Don't blame it on Chicago.
That's the take from several members of the International Olympic Committee interviewed after the IOC booted Chicago after the first round of voting.
Several said the quality of Rio de Janeiro's winning bid was better. And at least one IOC member blamed the Olympic movement in the United States.
"I think Chicago had a good bid and good people," said Switzerland's Denis Oswald, a frequent critic of the United States Olympic Committee and a key figure in revenue-sharing battles with the group.
"The kind of instability shown by USOC in recent months has not helped. We had been dealing with some people, and suddenly we heard one has disappeared and one was nearly fired, and you had to start with totally new people. It's also a human relationship. It's always easier to deal with people you know and have full confidence (in)."
He said 10 to 15 IOC members had discussed the revenue-sharing friction with him, as well as plans for an Olympic TV network in the United States that angered the IOC.
"The colleagues who asked me, I said I would like you to forget about this," Oswald said. "We will try to find a solution, and we should judge Chicago based on the quality of its bid. But everyone has a different approach, and I cannot say this has not played a role for a number of people."
So it was a defeat for the USOC?
"That's my impression, yes," Oswald said.
Another IOC member, Canada's Richard Pound, disagreed.
"I don't know that it says anything to them (the United States and the USOC)," Pound said. "When you look at the margin, it was clear there was an effort to make sure Rio got this, and the only meaningful threat to Rio would have been Chicago. So all the friends of Rio were urged to try and make sure Chicago didn't get into that position.
"I think there were a lot of people saying, 'If we don't get it, we'll support you but we've got to stop Chicago.' And that's sport politics, not anything else. It's election management. The Europeans and the Asians are much better at this (in the IOC) than we are. They are better at managing elections and thinking strategically. We kind of think if you've got the best bid, the world will recognize that, and these decisions are made solely on the merits of the bid. Well, not solely."
Still, several IOC members expressed surprise at Chicago's first-round exit.
Said Norway's Gerhard Heiberg: "This was, I can't say a wrong decision, but it was not a right decision."
"Going out in first round, that was just an accident," said Switzerland's Rene Fasel. "I expected to have a different vote in the end. If Chicago is against Rio, it will be much closer."
None were more shocked than IOC member Anita DeFrantz from the United States. "Shock would be a pleasant word," she said.
But just as many people had praise for Rio de Janeiro's bid and the fact that it came from South America, which had never hosted an Olympics.
Here's how Oswald described it: "There was such a strong aspiration to go to new horizons."
"It's an important message to the rest of the world that it's possible to host the Olympic games," added Namibia's Frankie Fredericks.
"They (Rio) had a message," Pound said. "They stayed on it. They managed to divert attention from all the risk areas they had, as did everybody else. You have got to admire the delivery of that result. I'm sure that a lot of the political maneuvering was based on the fact that (President Barack) Obama was probably going to come and was coming, so they said we've got to keep Chicago out of play, or we're all dead.
"Can you imagine if he hadn't come and this result had occurred? I think he did the right thing, and I think he made a lot of friends here, got a lot of respect. It was the time for Rio. It's like when political change comes along. People want change. It was South America's time."
"This was not a vote against any city, this was a vote in favor of Rio de Janeiro," said Thomas Bach of Germany.
But Chicago losing in the first round?
"I also was surprised," he said. "This vote was not against anybody, it was in favor of Rio and universality."
"Good for Rio, very disappointing for Chicago," said Kevan Gosper of Australia. "They deserved better."
-- Philip Hersh
First round of voting??? It actually was damn near the final round of voting.
When the 4 finalist cities were announced, and one was Rio I knew then it was over for Chicago. We should try again though. If not 2020, then, 2028 perhaps (one for Europe, one for Asia, then back to our hemisphere). Then even if we were bidding against Buenos Aires or someone else from S. America I think we'd have the clear sympathy vote.
Do not contribute to the Olympic fund
America's global prestige...HAH!
Obama's uniting abilities...HAH!
If America cannot win a simple Olympic bid, then what can it win on the global stage?
I guess no one figured out how to apply Chicago style electioneering tactics to this process.
Did I read that right? Rio's Olympic bid was just better? My gawd America is in trouble.
I think since Obama has been touring the World apologizing and telling everyone how bad we Americans are, well I think they believed him and they responded accordingly.
