Your Opinion of Obama going to Copenhagen?

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          September 28, 2009
 
President Barack Obama to Travel to Copenhagen
 President will join the First Lady to Support Chicago’s Bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games

WASHINGTON – Today, the White House announced that President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark to support Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games at the 121st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session.  On Friday, October 2nd, IOC members will elect the host city for the 2016 Summer Games.

President Obama will join First Lady Michelle Obama, who will be leading the United States delegation to Copenhagen.  Mrs. Obama will arrive in Copenhagen on Wednesday, September 30, along with Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Obama and head of the White House Office on Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport.

President Obama will depart Washington on the evening of Thursday, October 1 and arrive in Copenhagen on the morning of October 2 local time, just prior to Chicago’s presentation to the voting members of the IOC. He will arrive back in Washington on Friday afternoon.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will both make presentations to the IOC during Friday’s session.  They will discuss why Chicago is best to host the 2016 Summer Games, and how the United States is eager to bring the world together to celebrate the ideals of the Olympic movement.

While in Denmark, the President and First Lady will meet with Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness, the Prince Consort.  President Obama will also meet with Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

PLEASE NOTE: The White House is not responsible for press credentials for the IOC meeting in Copenhagen.  The credentialing process is being handled by the IOC, and credentialing is closed.

More details will be released when they become available

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Of course I hate the Olympics.  And I don't much like Chicago either.

Dittos, but I'm still glad he's going.  I find it refreshing from the same stuff we read about every day.

Now, what happens if the IOC doesn't give it to him???  Could be a big embarrassment.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Do the Olympics normally provide an economic shot-in-the-arm for the host nation?  If so, then I certainly approve of the President's trip to Copenhagen.

Paul, from what I can find yes, there is a profit to be made....not so much for the host nation, but the host city for sure.   Plus the host city is left with the infrastructure upgrades that occurred to put on the games.

I wouldn't call it a money maker though.....or a shot in the arm.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

I don't mind if he's going in the hopes to boost the US economy, but if he's going because he's from Chicago, then I'll be upset.

There is no attempt to hide that this is a primary reason.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

I don't mind if he's going in the hopes to boost the US economy, but if he's going because he's from Chicago, then I'll be upset.

There is no attempt to hide that this is a primary reason.

I like it when foreign (to us) nations host the games, since I enjoy their opening ceremonies.  I think Rio would pull off an impressive/colorful show to include their Carnival themes.  Not sure if it would beat the presentation done by China, but I'm sure it would be close.

I would love to see Rio get it too.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

My guess..........they will NEVER deny Obama this with his personal appearance.....done deal

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Boehner blasts Obama's Olympic move
By: Jake Sherman
September 30, 2009 11:02 AM EST
 
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.

The White House first said it was unlike Obama would go to Denmark because he thought it important to help push health care through Congress.

But earlier this week, the White House announced Obama thought the health care debate was far enough along that he could escape for the day to lobby the International Olympic Committee's voters to bring the games to his home town.

Boehner clearly isn't in that camp.

"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. "And the problems we have here at home affect all Americans and that's where his attention ought to be."
 
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I never liked this criticism when Bush was jaunting around the globe and I don't' like it now.....WHEREVER the President is, he can devote his attention to whatever he wants anytime he wants.......when he travels the White House travels with him.

This is just bullsh**t.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Unneccessary. America will get it anyway. They haven't had the Olympics since all the way back in 1996.

Uh, because the IOC hates the "Bad Place", Xahar....

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Boehner clearly isn't in that camp.

"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.

What does this even mean? Is there some other city in the U.S. making an Olympic bid that I'm not aware of?

Of course, if Obama didn't go, Boehner would complain that he was the only head of state not to lobby for the Olympic bid, especially if we subsequently lost.

Boehner and Cantor complain to complain.......must be a slow news day when this is all they have. 

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Negative, since it is messing up my lunch plans for tomorrow!

Quit whining........G20 messed us up for a week.