can think of it, your mac can do it. I also believe this about politics and people in general. So I give you this idea: We are fighting not two but three wars right now. The one in Iraq, the one in Afghanistan and the one here in America called "The War on Information". Who is receiving it and who is giving it. Have you ever noticed that right now in the news there is always two sides to the story and they are almost always the opposite and it just about melts your mind sometimes to figure out just what the heck is going on. First we were out of a recession then we are having the worst unemployment ever, you hear all over Fox news ACORN, ACORN, ACORN and then you hear Rachel Meadows have an expert on the subject say that they are no were near as bad as say for instance Black Water or their new moniker "Xe". And trust me Black Water is very bad, since when did it become legal to be a mercenary outside of the United States military? You wanna fix the economy? Get rid of these yahoos, they are costing us a fortune and doing nothing but getting there workers killed over there left and right.

So who do you believe in? The party who voted against raising minimum over a dozen times. Or the party who wants to stand up for workers rights by making it mandatory that all businesses carry insurance and that all employees have the freedom of choice to join a union if they want to. Believe it or not the last two are really great ideas. I mean should you go with the people who could have stopped 911, but didn't for whatever evil ass reason that we may never know or the party, or the people who and with some of the on their death bed mind you, did whatever they could earlier this year to save this country and the world from financial ruin, of course that was completely voted against by the other side and is now being portrayed by them as not being effective and costing tax payers tons and such a horrible thing. We ALL would have lost our jobs if something hadn't been done, banks would have foreclosed left and right, businesses would have went bankrupt all over this great country of ours and a great deal of Americans would have went without jobs, housing or even food, and the other side could have cared less, now does that sound like they are on your side.

So why didn't Barrack get the Olympics in Chicago? Well I will guarantee you it had something to do with that 16 year old getting beat to death then having it blasted all over the news for a week right before he went. Sounds like to me that someone new he was going there, then scowered Chi-town looking for anything negative they could find, and boy they found a whopper. Don't you think for a second that the right doesn't have rogues feeding the media, finding anything they can to get this president out of office and any dems out of office as well, I mean David Letterman has the president on for an hour, then the very next night Jay Leno has Rush Limbaugh on. Pretty soon you will be seeing freaking Glenn Beck on Conan.

I also find it funny that David is all of a sudden doing one of his all time great comedy bits that just so happens to be right out of the "Richard Pryor rule book of Comedy" that more or less says just because it is your real life and it is a little scary or creepy doesn't mean it isn't funny and it was. He handled it like a pro. I find it funny that he is doing bits about Cheney and Palin and all of a sudden someone is trying to get him to more or less retire or cause a heart attack or whatever, but Letterman played his butt well and now that person is most likely going to prison. Don't think for once this isn't all connected.

Do I care about the Olympics not coming to Chicago? Hell no, that is 7 years away, we need to get that city cleaned up first. Do I care that David Letterman has had sex with some of his employees? Hell no, I only care when it is politicians and then I don't 100% care. The Olympics thing to me is not a failure. I really could care less, we need that money now, not seven years from now. He tried though, A for the effort in my opinion!

So who do you believe in? Your president that is who. If he fails, we all fail. And if I am not correct, didn't a certain Spokesman for the Republican party say he wanted him to fail? Well if he is speaking for that party then that party wants America to fail. Wait a minute that doesn't sound right!! An American political party called Republicans wants America to fail. Because 1% of the population is not truly a high enough number to stand for Americans. Well then who the heck are they?

THE ENEMY!!!!

And I don't really "believe" in any politicians, I just vote for who I think is going to be the safer bet for America, and right now the Dems are batting a 1000.

The latest scoop is that Michelle is taking the blame for Barry not sealing the games. She says she should have done better.

MMM MMM MMM Bad...................

This was collapsed by the "community"?

Hojo Kate: "He, simply by appearing, brought politics into it. The Olympics are no place for politics." Explain then why the President of Brazil was there. Of course "politics" plays a part in the Olympics, everyone knows that. Just not the type of politics you are claiming. The IOC is chock full of political games.

His "failing" to seal the deal has no bearing whatsoever on anything except that the IOC wished to bring the games to South America, where it has never been before in its history.

Haters - get over it.

The cimmunity of right wing trolls maybe

You guys must watch a lot of Fox news. I don't consider this to be a blow to Obama whatsoever. He didn't bring politics into it, this was done as to not throw his wife tot he wolves. That's OK because America will just have to sweep the 2016 Olympics!

The evil that is here in America occupies 1% of the population. Forbes annually or whatever makes a list of 400 or so of the richest people in America, I imagine that the problem is on that list, and I don't think it is all of them, but a choice few. The problem is also in the American political system and its connection with special interest groups and their connections with big business here in America and those business's connections with the rich and powerful over seas who time and time again show how much they hate Americans.

Big business does not care about the rest of the 99% of the population and they don't care about what war kills what people, just as long as they can make big bucks off of it they could care less. There is a tank plant in Lima, Ohio whose worker's livelihoods rely on war. Killing should not be a livelihood. Why can't we use that technology to build tanks for our armored vehicles over here, or for the police, or even school and public transportation? Probably because there is no money in it.

We have to take the money out of war! I know that when you spout special interest groups it sort of sounds like the same generic rhetoric as the right wing spouting off about death panels. Well those interest groups have goals that are put in motion by big business, that did some negotiating with big business over seas, that give the some "goals". That is the problem, big business is not motivated by "the right thing to do", they are motivated by money and to them, "the right thing to do" is to make as much money as possible however they have to do it. Well when big business is motivated by the rich and powerful over seas, who hate us in the first place, you can damn sure bet that the big businesses over here don't have our best interest in mind. That means that the special interest groups they send in to Washington don't have our best interest in mind and that means that the politicians whose campaigns get a considerable donation from them don't have our best interest in mind and almost all of those politicians are republicans. It is a known fact.

They say Democrats are guilty of it too and I imagine some of them are, but they have sort of this strict policy about the fact that campaign contributions need to come from constituents and not businesses. It is what they call a grass roots campaigning.