Churchill, what country are you from? I'm assuming not South America. So, your country didn't win either. And if you are American, WTF. We are in trouble because we can't win a "simple" Olympic bid? Millions of cities didn't win this simple Olympic bid.
Seems like alot of changes are really gonna take place in the future elections in Chicago. Also alot of overinflated egos had their bubbles burst for a change. Having attended one of the community meetings, it was apparent we were out of our league in the global arena. To be eliminated in the first round makes Chicago look minute on the worlds stage. At least a country and a continent are ending the drought forever.
Thank you IOC for doing the right thing and giving someone new a chance. Besides, all the whiners can still watch football this weekend, get drunk, and maybe take a swing at a cop or two.
Yeah, Churchill, you don't sound like an American to me. You want to blame Obama's uniting abilities? He is OUR president who did as all good leaders of their country do....tried to gain glory for the citizens. There was no "uniting" involved. Much of this loss is attributed to the corruption that occurred in Salt Lake City. The IOC got burned and they want to stay away from the US.
Wow, what a blow to our national and civic pride to lose to a third world country! On the other hand, Rio is a beautiful city and this will help Brazil dig out of the economic hole it is in. Much like Beijing, Rio needs the Olympics much more than Chicago.
You sent the wrong people.You should have sent the Laredo,Texas begging brigade.These people go to Washington and Austin all of thhe time begging for money and aid.They are Mexico first,but they love American "dinero".These people will show you how to beg and put on a show.
How come Chicago did not send Jesse Jackson?I am sure it is race related that Chicago did not get it.Need to get Reverend Al and get a march going to investigate this,because the Obama's are so well respected around the world.
"Here's how Oswald described it: 'There was such a strong aspiration to go to new horizons.'
'It's an important message to the rest of the world that it's possible to host the Olympic games,' added Namibia's Frankie Fredericks."
So if this is the case, I suppose one could say that Chicago lost to Rio because of some sort of IOC affirmative action ideal. How deliciously ironic.
How could Oprah possibly have had a positive influence on the IOC? She is nothing more than a wealthy talk show host with an enormous ego. Truly, I do not understand what her purpose was in being there. Certainly America could have put forward other world-famous American celebrities who have contributed more to the world's arts and culture than Oprah Winfrey. She appeals to mindless middle-age suburban housewives. And at 300+ pounds, she hardly represents physical fitness!
King Daley comes back to the earth. I wish Chicago would have won but what King Daley has done for the city for last few years. He's been busy with Olympics and putting all the effort out there.
Good Luck next time. Time to vote for new Mayor he can't get even one thing done LOL
Somebody call a WHAAAMBULANCE for Daley.
I was surprised Rio won - to be honest. I think the passion of the people of Rio and the fact that the Olympics have not been to South America was very compelling and I would have said yes, they should get it, even though technically theirs was the weakest bid (Tokyo's was the strongest in terms of technical merit). But then this week they had to cancel the world swimming championships because they couldn't afford to hold them. Hardly a move that inspires confidence in their ability to pull it off.
Should Chicago bid again? No, unless the IOC balloting process becomes transparent. I suspect the IOC voted by region allegiance in the first round and let's face it, North America has very few votes in comparison to Europe, Asia and South/Central America. I also think given the declining tv ratings for the Olympics in the U.S., the money for the tv contract (this is not a slight against Rio - these are multi-event deals) should be lower to reflect the declining ratings.
Oh, and I'll see you all in Rio - it does look like a very fun place to go see the Olympics - imagine beach volleyball on the Copacabana.
Last I heard the world was coming to an end in 2012 so it doesn't really matter.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/10/02/new-2012-trailer-the-end-of-the-world/
At least we won't have to worry about some Fox News Redneck setting off another bomb.
Blah, Blah, Blah. The truth is a large number of people were against the Olympics and finally got their wish. To get the Olympics you MUST show that you want them really badly. Learn it once and for all. now go live in misery where you belong.
Chicago was not out of its league; South America had a rightful claim to hosting it because of never having hosted it. It will be good for their people and their favelas. All the good things that would have made Chicago a great host are still here. Daley should be more concerned about his legacy of graft and corruption and pay-to-play as that's what his biography will be filled with.
Why do people even care about this and feel the need to "blame" anyone?
