Here's why I think that Chicago will get the Olympics

[StevieM]

It seems to me that Madrid has a certain level of support in the IOC. There are a lot of European delegates, way disproportionate to their percentage of global population. And Madrid put forth a strong bid in 08 that won them some friends. Also, many Latin American nations might support Madrid, even over Rio. So I think they will get enough votes to reach the final round.

However, with the games being in London in 2012, after having last been in Europe in 2004 for Athens, I just can't see them winning. Would the IOC really go to Europe twice in a row, and 3 times in 4 years? Also, Spain just hosted the games in 1992 in Barcelona. So I think whoever reaches the final round against Madrid will get the games.

I think the U.S. has enough support to reach the final round. If it was a final round between Chicago and a non-European city then I think we would lose, but I think there is enough of a support base to get us into the final ballot. Obama's going will help ensure a minimum number of delegates in order to stay ahead of Rio and Tokyo. Then Chicago will narrowly beat out Madrid to win the Games.

That's my prediction. I admit that I could be totally wrong. It could be that Tokyo wins narrowly over Rio, with Madrid taking third just ahead of Chicago. But this is what my gut is telling me. We shall see.

Steve

[thunder rising]

1. And on a lighter note ... who cares

[ShortnFiery]

2. +1

[roamer65]

3. I would like to see Rio de Janeiro get them.

I don't think the games have been in South America yet and Brazil is a democracy now.

Then we would not have to spend money on them as well.

[phasma ex machina]

4. I too feel that Chicago will get the games ...

given two hometown (homenation) advantages: Michelle and the television network (NBC?) that pays about a billion for broadcast rights. (It takes about two billion to host an Olympics.)