I as a computer owner and a mac owner know that if you can think of it, your mac can do it. I also believe this about politics and people in general. So I give you this idea: We are fighting not two but three wars right now. The one in Iraq, the one in Afghanistan and the one here in America called "The War on Information". Who is receiving it and who is giving it. Have you ever noticed that right now in the news there is always two sides to the story and they are almost always the opposite and it just about melts your mind sometimes to figure out just what the heck is going on. First we were out of a recession then we are having the worst unemployment ever, you hear all over Fox news ACORN, ACORN, ACORN and then you hear Rachel Meadows have an expert on the subject say that they are no were near as bad as say for instance Black Water or their new moniker "Xe". And trust me Black Water is very bad, since when did it become legal to be a mercenary outside of the United States military? You wanna fix the economy? Get rid of these yahoos, they are costing us a fortune and doing nothing but getting there workers killed over there left and right.

So who do you believe in? The party who voted against raising minimum over a dozen times. Or the party who wants to stand up for workers rights by making it mandatory that all businesses carry insurance and that all employees have the freedom of choice to join a union if they want to. Believe it or not the last two are really great ideas. I mean should you go with the people who could have stopped 911, but didn't for whatever evil ass reason that we may never know or the party, or the people who and with some of the on their death bed mind you, did whatever they could earlier this year to save this country and the world from financial ruin, of course that was completely voted against by the other side and is now being portrayed by them as not being effective and costing tax payers tons and such a horrible thing. We ALL would have lost our jobs if something hadn't been done, banks would have foreclosed left and right, businesses would have went bankrupt all over this great country of ours and a great deal of Americans would have went without jobs, housing or even food, and the other side could have cared less, now does that sound like they are on your side.

So why didn't Barrack get the Olympics in Chicago? Well I will guarantee you it had something to do with that 16 year old getting beat to death then having it blasted all over the news for a week right before he went. Sounds like to me that someone new he was going there, then scowered Chi-town looking for anything negative they could find, and boy they found a whopper. Don't you think for a second that the right doesn't have rogues feeding the media, finding anything they can to get this president out of office and any dems out of office as well, I mean David Letterman has the president on for an hour, then the very next night Jay Leno has Rush Limbaugh on. Pretty soon you will be seeing freaking Glenn Beck on Conan.

I also find it funny that David is all of a sudden doing one of his all time great comedy bits that just so happens to be right out of the "Richard Pryor rule book of Comedy" that more or less says just because it is your real life and it is a little scary or creepy doesn't mean it isn't funny and it was. He handled it like a pro. I find it funny that he is doing bits about Cheney and Palin and all of a sudden someone is trying to get him to more or less retire or cause a heart attack or whatever, but Letterman played his butt well and now that person is most likely going to prison. Don't think for once this isn't all connected.

Do I care about the Olympics not coming to Chicago? Hell no, that is 7 years away, we need to get that city cleaned up first. Do I care that David Letterman has had sex with some of his employees? Hell no, I only care when it is politicians and then I don't 100% care. The Olympics thing to me is not a failure. I really could care less, we need that money now, not seven years from now. He tried though, A for the effort in my opinion!

So who do you believe in? Your president that is who. If he fails, we all fail. And if I am not correct, didn't a certain Spokesman for the Republican party say he wanted him to fail? Well if he is speaking for that party then that party wants America to fail. Wait a minute that doesn't sound right!! An American political party called Republicans wants America to fail. Because 1% of the population is not truly a high enough number to stand for Americans. Well then who the heck are they?

THE ENEMY!!!!

And I don't really "believe" in any politicians, I just vote for who I think is going to be the safer bet for America, and right now the Dems are batting a 1000.

Sorry for loading that monster twice. Freaking website doesn't refresh to well!!

you aren't the only one who's sorry. You should watch more o'reilly and learn to keep it pithy.

What you all right wing fanatics and Obama haters FAILED to see is that Chicago losing the Olympic bid is a lost for ALL of America. That's right fools, this comes right back to you all. That's a loss of possible jobs, boost in the economy and honor for the whole entire country! So who is being patriotic here??? Certainly NOT you narrow minded Beck and Limburger Lemmings. As if those double chin, pasty, selfish fatsos will share their millions with you!!! Yeah, they will want you do do their bidding but no thanks to you! Wake up and smell reality. All you are ALL doing is help bring the country down. SHAME ON YOU!!!!

MDN41578 "He didn't fail at anything. It was a long shot we'd get the games here anyway"

Chicago and Rio were widely considered to be the front-runners, which is why Obama went to Denmark - to tip it in Chicago's favor.

Instead, it appears that the attempt failed miserably because Chicago ended up last. Nice try at a "spin" though. No matter how you try to "spin" him out of responsibility for the failure, he has a huge tomato on his face. Maybe now he'll start paying attention to pressing economic issues at home instead of playing the "rock star" role to the rest of the world.

Obama didn't fail to get the Olympics he failed at even getting Chicago past the first round.

"His adopted hometown — considered the front-runner heading into Friday's voting — did not just lose, it took last place, shocking nearly all by getting knocked out in the first round while the remaining three contenders duked it out."

Can anyone blame them for wanting to stay as far away from him and the U.S. as possible? Look at what he is doing to the country. Why would you agree to hold the Olympics in a country who's jobs were exported and who's "wealth" were simply imaginary home values. 2016 is a long time to wait and watch just how far things fall.

Wait Kate, don't you think that JENNIFER LOVEN and JULIE PACE are just racist or like 19jet says, it's all Bush's fault?

The loss of the Olympics isn't a loss for America. It's a gain for taxpayers who'd be paying a chunk to tear down slummy parts of Chicago so that his buddies could make a profit on the land, the Unions could make big $$ building and wiring things, and corrrupt Chicago pols could get paid off under the table. The average taxpayer across America loses in long run. We've all been around the block and know how the Chicago way works. Take a sniff of what you are shoveling.

I can't believe the A&P actually put the journalists names on this article. Equally, I can't believe it took two journalists to come up with such a dumb angle to the Olympics story. Like this loss is somehow going to change the way Obama is perceived and how his polital schemes will all fall down like a deck of cards? We could only be so lucky. But can you really blame the committee? Rio sounds a whole lot better than Chicago to me. I'd rather have seen Obama doing something about our economy as a nation rather than a sorely placed patch here and there.

Obama is a nothing President, a nobody. He's not even a Jimmy Carter. At least Jimmy Carter had Iran to make him look feeble. Obama doesn't even have that, he just makes himself look feeble.

Chris, I agree with most in your post.