I can honestly say, with the way people in this city carry themselves, and the corruption, horrid transit, and rampant crime lately, we don't deserve to host ANY guests. What did people want? To have some athlete get knifed in the face because some ghetto kid wants to show the world how tough he is?
Be serious. We had the Olympics TWICE in recent memory. Are we really so self-absorbed that we think we're the ONLY ones capable of hosting a worthwhile event? Focus on something relevant, like the kids beating each other to death in the streets.
There was nothing SIMPLE about this process. This has nothing to do with Chicago. The USOC was never in support of Chicago's bid and the IOC was totally in favor of Rio. If a city with a murder rate of 6,000 a year and recent lack of performance in the Pan Am games could take this, there never was a chance for Chicago. It's wrong and not in the long term interest of the IOC. They will never get the revenues they need out of South America.
Each city was deserving and it's good that Rio got it. Many Chicagoans, Illinoisans and Americans of course wanted it and were disappointed, but I don't think anyone is disappointed that Rio got it. I don't think I've seen anyone "whine" about not getting it...the only whiners I've seen are the people who were against it whining and kicking and screeming throughout the entire process. It also doesn't make anyone in the US egotisical, wrong or stupid because we didn't get it. I'm sure the other cities had the same sad faces we did this morning when they found that they lost. They all sent dignitaries and celebrities, they all spent a little money to try to get the bid and in the end only one can win. I'm sure there were a lot of cities who would have atleast like the chance to go for it, we're lucky we had the opportunity to compete against such great cities.
US citizens who blast the city, state or country for losing this are just sad people looking for another thing to complain about. I sure wish we could have had it, but good for Rio. I think it will be a festive, rousing Olympics like we've never seen before. We didn't lose for lack of trying, we had bad luck to go up against Rio. If anything the people who lost it were the complainers so pat yourselves on the back, you got exactly what you wanted.
For all the hating on here, you'd think Chicago was overcome with Plague and rotting dead.
Hundreds of cities have bid for the Olympics in the past and only a handfull have been successful. Many cities have bid more then once and many cities have hosted more than once.
Before you hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail, however, you need to keep in mind one important thing: America, of all the countries in the entire world, is the only one where the national government does not contribute to the games, and yet, the United States has hosted a total of eight games(LA(2) St Louis, Atlanta, Squaw Valley, Lake Placid and Salt Lake)more than any other country.
In the end, for us to make it to the final 4, with no support besides what the Mayor cultivated, is an amazing feat that we can all be proud of.
Even though we did not win, I still think of our bid as a success.
Me and money will not be going to Europe or Asia anytime soon. I am looking for new horizons to spend my vacation dollars and it is not in SA, Europe or Asia. IOC=biggots in my mind.
For all the hating on here, you'd think Chicago was overcome with Plague and rotting dead.
Hundreds of cities have bid for the Olympics in the past and only a handfull have been successful. Many cities have bid more then once and many cities have hosted more than once.
Before you hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail, however, you need to keep in mind one important thing: America, of all the countries in the entire world, is the only one where the national government does not contribute to the games, and yet, the United States has hosted a total of eight games(LA(2) St Louis, Atlanta, Squaw Valley, Lake Placid and Salt Lake)more than any other country.
In the end, for us to make it to the final 4, with no support besides what the Mayor cultivated, is an amazing feat that we can all be proud of.
Even though we did not win, I still think of our bid as a success.
I don't blame it on Chicago. I blame it on Obama. But..But..I thought the IOC would be swooned by his charismatic personality and legendary oratory skills? As if they'd immediately abandon all logic and thereafter gravitate towards the button designating a "Chicago" vote.
No Obama in '12.
We should be happy that despite the hardships a lot of countries have had these past few years (including the USA), we can still look forward to the Olympics and what it stands for.
The tax payers in Cook and the surrounding counties dodged a potentialy cash strapped bullet too. Daley may be retired by then and living in Michigan while all the residents that stay near Chicago may have had to pay all the defecit form an Olympics. I suppose Todd Stroger could have increase the sales tax to 15% just make sure of a rainy day fund?
Besides the political comments (joking or not), I am just happy we still have an Olympic Event and what it stands for.
I hope the crime rate in RIO hits in all time high during the olympics... The IOC has no idea what they just did.
