Obama will go to Denmark to pitch for Olympics

[jeffbr]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/28/AR2009092800981.html?hpid=topnews

Obama will go to Denmark to pitch for Olympics
By JULIE PACE
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama will travel to Denmark this week to support Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to the president, told The Associated Press Monday morning that Obama will leave Thursday and join his wife, Michelle, in Copenhagen, where they'll make the pitch to the International Olympic Committee. Obama would be the first U.S. president to take on such a direct role in lobbying for an Olympics event.

The International Olympic Committee is meeting in Copenhagen to select a host city for the 2016 Summer Games. Chicago faces tough competition from Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo.

Obama, who represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate after serving in the Illinois Legislature, is a longtime supporter of Chicago's bid. He and Michelle consider it their adopted home town, and he recently sent letters to selected IOC members, promising a "spectacular Olympic experience for one and all."

[RB TexLa]

1. Is this something previous presidents have done? I really don't remember

If they have or not, I find this a little beneath the presidency.

[gorekerrydreamticket]

2. I agree....nt

[KharmaTrain]

6. It's On Behalf Of Chicago

An Olympic bid is a national bid...and one that now does involve government leaders pitching to the IOC. Getting the games means international attention and prestige that have had and will have a positive affect on the country and Chicago. While I would prefer the President stay home, a lot of time and money has been expended by Chicago and the city felt that having a native son of Chicago making the final pitch will put it over the top.

[City Lights]

7. According to the enclosed link, Bush I taped a message and wrote letters to members of the IOC,

which helped bring the games to Atlanta.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=348&dat=19990510&id=9FYHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DjcDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5189,4051825

[tritsofme]

3. Excellent.

Chicago 2016!

[liberal N proud]

4. Do countries and Cities make money hosting the Olympics?

I realize it stimulates growth with all the construction that takes place. Don't get me wrong, I support an Olympic bid for any city in the US, it gives us a chance to show off the country.

I just question if it is profitable for cities, states or nations to host events like this.

If not, maybe the stimulation in jobs is enough.

[Fumesucker]

5. I thought Obama was a basketball player..

Not baseball.. :wtf:

[JohnnyLib2]

8. LOL

Great headline, though. :rofl:

[NNN0LHI]

9. I sure would like to go to the 2016 Summer Games in Chicago

I lived in Indianapolis in 1987 during the Pan-Am Games over 20 years ago and I had a ball.

I just about lived at the weightlifting venue(Circle Theatre). Couldn't get enough of it.

Don

[Saturday]

10. Thanks President Obama. GO CHICAGO 2016! nt