I find less to fault with this effort than most of the President's domestic agenda. If Chicago had won it would have provided many jobs for several years. As it is Chicago should have openings in one area-law enforcement. If the out of control crime didn't doom Chicago's chances it should have. They have a crime problem. It was highlighted by the latest student murder which happened at the worst possible time (too close to the vote to be forgotten). I fully expect Chicago to quickly recover as they are a resilient city. Now if the President will turn his attention to Afghanistan that would be great!!

Obama is a good man and a great president. With all he has on his plate he took the time and energy to attempt to get the Olympics back into the U.S.. So it didn't come through, big whoop! It's nice that south America is going to get it for the first time. Good for them, I say.This news story is so useless. Speculating whether this will hurt his presidency. Geez come on ! If it does it will surely be a reflection of the superficiality of the American people.

Hojokate. The Olympics have always been political. Look at Hitler and the Nazis who saw the Olympics as an opportunity to advance their position that the so-called Aryans were superior until Jesse Owens prevailed for America. (Also the Brown Bomber- Joe Louis defeating M. S.) Getting the Olympics is political in terms of international recognition to be sure, and isn't it about time that South America get the Olympics. Once again, those that are jealous of intelligence will fault Obama, and it is obvious they are trying to create a straw-man argument here, but much to their chagrin, their actions are transparent. Solution: go back to school and get an education so that you can process data and information at a level beyond the 6th grade. Hojokate, please do not insult your own intelligence and refrain from parroting right wing rhetoric and non-sense. Since when is a an American President to be faulted for doing the bidding for this nation in getting the Olympics. Tying this to health care reform is only your brand of wishful thinking that it will fail because you don't care or realize the plight of others. What goes around comes around is not a clever bumper sticker or naive wishful thinking, since many of us have been around long enough to observe it! Your time will come when your hardened heart will be at the mercy of the same type of people that you are lionizing now. It is obvious that you have a very limited understanding, which is your own personal hell. Enjoy!

If I was a member of the IOC, and I had been watching the broadcasts from the four countries bidding during this last, say, six months, I would have eliminated any city in the United States first, probably in surprise any place in the country would apply at all.

The Olympic Games is about brotherhood and unity, good sportsmanship, win or lose, and the belief in how you play the game being paramount.

If I watched the news of the world, where would I see the films of people in Madrid, Tokyo, or Rio in constant contradiction of all of these things? Only in the United States have the antithesis of these ideals been a daily event. I don't think most people in this country realize or care that the world has changed, and we are a global economy, and a global news market. And as a country, we have not come off looking like a particularly good place to host games that are supposed to teach young people good sportsmanship.

We look less like the home of the free and the land of the brave than any of the other applicant cities, and their countries as a whole. We look, and are, divisive and bitter on every front, always bickering, name calling, and blaming each other, and even throwing the word "hate" around like it was a positive thing. People hate their President, hate their government, and hate their fellow Americans, and states hate this country so much they want to secede.

That is hardly a model we should want for our own young people, so why would the world want this for theirs? If we want to ever be a major leader for anything representing peace and brotherhood in this world, we need to take a good, long, and honest look in the mirror, all of us, and see what others outside our border see. It is not pretty.

Gee, Maybe Obama flying all over the world telling everyone who will listen (and even those who won't) what a horrible, evil, arrogant country we are had something to do with Chicago not getting the bid. Nah couldn't be that, it's all Bush's fault. Right libs?

This President is a disaster. He has no business being in the White House. Not only does he not have a clue what he's doing he surrounds himself with the most radical, immoral Communists in the country. Ya happy now libs? Ya got what ya want? Idiots

The problem with Obama is he has no track record, every task has been abandoned right after initiation, and what's even worst no forethought or real planing, that's why the great stimulus has only 25% used and the rest is stuck, he in a rush to go nowhere, seems that he only likes the attention in front of the camera all the time instead of been with he so called advisers hammering out plans on turning this recession around, the more people that end up unemployed means less and less taxes being paid for these so called remedies, he needs to tackle one problem at a time what's the sense of multitasking if none of the task are completed, does this make any sense at all .......

Obama looked RIDICULOUS for going over to Denmark with Michelle and Oprah. What a joke that they are globe trotting on tax payers dime. How disgusting.

We need to impeach him for the destruction he is trying to cause to our society. Why is he appointing these nutcase "czars". He must be intentionally picking only whacked out left wing radicals in an effort to cause chaos and destruction. No one in his position could possibly be stupid enough to select these people otherwise.

jkrystof. You said there are documents that show that Obama tried to volunteer for military service.

The problem is you have to show your birth certificate for them to take you.

LOL.

joe colt "Obama is a good man and a great president."

How's the Kool-aid on that other planet of yours?

If you want to know where he's headed, just read up on Jimmy Carter and his "Misery Index".

Let's review Obama's score card so far……

1. Obama's handling of the economy and billion dollar bailouts is a total failure.

2. Obama's plan to reduce unemployment is a total failure.

3. Obama's Stimulus Plan is a total failure.

4. Obama's Health Care Reform is a total failure.

5. Obama's attempt to close Gitmo is a total failure.

6. Obama's strategy in Afghanistan is a total failure.

7. Obama's kowtowing to Arab and Communist Nations is a total failure.

8. Obama's attempt to control North Korea, Iran and Russia is a total failure.

9. Obama's mind-boggling deficit spending is a total failure.

10. Obama's attempt to get foreign countries to like us more is a total failure.

11. Obama's appointment of tax cheating/corrupt/socialist/incompetent cabinet members/czars is a total failure.

12. NOW THE CHICAGO OLMPICS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE A TOTAL FAILURE (LAST PLACE IN THE VOTING…..PLEASE!!! I THOUGHT CHICAGO WAS THE FRONT UNNER).

There are so many other failures, but time does not permit me to keep going. Obama's presidency reminds me of the joke about the guy who fell off of the roof of the Empire State Building. As he passed the window on the 20th floor of the building, the man was heard to say..."Well, so far so good..." Some may laugh out loud about Obama's failed Presidency, but really there is nothing funny about failing. It's embarrassing. It's also very bad for America and our future.

This is only a blow to the organized political crime machine in Chikago and their leaders, the obama's. Chikago doesn't have billions of dollars to put on a show so the union bosses, slum lords, and the politicians can make off with billions of taxpayer dollars. everyday makes it clearer and clearer that this president is all about doing for himself and the cronies that elected him, fed his campaign and continue to support his corrupt political machine.

Itsborken, you said:

I can accept an average man (Bush) not excelling. What is the excuse when someone as smart as Obama fumbles as much as he does?

