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Thursday, October 1, 2009

International The GOP and the Reality

Posted by Charles Mudede on Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 8:19 AM

The GOP:

House Minority Leader John Boehner torched President Barack Obama Wednesday for his European trip to pitch the Chicago Olympics bid, criticizing the president for "going to go off to Copenhagen when we've got serious issues here at home that need to be debated."

Obama's trip has been maligned by most Republicans as the health care overhaul remains in a continued state of flux in Congress and the top general in Afghanistan awaits word on a troop increase...

"Listen I think it's a great idea to promote Chicago but he's the president of the United States, not the mayor of Chicago," Boehner said.

The reality:

A large factor behind Chicago's potential success could lie in the presence of US President Barack Obama, a former Illinois senator and Chicago resident.

Obama is due to arrive on Friday but his wife Michelle has been in the Danish capital since Wednesday, lobbying IOC members.

In the past, the impact of star personalities on Olympic bids has been key, demonstrated when lobbying by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair helped London win the 2012 Games and Russian President Vladimir Putin led Sochi's bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

However, Chicago's rival bidders will also be boasting big names, with King of Spain Juan Carlos, the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Japan's new prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, all coming to Denmark to lobby for their respective cities.

All of these leaders are behaving like mayors? If Obama does not go to Denmark, Chicago's chances of winning will be low or not exist at all. America has to play ball with (and like) the rest of the world. American exceptionalism is over.

Comments (16) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment

I never thought I'd see the day when the GOP was actively and publicly rooting against the USA's best interests. Fucking disgusting.

Posted by slaggy

on October 1, 2009 at 8:36 AM

Slaggy, it's been happening that way for the last 41 years. The president could have his eggs over-easy and they would criticize him for being too good for scrambled, like mose of the hard-working 'merkins in the "heart-land".

Posted by The Amazing Jim

on October 1, 2009 at 8:42 AM

What's the big Goddamned deal about having the Olympics? Let the Brazilians have them, and all the bullshit headaches that go with them!

Posted by coempt on October 1, 2009 at 8:51 AM

remember when bush called every rational objection to his illegal war crimes "playing politics"? eat shit, boehner.

Posted by Max Solomon on October 1, 2009 at 9:15 AM

Chicago's children are slaughtered in it's streets like it was some third world hell-hole.
The resources wasted chasing the Olympics should be spent getting control of the city.

Posted by High Crimes and MisDemeanors on October 1, 2009 at 9:32 AM

Boehner got teased a lot as a kid. That shit leaves scars.

Posted by He's just lashing out. on October 1, 2009 at 9:46 AM

I wish the republicans would just go clean their guns and play with their army dolls and let the grown-ups handle the important things.

Posted by Urgutha Forka on October 1, 2009 at 10:08 AM

Boehner. heheh

Posted by keshmeshi on October 1, 2009 at 10:28 AM

Isn't hosting the Olympics not even profitable for a city anymore? or did I just make that shit up.....

Posted by Andy_Squirrel on October 1, 2009 at 10:40 AM

Considering there are a lot of world leaders there, and it's not as much of a pre-planned fishbowl as G-20 or WTO is, showing up at this is actually good for diplomacy.

Which of course, the Republic Party of No hates, because they hate America and want us to lose.

Posted by Will in Seattle

on October 1, 2009 at 10:48 AM

And if Chicago doesn't get the bid, the Republicans will mock Obama for his ineffectiveness.

Posted by DOUG.

on October 1, 2009 at 10:57 AM

9
You are right.
It has never been profitable for any city, a regular moneypit.

Posted by $9 Trillion Deficit on October 1, 2009 at 11:24 AM

Charles,
I agree. Obama shouldn't go to Copenhagen. I'm from Chicago and as much as I want the Windy City to get it, I really believe Rio should get it. South America has never hosted an Olympics. America has hosted at least four since 1980 (2 Winter Games and 2 Summer Games, Lake Placid, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Atlanta respectively).

It would be remarkably foolish of Obama to have gone especially if Chicago loses its bid. He shouldn't go.

Posted by lark on October 1, 2009 at 11:34 AM

I agree with Boner. Especially since the crossing back to Europe by boat takes a couple weeks, depending on wind. We can't be without a president for that long!

Oh, wait, this isn't the early 19th century anymore? He can take a plane? Oh wait, he's GOT a plane? And he can fly back and forth in a matter of hours?

Never mind.

Posted by Cracker Jack on October 1, 2009 at 11:59 AM

My god man, if he actually used a plane, they might even call it air force one and give it priority routing, takeoff and landing permissions and a fast escort through town!

Posted by Will in Seattle

on October 1, 2009 at 12:01 PM

"American exceptionalism is over. "

You say that like it was once here. It's in the eye of the beholder, and to some it will never go over, remember WE WERE BLESSED BY GOD!!!111one

Posted by watchout5