Give this one up. It is becoming silly.

After I get this out: It wasn’t treated as altruism by much of the media when former gov, ex-presidential candidate Reagan lent his support to get LA the `84 games in the late seventies (terms like “swaying California in the `80 election” and “wrap himself in the flag” come to mind), but Obama’s motives in speaking-/acting on Chicago’s behalf are are presented as almost unquestionable. It’s media hypocrisy.

But Obama had the buzz even then.

Okayyyyy….buzz?

Give this one up. It is becoming silly.

The USOC selected Chicago for it’s city in April of 2007.

But Obama had the buzz even then.

And no one in that group said, “Hey, Obama’s from Chicago! Let’s nominate them!” Sure…

The USOC selected Chicago for it’s city in April of 2007. If you will recall, Hillary was the presumptive nominee at that time.

which was selected by the USOCD with no apparent influence from Obama)

And no one in that group said, “Hey, Obama’s from Chicago! Let’s nominate them!” Sure…

You show me where Chicago is prepared.

Uhhh…No. You are making the accusation. You prove it. That is usually the proper form of a debate.

Can you prove there was none?

See my response above.

Because I’ve read nothing to dissuade me from following this conclusion.

So you have your unsubstantiated preconceived notion that was spoon fed to you by MM, totally ignore the fact that Obama is a) the president of the US and therefore kinda obligated to at least minimally support Chicago, regardless of anything else and b) a proud resident of the city in question (which was selected by the USOCD with no apparent influence from Obama) and therefore more than likely to be a pretty big fan of the idea of the Olympics being in the hometown he loves, regardless of anything else. but there is NOTHING to dissuade you from this inane idea that the only reason Obam could possibly support the Chicago bid is some stupid tit for tat woth Daley? That about right?

Okayyy….and you have yet to show me that Chicago wouldn’t be prepared.

You show me where Chicago is prepared. It’s basically a small town w/ skyscrapers. Look at the devastation the Democrats did at the `68 convention and tell me Chicago was prepared for that.

Okay, but how does that prove cronyism?

Can you prove there was none? Knowing the reputation Chicago has for corruption and back room deals, can anyone say there was none.

I am really having a hard time following how anything you have said would lead you to this conclusion.

Because I’ve read nothing to dissuade me from following this conclusion. Where there is reasonable doubt…

And what about the attacks in Beijing, the one against an elderly American couple? It all boils down to security and Chicago’s level of preparedness.

Okayyy….and you have yet to show me that Chicago wouldn’t be prepared. You tried to cite population desnity as a factor in safety (or lack thereof) but if that is your criteria, then Chicago is the obvious choice for you or anyone.

I doubt Chicago would seriously be in the running w/o Obama’s help

Okay, but how does that prove cronyism?

So yes, I still consider it highly plausible that Obama lobbied for the Olympics more out of deference to Daley and an obligation to reciprocate for support received in the `08 election, than for the love of sport or Chicago’s greater benefit.

I am really having a hard time following how anything you have said would lead you to this conclusion.

Beijing ranks 12 in the world in population density.

And what about the attacks in Beijing, the one against an elderly American couple? It all boils down to security and Chicago’s level of preparedness.

And if I was previously unclear, I support any President lending his support to bring the games here; however, I doubt Chicago would seriously be in the running w/o Obama’s help and I can’t help but have doubts about their preparedness to hold the games.

So yes, I still consider it highly plausible that Obama lobbied for the Olympics more out of deference to Daley and an obligation to reciprocate for support received in the `08 election, than for the love of sport or Chicago’s greater benefit.

Beat me to it, though I was going to also relate a personal anecdote WRT Korea and the World Cup.

You guys are going to have to stop making sense or I might be forced to agree with you.

Incidentally, what do you consider your political affiliations to be?

But if you’ve ever been to the Windy City, then you know it is just too congested and centralized in its layout (making it way too over crowded) to safely and affordably accommodate the number of visitors the games would bring.

Beijing ranks 12 in the world in population density. Chicago is 126.
Of the other cities in the running for 2016:
Madrid (42)
Rio de Janerio (35)
Tokyo (50)

You’re a closet conservative,

If Chap’s a conservative, what’s that make me? Dare I ask?

On May 13th, 2009 at 8:47 am, chapoutier said:

I like Chicago and have distant relatives who live and work there.

But if you’ve ever been to the Windy City, then you know it is just too congested and centralized in its layout (making it way too over crowded) to safely and affordably accommodate the number of visitors the games would bring.

Crowd control would be a nightmare, making security measures tenuous, and problems in transporting that many additional people unimaginable!

I can’t see the Olympic committee selecting Chicago w/o a lot of pressure.

BTW – funny you should mention Atlanta, given how unprepared they turned out to be with security.

On May 13th, 2009 at 9:28 am, chapoutier said:

Actually, you did address this in your first post.

You’re a closet conservative, not a left leaner. but hey, I’m not telling anyone so you’ll still get invited to club events.