Even the best would have a tough time when you take over in the worst of times and have such a well oiled mean-machine like the GOP is in your face from day one and claiming failure every step of the way. Just as an example, look a couple of posts up at "Fred". Virtually everything he lists can also be argued to be a success compared to Bush or McCain. Virtually everything could be argued as leftover crap from the previous administration. But the GOP advertizes absolutes in its favor EVERY time.

Of course we all really know that its a mix. And I think we all know that everyone of those items listed could have been better if the Republican party had not been so childish (yes, childish!) in their reaction to an election loss. Obama came into a situation no one would envy. The least we can do is help...

Never mind... the GOP would rather gloat at our country's losses than lift a finger to help. Thanks.

I'm so glad Obama failed in his attempt to get the olympics to Chicago.   His goal was not for the glory of America - it was for the glory of giving payback to his crooked Chicago cronies for their part in getting him prepared from his no account community organizer job in the slums of Chicago to President. That goes for Michelle too - with her cushy, appointed jobs.  He doesn't give one damn about America - it will soon be known as Amerika if he has his way with shoving socialism down our throats.  He is an arrogant, Muslim who wants it his way or no way - His only asset is that he is a good speak (as long as he has a monitor in front of him) and that is a huge help to him.  People should see through his empty head.  Maybe Obama isn't as popular as he thinks he is in this world.  

In the words of the infamous "REVEREND " Wright. The chickens are coming home to roost.

Only the 23/7 news media would perpetuate a story that already has passed its expiration date.

Why is it that blogs with anything to do with MSNBC lacks any kind of intelligent discussion?

Makes me believe that Bill Maher is correct - Most Americans are stupid. They don't think for themselves, nor do they look for facts.

If anyone wants good discussion, try dailykos or salon.com. At least there people don't spew party lines. And they respect the office of the Presidency - regardless for whom they voted.

This article is assinine. Just because there is competition for something such as an Olympic does not mean you don't give it yout best shot. There is no shame in not winning- only in not trying.

Apparently those in the countries around us proved what many of us think of the Newly Selected, he is shallow, insincere and unprepared at what he does and is not all he is cracked up to be. This is because he is unqualified, inexsperienced and uncredentialed and should never have been allowed in office. Even that RINO McCain wouldn't stand up there and glorify himself while he ran down the country and endangered it's security. McCain would not have been the sharpest stick but he was qualified, a real partirot and probably wouldn't be the simple minded, self-aggrandizing shill that the Newly Selected is now.

The author and Republicans on this thread just don't get it and they probably never will. You see, conventional Republican political wisdom says that a president would only go make a pitch if they KNEW the vote was in the bag... make a big photo op, grab the political glory, and claim total responsibility. But we now look at that conventional wisdom as the complete waste of time.

Instead, our President went to lend his helping hand on a bid that looked to fail... takes more guts and holds no glory, but it was the RIGHT thing to do for Chicago and our country.

Again, the games brings prosperity to the city that hosts it... as we proved possible in the first profitable games in Los Angeles in 1984. It raises the spirits within the community it is held... I was in Los Angeles and it was the one time I can remember when the people really came together... Chicago and our country could have used that right now. Instead we get torn apart more by the Republicans... good job guys.

Congrats to Rio and thanks for the effort for those that supported Chicago's bid. Thanks to the President for his unconditional support.

Any political clout lost is in the minds of the Republicans. His political clout actually increased in most reasonable circles.

It wasn't a matter of losing clout, but illustrating what wasn't there in the first place.

Why is it a bad political move? Wasn't President Lula Inacio da Silva of Brazil there as well. I just think that Americans are fraustrated about the high rate of unemployment and the recession. They are taking it out on President Obama. Why were Americans not tough with President George W Bush? After all Americans gave him two terms.

Come on Obi...the Brazilian President has nothing else to do this week. Obama needs to get in gear as of right now, he doesn't need to be there wasting our time.

lots of reasons; but bottom line is this guy is in his last term; imagine touting the most corrupt town in america to the world two weeks after lying to the American public and joint sessions of congress; they did not buy it and in fact laughed at the thought with a last, by far, place showing ... embarrassing for this country ...

that is a true story state...

put it this way...with how corrupt and abusive of power the IOC is when it comes to issues...

They sure can smell one of their own and a city thats run much the same as them from the other side of the world...ha

Obi, the Supreme Court and Diebold gave Dubya two terms.

Unfortunately this loss does look bad for Obama. Sorry, but he really should have stayed home on this one, down played whether or not Chicago would get anywhere and simply sent the first lady and vice president Biden to make the Olympic bid. Obama simply has way too much on his plate to have suffered such a high profile national and international loss. His judgement was not good here. I don't understand why he doesn't stay put in the white house, focus, and work. He needs to just settle down and stay off t.v. for a while. I watched his speech to the Olympic committee that aired. It lacked luster. He looked very very tired. You wonder if he'll make it to 2012 at this rate. Obama is carrying a larger burden than Bush. He should use his intelligence and instincts to pace himself and focus on health care reform, these 2 wars, and last but not least, our high unemployment. He and the first lady need to cut back their extravagant lifestyle while living in the white house. The first lady having 22 attendants is nothing short of outrageous. If she needs two or three or even four, fine, but not twenty-two. Again Obama is at a place in his Presidency where he really needs to be careful with how he uses his time and whom for. He should have kept his focus and stayed out of the Olympics. (I feel he knows it; it was a last minute decision for him as he'd stated he wouldn't be going at all.) This won't be good for him. People's confidence in him have further decreased.

Why would losing the bid to Having the Olympics in Chicago be such a big loss?

The biggest loss in this country is that we don't have a President who works.

Suprise, suprise, suprise...BULL! Chicago did not stand a chance against RIO. Niether did Spain or Japan. No South American country has ever had an Olympics venue...IOC said "spread the wealth". Besides, the climate is better, and they have the party atmosphere (in spades) that everyone who travels looks for as a plus.

Chicago only had the distance down pat, but they didn't bother to consider the territory one would have to travel through. If 16 yr-old natives get clubbed to death in front of a community center...what can a tourist who doesn't speak Chicago expect?

Wonder what the IOC committee got when they visited Rio...hope it's curable.

I think this loss looks bad for President Obama, only because it makes him look weaker.

