Obama Records Chicago Olympics Message

President-elect Barack Obama has recorded a message on behalf of Chicago's Olympic bid, ABC 7 reports:

Obama's message will be played at an important gathering of nearly 40 European members of the International Olympic Committee Friday in Turkey.

On the tape, the president-elect talks of his commitment to bringing the games to Chicago in 2016 -- and his belief that the Olympics can help improve struggling neighborhoods in the city.

Mayor Daley heads to Istanbul Thursday evening to personally present the city's bid at the IOC meeting.

Comments

[paranoid android]

As a Chicagoan...I say bring it on!!! They are as good as ours!

[Discomustachio]

As a Chicagoan I say have it somewhere else. It'll be a mess...

[47th]

As a Chicagoan, I agree! This city has major problems that hosting the Olympics will not address! Besides, can Daley be trusted with a project like this, without going billions over budget! Of course he can't!

[Hawka]

I love you O, but I gotta disagree. NYC FTW!!

[za2008]

Not true.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Purchase_Exposition
"The Fair hosted the 1904 Summer Olympic Games, the first Olympics held in the United States. These games had originally been awarded to Chicago, but when St. Louis threatened to hold a rival international competition, the games were relocated. Nonetheless, the sporting events, spread out over several months, were overshadowed by the Fair. With travel expenses high, many European athletes did not come, nor did modern Olympics founder Baron Pierre de Coubertin."

Besides that, since when does an event from 1904 affect a decision in 2009?

[mirage2008]

Chicago! Any other time, I'd be meh about it. But with Obama's win it feels so right for Chicago to host 2016. Especially since Obama will be able to close his 2 term super-presidency by watching the Olympics in his own hood. XD

[47th]

Too bad Obama's less affluent neighbors won't be able to watch the Olympics in their neighborhood! This whole Olympic mess is about Daley trying to redevelop Washington park, and just like the redevelopment of Cabrini Green, and the CHA, there will be no room for woking class and poor Black people! If this is Obama's idea of change, then I say GO RIO!

[gevan]

Chicago had their chance in 1904 and punted. It's Rio's turn.

[WendyPiersall]

Actually, Chicago is the only city have had the Olympics awarded to them and then have had it taken away. The Olympic committee decided they wanted the Games to coincide with the World Fair happening in St. Louis, so the games were moved there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1904_Summer_Olympics

Chicago FTW!

[maxwellimus]

I'm President-Elect Barack Obama and I approve this message