Maybe a little humility will help repair some of the serious diplomatic damage caused by the hubris and arrogance of the 8 Bush years. Being gracious in the face of a rather modest defeat (let's face it--there's more to life than the Olympics), can only help this country regain some of its former respect.
With Vancouver 2010 in a few months...realisticly the Olympics won't be around here until well into the 2020...so who cares.
It's time for the North Americans to get upitdy and make it a living hell for the IOC to function.
It's time to turn off the cash spigot that floods the IOC and Olympics with American money. We need to stop subsidizing the Olympic excess. The national government may not support it, but American broadcasters and corporations pump in $ billions more than the rest of the world combined.
I say go for a new network USOC. I say boycott any American company that thinks funnelling money to IOC future Olympics is good marketing (McDonald's execs better demand Rogue coming crawling from grant park to Oak Brook).
If IOC wants politics and bad blood, they picked the wrong country and city to say FU to. I guarantee RIO will be a disaster.
I looked up the numbers for 2012. There were five finalists, one being New York City. Moscow (Summer Olympics in Moscow?) was eliminated in the first round, and New York got 19 votes (Today, Chicago got 18 votes in the 1st round).
In the second round, New York got the boot. This is just a repeat of 2012, only Moscow got the 1st round loss because they didn't even belong there in the first place.
One other thing. It's actually winter in the southern hemisphere during the "summer" olympics. Go figure.
Yeah, don't blame it on Chicago, blame it on Da Mayor Daley for the corruption. Blame it on OweBama for full of himself.
Finally, something good happen for Chicago.
Daley machinery, it didn't work this time, its IOC members. The memory of the Salt Lake City was still fresh wherein the USOC were relentlessly exposing the corruption some IOC members during Samaranch time. Chicago is no LA, winning starts with good PR not barraging with super delegates like Nadia, Oprah, Michelle and finally Pres. Barack. The world is not blind, they know what's going on in Chicago beyond those glitz and fame.
I live in California now but I was born and raised in the Chicago area, I still wear my Bears hat on Sunday and I always root for the Cubs to go 0-162 and the sox to sweep the competition in the playoffs. I am a professor of geography specializing in economic and cultural geography in the southern CA area. While I am disappointed in the decision it was not as unexpected as a lot of people are making it out to be.
Several South American countries are on the cusp of breaking into the ranks of the developed nations. Don't get me wrong, they are not there yet, there are still some big obstacles to overcome, but this is a big step. This bid for Rio is much more than a chance to showcase the city for a few weeks, it's a chance to show to the world that South America is ready. I think a lot of IOC members recognized this. In any competition you seek to neutralize the toughest opponent first. Unfortunately, it was Chicago. I believe Chicago did have the best bid but not the best situation. If Chicago gets it, it's just another Olympics (special for the residents but it doesn't go much further). Rio got the bid and it is already a major milestone, it's make or break time in South America and Rio is leading the charge.
The Olympics are more than just a sports competition between countries, I think many people realize this. I think it's time we stop thinking about this bid as a competition and try to remember what the Olympics represent. Maybe I'm just an idealistic fool who is too trusting, but I think the IOC got this one right.
Ah, I knew I'd see the ole "blame it on Bush" somewhere in the comments. That's a tired excuse...Apparently the world only started hating Americans during the Bush Administration.
Michael Scott, please come to the principals office!
Start doing your job at CPS and forget about your Olympic sized real estate aspiration.
Mike hit the nail on the head.
This wasn't a swipe at Chicago this was a snub to the US and the USOC.
If the IOC wants to put the USOC in their place maybe the USOC needs to tell US companies and US networks to step away from the overpriced IOC table.
If I see an Olympic logo I'm not buying.
Anyone want to take bets on RIO not being able to build the infrastructure needed - and as far as the crime issue, GOOD LUCK to anyone stupid enough to go.
All in favor of having the US shift its troops from Afghanistan to the IOC say "Yes". This of course would be defended and supported by all Chicagoans as a move to make the IOC democratic. The IOC is a WMD!