He's not starting out on a good 'foot". Bringing the Olympics to Chicago is really not important, but it is important to note that maybe the rest of the world does not take favorably to Pres. Obama. They fervently watch what's happening in the United States in politics and the happiness of the Americans.

Other countries look upon the United States as the Super Power. They have no one else. We must live up to this standard.

TremaineWhy would losing the bid to Having the Olympics in Chicago be such a big loss?

The biggest loss in this country is that we don't have a President who works.
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*mega facepalm,

so Obama spends a day promoting an American city to host a widely publicized international event and he isn't working? How many days did Bush spend clearing brush on his ranch? For roughly a 1/4 of the time he was president? Where was so outrage over the president "not working" then?

I don't like the "but, but Bush" card but sometimes the hypocrisy and cognitive dissonance is just so deafening that you can't help but bring it up.

I see this sort of garbage everyday on this board; partisans, who had no problem with something when their "team" was in charge, suddenly start foaming at the mouth when the other "team" is in charge and engages in similiar behaviour. In reality, they don't really care about the underlying issue at all, they just opportunisticially sieze upon it in order to smear the other side. It getting really, really tiring.

Come on people, show some consistency!

Obi-450889 Why is it a bad political move? the fact he just spent $900,000 of tax payer money is one reason, the fact the 263,000 people got up today and did not have a job, fact what has Obama done to get people back to work a big fat "0" the bailout has not gone to any companies that are struggling today its gone to his buddies in Chicago, UAW, AFL-CIO, SEIU, B of A , AIG just to name a few, Fact I don’t care what the President Lula Inacio da Silva of Brazil does he’s not my President Obama is. Fact every time you left wing thugs get your back in a corner you pull out Bush, give it up we are 10 months down the road it’s not a Bush problem anymore, It’s Obama Problems It’s become a stupid statement get over it Obama owns all the problems no more free ride using Bush and to let you know, I was not a fan of Bush.

Craig:

What are you trying to convey?. There is no substantial content in your dissertation.

Please explain.

Why should the people show consistency?. 1st Amendment right---Freedom of Speech.

It is the President that should be consistency trying to get our huge problems resolved, instead of marching around to other countries to enjoy himself at our expense..

The biggest loss is to his cronies who own all the land where the olympic village would be built, and all the kick backs and good ole boy deals for the Chicago thugs who were licking there chops over the money they would make. Ask Valarie Jarrette how much she lost out on. Even Tony Rezco would have made money from prison.

Craig:

What are you trying to convey?. There is no substantial content in your dissertation.

Please explain.

Why should the people show consistency?. 1st Amendment right---Freedom of Speech.

It is the President that should be consistency trying to get our huge problems resolved, instead of marching around to other countries to enjoy himself at our expense..
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Whoah, wait what does the 1st Amendment have to do about my appeal for consistency?

I was simply stating that if a person had a problem when a democratic president did something than they should also have a problem when a republican president went and did that exact same thing or vice versa. I don't know if you personally were a supporter of Bush, but I've seen many people who did support Bush go and criticize Obama for doing something whereas there was almost no reaction from these very same people when Bush went and did the very same thing. Of course it works both ways. The reason it annoys me is because I don't think such arguments are intellectually honest.

I don't see how the 1st amendment factors into it, of course people can say whatever they want and I'm saying that I wish people were more consistent in their criticism. Its not that I think such hypocritical criticism should be banned, it's just annoying.

I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately after listening to Olberman, Maddow, Franken, Pelosi, et al rant throughout the Bush term and then give Obama the free pass for doing same things is a little hypcritical too.

Whatever happened to the media trumpeting Code Pink, closing the ROTC offices in school and all that other stuff anyway? Oh yeah, 'our' guy is in charge. Move along now, nothing to see here...

Other countries sent their leaders as well why don't you piss all over them?

Obama is the only sitting president who has personally gone to the IOC campaigning for the olympics.

No other U.S. president has ever done that. That tells me he thought that by going to copenhagen at the last minute that he thought he could single handedly bring the olympics back to the U.S. He acted like he was going out for pizza or something. The more I think about it, the more I think obama and his wife were the deciding factor in Chicago not getting the olympics. 18 of 94 votes is pretty thin. That's only 19% of the votes.

The IOC made a point that they won't be swayed by anyone. Not even mm mmm mm Barrack Hussien Obama. I don't think his wife helped either by telling the committee how she sat on her fathers lap cheering for Nadia Comanice, Carl Lewis. If they did the math on her age, they'd know she was to old for that.

I'm waiting for someone to say how racist the IOC is. Michelle will probably say something to the effect of how they raised the bar on her husband.

Chris, in your ranting to downgrade peoples' objections to Obama's conduct, you fail to account for one variable:

Those people you are accusing of hypocrisy were probably just as critical of Bush clearing brush, as they are of Obama jetting around the world - on our dime.

It is possible, and maybe you should sit down for this, to have been critical of Bush, AND be critical of Obama. After all, much of what they did/do IS the same - as you point out. In fact, very little of actual substance has changed policy wise, since Obama took office.

Obama is expending political capital so fast, and on such useless crap, it's staggering. This is just the latest example, this trip to Denmark. Sending cabinet members to Chicago to investigate the beating death? Come on. He did that because, A. it's Chicago, and B. it was captured on video. This is the transparency he promised, and here we all thought he meant transparency into policy.

In reality, he was promising that his favoritism to Chicago thug politics, unions, ACORN, trial laweyers, etc would be totally and completely transparent.

Good for the IOC, they saw through his crap. If only more American's would do the same.

All this dumb conjecture about whether it hurt Obama or defeated him is the same thing we read from the Conservatives on everything he does.  This was the right thilng to do and even though we did not get the bid for Chicago, it made it possible that they will get the next one in 2012 even more likely. For once our President took the initiative to fight directly for the Olympics instead of criticizing the Olympic Committee.  He has shown that he can fight and will win whether you naysayers like or not on key issues like Health Care.  We finally have a President who has some guts and works non stop every day for the American People instead of his own re-election or the good of the corporations and ""Weapons Manufactureres" so they can prepare for another war.  Not only that he used the trip "smartly" to also meet with General McChrystal our military leader in Afghanastan.  Yes, this man is smart, strong, and can do more than one thing at a tilme in order to finally get this nation "slowly" back to at least what it was before Bush/Chaney began their calculated destruction of our country with abuse of the constitution, creating a war without a budget, letting Bin Laden escape and also not budgeting for the war in Afghanistan, lying to the American People and removing all controls on the financial lords of this country of which they "were owned by".   Be proud that there is actually a man in the White House is working for all of us regardless of our political leanings or our non-support of everything he does.  The aforementioned individuals would be screaming on this site if the President had decided not to go and support our Nation.  The final vote had in the minds of the Olympic Panel leadership been made up before any vote began as there has no Olympics held in South America.  We have had several over the past few years in America, and I might mention, they were profitiable and the facilities built are still being utilized in all cities today, which created jobs and pride.   

CHRIS, You leeches don't think, at all, do you?

If it's free you want it and don't bother you with the details.

Well, tell me this, incredibly unintelligent person, when all business goes out of business, or offshore then we won't have to worry about them paying for insurance, will we?

This is probably the most serious charge against Obama, before he arrived people didn't expect some one else to pay their way. I expect that if all of his bills don't get passed he will get down on the floor in front of the capitol building and kick his heels and pull his hair.

patrickrover: "This was the right thilng to do and even though we did not get the bid for Chicago, it made it possible that they will get the next one in 2012 even more likely."

Won't London be surprised after all the expense they have gone through.

Maybe it will go to one of Obama's other 57 states that he has visited.

It wasn't about plitics. It was about our country.

Did you watch/listen to his speech? It was self gratifying, all about me speech. He spewed his "on a late November night" speech when he won the election, to what it would mean to him to walk out of my chicago house in 2016 with hischildren and seeing the Olympics in his backyard. Everything is about him. . .Narcissist in Chief. That is why Chicago came in last. The IOC doesn't care is having the Olympics in Chicago will send "tingling" feelings up the Obama's legs.

Chicago got 18 out of 94 votes on the first ballot. Not exactly a vote for us. We have had a bad relationship going back to Salt Lake city games with the IOC and that has a lot to do with why we were shot down so fast and so badly. In 2005 New York only got 19 votes but made it to the second round. We have some Olympic fence mending to do that cant be bought with money, talk show stars or popular politicians. Rio was not even above Qatar last time they submitted. Japan was out because too close to the China games. Madrid because Olympics will be in London in 2012. That leaves Rio and their multiple bids to have a chance to earn some respect and the games. I wish them the best and they do deserve this chance.

The IOC probably remembered that Obama told the world that America is an arrogant country plus other derogatory statements he has made about our great country.

Seems like I heard that the IOC members were crowding around to shake the President's hand and be photographed with him. Why do we have to be so negative about everything?? There were obviously other considerations at play in the choice of Rio, and it has nothing to do with the President having lost any stature internationally. Quite the contrary. You folk are just jealous that this Democratic president is so well liked!

Jenny:

In a sense choosing Rio, Brazil was a political move. It take Politics and good speeches to woo the judges. An 89 year old man spoke for the Brazilians. No South American country has hosted the Olympics. This was a real coup for them.

One of the Leaders broke down and cried for joys of happiness. Frankly, I am glad they got it. The Brazilians love life, and they are a happy people. "Carnival" is great there.

The country is divided between 1/2 wealthy and 1/2 poor.

I am ecstatic for the poor people. They need some real joy in their life.

Hmmm...50-50 eh? In the US, it's 95% poor and 5% wealthy....The top 5% has more wealth than the bottom 95% combined. Maybe some of us would be better served moving to Rio.

The IOC probably remembered that Obama told the world that America is an arrogant country plus other derogatory statements he has made about our great country.

He really likes running us into the ground don't he? Everywhere he goes he talks @!$%# about us. That's a pretty @!$%#ty thing to do for a president. Seems like he's always apologizing on our behalf. He doesn't need to be apologizing for stuff that happened when he wasn't president. We didn't vote him in to make us look like @!$%#s to the world. I think he trys to make us look bad for obvious reasons.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

kelly-138-Not news unless Chicago got the Olympics.

What our President spends his time doing on our behalf is news.

And i suppose distractions like Obama calling Kanye West a "Jackass" is considered headline news. At least this was a non-biased article posted by MSNBC for once.

The media reports every move Pres and Michelle Obama make. We as citizens are'nt necessarily interested in the small minutiae that goes on with them.

Looking at the bigger picture is what the Media should be reporting.

BTW: Where is the dog BO?

"You think it could simply be that Rio had the best bid and that the IOC recognized that fact and believed South America deserved an opportunity to host?! "

No, because according to many people, especially people on this board, whatever happens in the world is based solely on what Obama does or does not do :P All other factors are irrelevant, I mean, it's not like those foreigners had any impact on what happened (eye roll)

If anyone thinks that Obama is the messiah, its the media - I'm surprised someone didn't try to blame that horrible beating in Chicago last week on Obama, I'm sure if I search long enough, I'll find it.

Craig:

Pres. Obama never should have been the representive for the Olympics. Never.

His job is to govern the United States and work. Not fly around the world at his whim for a party. He knew Chicago wouldn't get the Olympics. He knew.

It was another opportunity to "escape" from the fire pit of disagreements from his American citizens.

When issues get to close to Obama in the negative, he flees.

I couldn't have said this any better.

Well said....I agree.

Here are his accomplishments: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

You may not like them, but he has them nonetheless.

well said, H. Stowell...

and anyone who has to dredge up wikipedia, that hallowed site for "consistently correct" information *tongue in cheek*, should realize real quick... HE'S NOT DONE AND NEVER WILL DO ANYTHING worth mentioning, much less be Leader of the USA.

To H Stowell: If you think Obama is a joke to the world then I can only imagine what you thought of the buffoon Bush. Obama has improved our standing in the world immensely. We still have a long way to go. But his efforts on Chicago's behalf were much appreciated. He is a stellar representative for this country and we are lucky to have him as our President.

H Stowell: I AGREE - VERY WELL PUT..

u r full of fried chicken just like the os.i mean fat ass oprah and obuma. DOWN WITH the old fat HHHHOOOOGG lets show that fat hog a thing r 2. BOY_COTT oprah.

Surveys by the Pew Research Center quantify how America’s standing in many parts of the world has improved significantly since Mr. Obama’s election. In Germany, 64 percent of people interviewed this year expressed favorable views of the United States, up from 31 percent a year ago. In Indonesia, 63 percent approve of America compared with 37 percent last year.

France, Britain, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria and other countries likewise saw double-digit increases, while smaller increases were registered in India, South Korea, Japan and China.