Chicago may not have deserved the Olympics with low citizen support and rampant corruption that has contributed to a shortage of $$ for essential services BUT the real truth is the USOC and IOC distrusting one another crushed any chance for Chicago. Rogge supported Rio and there was a behind the scenes strategy (conspiracy?) to get Chicago out before it could derail Rogge's vision. The IOC played the US and Chicago and our President. Rogge could barely conceal his smile when reading out loud Chicago was the lowest vote getter in rd 1. A controlling puppeteer, Rogge showed Da Mayor and Pres Obama that when it comes to "fair play" even the Chicago Way looks almost honorable compared to the IOC. I say enough with both the USOC and the IOC. The arrogance of these two groups is heavier than lead and more disgusting than a ruthless dictator. Never again should we be subject to their whims. It was never a competition we could have won and I for one will be just fine if the US does not host another Olympics. Go RIO - no hard feelings toward Brazil.
The vote was a blow to civic pride, sure, not to mention a disappointment for the many people who worked so hard (and spent so much money) for the effort. I respect what they were trying to accomplish and feel for them on this tough day.
But I still think we're better off. It would have been a financial disaster, not to mention a huge disruption for the City. I'll enjoy watching the Rio Olympics -- on my TV.
Why does Fox News and the Drudge Report hate Chicago so much? All week, all I hear on the TV and on the internet is how bad the crime rate is in Chicago and what a bad city it is. Do anti-Olympic Chicagoans realize that they are playing into this pervasive anti-Chicago attitude? Wake up and smell the nasty anti-Chicago sensationalism of the conservative movement.
Chicago may not have deserved the Olympics with low citizen support and rampant corruption that has contributed to a shortage of $$ for essential services BUT the real truth is the USOC and IOC distrusting one another crushed any chance for Chicago. Rogge supported Rio and there was a behind the scenes strategy (conspiracy?) to get Chicago out before it could derail Rogge's vision. The IOC played the US and Chicago and our President. Rogge could barely conceal his smile when reading out loud Chicago was the lowest vote getter in rd 1. A controlling puppeteer, Rogge showed Da Mayor and Pres Obama that when it comes to "fair play" even the Chicago Way looks almost honorable compared to the IOC. I say enough with both the USOC and the IOC. The arrogance of these two groups is heavier than lead and more disgusting than a ruthless dictator. Never again should we be subject to their whims. It was never a competition we could have won and I for one will be just fine if the US does not host another Olympics. Go RIO - no hard feelings toward Brazil.
to all the haters in Chicago-i'm looking at you 'No To The Games' people! where is your idea to get jobs and revenue for the city of Chicago? Huh?
CHICAGO WON DOESN'T KNOW IT YET. SEE LONDON'S MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR DEFICIT FOR THE 2012 GAMES. THE BRAZILIAN CENTRAL BANK GUARANTEED THEIR BID AND THEIR CURRENCY WILL SUFFER AS THEY GO INTO DEBT FOR NOTHING BUT "GAMES".
One question I have: During the final presentations before the IOC yesterday, Chicago showed one video montage with a blues song playing in the background, but another one with a U2 song playing. Rio's, on the other hand, all had traditional Brazilian music playing. Couldn't the Chicago committee find two songs by musicians from the city (or at least from the country)?
I agree - stop blaming Chicago. Instead, blame Atlanta, for bringing such crass commercialism to the 1996 games that it will take a generation or two for the IOC to forgive America for desecrating the Olympic spirit.
(Not to say that the IOC doesn't at times desecrate the same spirit. But it's their sandpit.)
The IOC members have moved toward political posturing and have drifted from the spirit of international sports. These voting events no longer focus on the most viable bids. Members of the IOC must show respect for efforts invested in these bids, or the Olympic games will begin to lose their international support. The time and money invested in each bid must not be wasted on vote blocking and pivotal politics.
My hope is that the Chicago 2016 bid is a learning experience for the USOC. This defeat has nothing to do with Chicago's bid, but has everything to do with the weak political position of the US in the IOC. I believe the USOC should refrain from supporting another US bid for the Olympic games until the IOC has developed beyond its current biases. Chicago and New York never had a chance, as won't any other US city until the political climate changes in the IOC.
It's alright it's OK....Chicago doesnt need some stupid Olympic thingy to know we're miles better than Rio anyways :)
this was not an election i n chicago it was not fix daley retired now
Hey msnancy, hope you don't do anything in finance. Those 'revenues' would be coming at a big price. Most likely revenue in the pockets of the fat cats and big money coming from our tax dollars. To watch archery? Sorry.