Eric-913730 take your facts, reason and logical arguments elsewhere!

To people like Spud, everything that happens in the world is because of Obama and/or a reflection on Obama. To them, every other factor is meaningless in comparision.

I'm surprised they haven't blamed that tidal wave off the coast of Samoa on him somehow.... That was clearly an indication that Obama is not popular with God! (rolls eyes)

the Pew Research Center quantify how America’s standing in many parts of the world has improved significantly since Mr. Obama’s election.

He has given away a ton of our tax money to some of our enemies. I'm sure his approval in these countries did rise.

• $3.6 billion, matching the request, to expand and improve capabilities of the Afghan security forces

• $400 million, as requested, to build the counterinsurgency capabilities of the Pakistani security forces

• Afghanistan: $1.52 billion, $86 million above the request

• West Bank and Gaza: $665 million in bilateral economic, humanitarian, and security assistance for the West Bank and Gaza

• Jordan: $250 million, $250 million above the request, including $100 million for economic and $150 million for security assistance

• Egypt: $360 million, $310 million above the request, including $50 million for economic assistance, $50 million for border security, and $260 million for security assistance

• Pakistan: $1.9 billion, $591 million above the request

• Iraq: $968 million, $336 million above the request

• Oversight: $20 million, $13 million above the request, to expand oversight capacity of the State Department, USAID, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan to review programs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq

• Israel: $555 million of the $2.8 billion 2010 request for security assistance, $555 million above the supplemental request. (Note: that means Obama’s original request did not include any money for Israel in 2009)

• Lebanon: $74 million

• International Food Assistance: $500 million, $200 million above the request, for PL 480 international food assistance to alleviate suffering during the global economic crisis

• Refugee Assistance: $343 million, $50 million above the request, …including humanitarian assistance for Gaza. Funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency programs in the West Bank and Gaza is limited to $119 million (Note: Gaza = Hamas)

• Disaster Assistance: $200 million to avert famines and provide life-saving assistance during natural disasters and for internally displaced people around the world, including Somalia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, the Middle East and South Asia

• Peacekeeping: $837 million for United Nations peacekeeping operations, including an expanded mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a new mission in Chad and the Central African Republic

• HIV/AIDS: $100 million, $100 million above the request, for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to address a funding shortfall for grants in key countries such as Haiti, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Afghanistan. (Note: That means Obama’s original request didn’t include any money for AIDs)

• Africa: $151 million, $18 million above the request, for economic and security assistance for Kenya, Somalia, Southern Sudan, and Zimbabwe Didn't Zimbabwe recently take back farm land by killing the white land owners?

• Mexico: $470 million, $404 million above the request, to address growing violence along the United States-Mexico border by supporting the Government of Mexico’s war against organized crime and drug-trafficking

• Georgia: $242 million to fulfill the United States commitment to the people of Georgia What commitment?

• Global Financial Crisis: $300 million, $148 million below the request, to address the global financial crisis in developing countries

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation: $55 million, $34.5 million below the request, for the National Nuclear Security Administration to safeguard nuclear material in Russia and other sites world-wide

• Department of Justice: $17 million, matching the request, for counter-terrorism activities and to provide training and assistance for the Iraqi criminal justice system

Does Somolia even have a working government? Or is he giving it to the pirates?

Can we PLEASE put someone else in the President's chair? Mickey Mouse would be better than OooopsBama!

I like him as President.

SueZQ: How ignorant you are. So you hope that our President fails at everything he is doing to try to help this country. So, you hope this country faills. What a sad, pathetic and inadequate individual you are.

Obviously does not grasp the difference between an agenda by Obama and what is good for the country.

W.GOIN WE are still waiting for him to do something that would help this country.

To date all we have seen is a continuance of attempt to redistribute wealth in this country.

First of all "coincidince" is spelled "coincidence. Second, it would not have mattered if he was from Chicago or not. Other leaders of other nations were there to promote their country. He did what all the other leaders did and if he hadn't, then people would have been complaining that he didn't do all that he could have done.

Just because other Presidents did it, doesn't mean that ours had to. With all the problems he has said that "He" would personally take care of, it sounds like he distracts easily.

I just hope the two people voting for this post knew it was dripping with sarcasm.

Thanks for the lol. I needed that.

Wisconsin Bob, I just love you:)...rotflol....

I think everybody already knows how I feel about all of this hoopla;)

I love Rio.......:)

hmmmmmmmmmm wonder where the Pres has been since getting back from Denmark...can't find anything live from him anywhere...It's okay buddy...do ya think you can find the Oval Office now? Good now get your ass to work....playtime is over...WE have some serious issues we would really like you to give your full attention...please start by telling Axelrod to stop opening his mouth to exchange his feet, Fire Robert Gibbs and find a Press Secretary that I can stand to look at...uhhhh believe you have some healthcare reform bills to read...that's right you read them...don't just believe what your team..is telling you...they lie...and call a meeting of the joint Joint Chiefs of Staff and tell them what you think the next best step is in the Middle East(and by the way we would kind of like to know what went on between you and General McChrystal..yes it is our business..unless it puts lives and the country's security at risk...and last tell Valerie Jarrett..Booo Hoooo from me...you are not running for your next election at this time..You are the President of my Country and I expect you to start acting like a President and not a canidate for Leader of the World...I know you and Michelle are best friends with your political advisor..but she more than anyone is to blame for us coming in so low in the rankings for the Olympics...make her own it...

nuff for now...

Competance of the 70's? You need to go back a little further than that youngin'

What's the problem? MSNBC for once, and I mean once, not showing enough love to the Messiah? Maybe a few of them are starting to lose the tingle up their legs.

They are changing quickly. It is apparent that GE is selling NBC off. They don't want to be looked at the wrong way by their next employer.

Wisconsin;

What competence of the 70's? I remember it well. Another flat, disinterested President.

So, with the progressive mind set, it is all about "trying". Never doing or following up, rather, the simple attempt at trying or thinking about it, is as good as actually accomplishing something. The Clinton's were masters at this, and Obama has honed the practice. If "trying" is so all important, why then will Obama not "try" and cooperate with the Republicans, and don't come back and say he has reached out to them....nonsense. He sets up a photo op, tells the Repubs this is what I want, when they offer alternatives or attempt to cooperate, he turns on the cameras and teleprompter and says...well see I "tried" but they wont help me. This is what boys and girls do in the 6th. grade.

I agree, you cant go all over the world appologizing for what a "horrible" place America is and then expect to persuade the world to come here for the Olympics. (unless your extrememly narcissistic) Guess the groveling backfired?

It wasn't part of the president's job to get the Olympics before - and still isn't. But this clown likes to stick his big ears in everything, so yup, America loses again and we look like idiots.

Thanks Obama!

Guess what? A large majority of Chicagoans didn't want the Olympics because they knew what most people with common sense know by now. The games never pay for themselves and leave the taxpayers holding the bag. The people who did want the Olympics in Chicago were Obama's political friends including Valerie Jarrett because his political friends were going to make money and hose the taxpayers. It doesn't look to me like he was trying to do anything good for the country.

Now we can say "No, he can not" in stead of "Yes, we can".

Stowell....you are right again!!! Half of us in Chicago did NOT want the Olympics. We realized that very little good was going to come of it, that the beautiful landscape and architecture of our city was going to be changed, that we had a transit system we were going to have to rebuild at our expense, and that a handful of cronies stood to make a killing. We have huge problems here that are boiling to the top and require our attention...job losses, foreclosures, and the ever-evident problem of children killing children. In 2008, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more young men died by gunfire in the streets of Chicago than in Iraq....but the media wouldn't tell you that because it was Obama's election bid and they were too busy 'gushing'. Good ridance to the Olympics...now, lets focus on some real issues!!!!

I was just watching the video of Obama making his Olympics plea. He had the nerve to say "we will make people feel welcome in our country, which wasnt a fundamental feeling people have had about our country in the past" wth???? I'm sooo tired of him putting my country down.

areo: Great post. I can only hope that more people in your city, especially the Valerie Jarretts, Mayor Daleys, and the rest of the power elite, are able to take a hard, close look at reality. CHICAGO: STOP THE KILLING NOW!

aja: I´m in a European country now and can´t wait to get home to the good ole USA where I belong. Could someone please explain why the President of the United States has to travel the world apologizing for us? Now that I´m on the other side, what the heck do we have to apologize to anyone for? Please tell me?

I'm with ya Waterdog. In fact, I used to be a liberal UNTIL I went to Europe. It's all a big joke. Thats usually what happens. When people go to a liberal country and see liberalism in action, they get grateful for what they have back home. Glad you have some USA pride. Seems to be hard to find lately.

So let me guess that you have never been outside the US other than possibly to a tourist area.

Most people around the world love us. What they hate are our politicians and the policies they put forth. There are those that do not like Americans - mostly in teh Middle East but they are the exception, not the rule.

and to be worried about being LIKED is immature ..who cares about being liked...much better to be FEARED....

I lived outside the US for several years. People overseas LOVE America and Americans.

Actually Bob, I spend a good deal of time outside of the US and NOT in tourist areas - and this was SARCASM. I am fully aware that WE as a people are loved by many but our politics is not. and Chargerguy..in the Immortal words of Spongebob Squarepants....."whateverdude" :)

Surveys by the Pew Research Center quantify how America’s standing in many parts of the world has improved significantly since Mr. Obama’s election. In Germany, 64 percent of people interviewed this year expressed favorable views of the United States, up from 31 percent a year ago. In Indonesia, 63 percent approve of America compared with 37 percent last year.

France, Britain, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria and other countries likewise saw double-digit increases, while smaller increases were registered in India, South Korea, Japan and China.

Actually, people overseas love American tourists. They spend money in their country. There is a difference in an American individual and America much like there is a difference in an individual and society. There is much more to America then just individuals.

How 'bout you Rich; do you like us?

NJRichie: Writing at this moment from an undisclosed European country, why is it so freakin important for us Americans to be liked? So what if we´re not liked? We should create our own high standards and live up to them. Period. As if any of these people have any right to judge us as Americans. They don´t.

J, have you ever been to europe? Areo is absolutley right. Europeans love AMERICANS. not just our tourists. It's just our liberal media that would have you believe differently.

aja you assume too much, though I left that assumption open. I never said Europeans didn't love Americans. I stated that there is a difference between our country the United States, I hate it when people refer to our country as America, and an United Statian, anyone from the America continents is an American. So that said, people in other coutries very well may or make not like United Statians, however they may have a very different opinion of our government or the choices our government makes that may affect them. What makes the media the media is that they are selling a product. They don't always describe every aspect of the product they are selling. They leave that for their customers to interpret. Some media sells to conservatives and some sells to liberals.

the majority sells to Liberals and EVERYONE knows that. I remember going to Europe in the thick of Liberal media on the rise. I was told my NBC, MSNBC, ABC and the like that Europeans did not like people from "The United States" They told us this over and over again. When I got there I quickly realized our problem back home had nothing to do with George Bush and everything to do with our liberal media spokesholes. Since then i've been in contact with parts of my familiy that live in Germany and France. We talk weekly. I'm always amazed to hear so many things from them that contradict what every liberal would have us believe. It's amazing what happens when you chose to educate yourself and stop listening to the pundits.

I try not to label people, though in general we have a liberal society that is constantly changing so it only makes sense that our media would be geared toward liberal content.

Nah James I can't stand Americans LOL

J, what makes you think we have a liberal society? Because a democrat was finally voted into office after almost a decade? I'm pretty sure the only reason that happened was becuase there was not a good runner for the conservative ticket. statistics show that this country is center right. Not left. Even Obama knows that and hence why he is considering General Mchristals propsistion. If we were a liberal country, he wouldnt even consider putting troops in Afghanistan. Think about that one for a sec.

It is better to try and fail than to not try at all!!!

Peter. Please tell us what you have done to improve your family, neighborhood, nation etc. Are you Veteran, or is that sacred duty something that you deem below your majesty. Please edify us about the volume of your substance other than the metric tonnes of trans-fat, which has accumulated in your brain housing group.

Well neowamba, I am a Viet-Nam Vet (3 tours) with 7 years military service and have over 10 years as a volunteer fire-fighter. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Thank you, Peter for your service. Now back to you Neowamba, what have you done for your country? Please edify us. Please take the log out of your own eye before trying to remove a splinter in someone elses.

LyndaAZ. Absolutely! I've been to Chicago. Now it is time For Rio.

Special Guest. It is obvious that you have dis-invited yourself as am member of the sentient sector of the human race. That is ok, since we need slaves to the right wing dead heads as the negative control for sanity and intelligence.