Other states have unemployment issues too. Nothing is being handed to no one (and it only would have been to select buddies if we did get the games)
It's sad reading these comments. This city is filled with this idiot Cubs fan attitude where reality isn't taken into account. "It's gonna happen" and everyone just believes and facts, risk and consequences aren't taken into account. Now everyone is bitter at the people who didn't want them here? You sound like sore losers. Last time I checked, those people live here too. You think other countries don't have people who don't want the olympics? You are delusional. What makes your opinion more valid? You're cheering for something that would've been bad for the city and its residents in the long run.
For what? For archery and cycling? To get the city attention? Guess what, people around the world know about Chicago, they have for a long time, and we were on the world stage last year. Quit thinking about showing off or thumping your chest and take a hard look at what's good for the city you 'love'
You people remind me of the family that finances a huge SUV when they are months away from needing to declare bankruptcy. That's the direction we would've been headed...
The fighting between the USOC and the IOC put a huge dent into Chicago's bid. Remember also that the entire SLC '02 event led to IOC members being deposed in criminal investigations, and that the Atlanta Olympics were not strongly received either.
All that said, this is the second straight time that the US has been aced out early in the final proceedings. I am certainly looking for the US to find more effective ways to use whatever pressure it can bring to bear...and remember that NBC pays more than anyone else for Olympic rights. At least for them the Rio Olympics will not be at a terrible time shift. And with 45+ members of the IOC in Europe, let's call it what it is--the European Olympic Committee.
Wow, the ethnocentrism in these comments disgusts me. The fact that you are treating Rio's win as some charity case or affirmative action tells me you need to step outside the city and do some real traveling.
This just in, other cities have nice architecture and buildings, nice nightlife and atmosphere, along with things like beaches, attractions, culture, history etc. They also have sports atmospheres that make crowds in the US look like they're attending a chess match
What's sad is that you can't even look in the mirror. This is a nice city, but it comes with a price. This city/state is in terrible shape. Terrible financial shape, record taxes, gas prices, heavy political corruption, one of the worst crime rates for a big city, etc. We can't even afford to fix potholes/salt roads and clean side streets when it snows. We've had many of our civil liberties taken away in an effort to squeeze more $$ from citizens to the pockets of the fat cats. All that we're missing is speed cameras and those are coming next. WAKE UP PEOPLE
Chicago never stood a chance, with Rio from South America, it was a for gone conclusion that they would get it. The US has had how many games in the last 40 years?
The people from no games chicago where saying"we love Chicago".They say now money is there to fix pothole ,fund the school,ect.I'ld like to know where the money is going to come from? The money that the bid commity c has is privite donations.The city has no access to the funds.I wasn't crazy about the games coming hear but it would put alot of trades back to work.One woman from nogameschicago said so was sad we in a way we din't get the games.BS. You can"t have both.
Chicago did not win because you offered nothing that the IOC liked; poor infrastructure, no history of spending on public amenities, crime, corruption (everyone knew the University of Chicago would be the only winners in this - keeping the poor further away from Hyde Park while doing a land-grab), and obscene amounts of money coming from private businesses. Then there is the public humiliation of Americans in the global arena of politics as the world looks on at the crazy behaviour of political terrorists. And, to top it all off, foreigners entering the country are often subjected to degrading treatment and must pay the exorbitant 911 security tax when entering through a US airport. These, my American friends (I am Canadian), are some of the realities of the decision for your bid. In the meantime, I imagine you will continue to demonize the IOC or blame Obama for his inability to swing the vote. Jeez!
As always, I think Phil Hersh wrote a nice article.
A creative person in my neighborhood has photo-shopped one of those Chicago 2016 "Imagine" posters to show a city worker filling a pothole.......I think that image says it all!
Thankyou "No Games Chicago" from saving our city.
The selection process is a joke. There are 46 European members on the IOC, and only 2 from the USA!
The USA should join with China, Russia, and Japan to create a rival set of games which are truly International and represent all continents and major nations fairly. The Olympics would die without the USA, China, Russia, and Japan. Whatever Games these major nations support will thrive. It's time to put a stake in the heart of the IOC, which is an arrogant, outrageously biased anachronism from 1896.