Chicago Tossed in 1st Round of IOC Vote

Once Considered Favorite, Chicago Eliminated From Contention To Host 2016 Olympics; Rio de Janeiro, Madrid Still Alive

(CBS/AP)  Last Updated at 2:25 a.m. Eastern

The high-profile lobbying efforts of Barack and Michelle Obama weren't enough to land Chicago the 2016 Olympics. Widely thought to be one of two favorites for the Games, Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting by the International Olympic Committee Friday.

The IOC ultimately selected Rio de Janeiro in the final round of voting over Madrid. Tokyo was eliminated in the second round.

Before the vote, each city made final pitches in hopes of swaying delegates. Rio and Chicago's presentations were particularly impassioned. Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle, both talked about their childhood, while Rio urged the IOC's members to be bold by taking the games to South America for the first time.

Tokyo presented itself as the best city for the athletes, safe and environmentally pioneering. Former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch made an unusual appeal for Madrid, reminding the IOC members as he asked for their vote that, at age 89, "I am very near the end of my time."

Meet the 2016 Olympic City Contenders

The cities' final presentations represented the finishing line after years of hard work, lobbying, planning and hopes. They had 45 minutes and follow-up questions to sway undecided IOC members, of which there were many after a long, close and at times acrimonious race.

Chicago presented first, with videos and speeches - capped by Mr. Obama's plea. Mr. Obama used his stature as a statesman and his own life story for impact, recounting how he was moved around as a child and "never really had roots" but in Chicago, "I finally found a home."

Mr. Obama held out the enticing prospect of a Chicago games helping to reconnect the United States with the world after the presidency of George W. Bush, pledging that the "full force of the White House" would be applied so "visitors from all around the world feel welcome and will come away with a sense of the incredible diversity of the American people."

His wife tugged at IOC members' heart strings by discussing her late father, who had multiple sclerosis. She recounted sitting on his lap, watching Olympians such as Carl Lewis and Nadia Comaneci compete, and how her father "taught me how to throw a ball and a mean right hook."

"My dad would have been so proud to witness these games in Chicago," she said.

But their efforts went for naught.

"The president did everything he could to bring the Olympics to our country and we're obviously disappointed that we didn't win them," White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said.

Burton said the president didn't regret making the personal appeal on Chicago's behalf.

"Any time the president has an opportunity to make the case for the country he's so proud of, he's going to do it," he said. "The easy thing to do would have been to sit by and not help our bid. But the president felt strongly about the opportunity to showcase Chicago and the United States and he took it."

Rio played up the wow factor of its fabulous scenery, with computer-generated bird's eye images of how venues would be spread across the city, with sailing in the shadow of Sugar Loaf mountain and volleyball on Copacabana beach. The governor of the central bank said Brazil's economic vibrancy should reassure IOC members, and the head of Rio state played down concerns over security.

But Rio's hardest sell was that the IOC could ignore South America no longer.

"It is a time to address this imbalance," Silva said. "It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country."

Rio bid president Carlos Nuzman, who is also an IOC member, added: "When you push the button today, you have the chance to inspire a new continent, make Olympic history."

Speaking for Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama pledged that the city "will show the world how a major metropolis can flourish without detriment to the environment."

Madrid portrayed itself as a low-risk option, saying that 77 percent of the needed infrastructure for the games was already in place.

"This is a sure candidacy," Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said.

An uncomfortable moment for Chicago came when an IOC member from Pakistan, Syed Shahid Ali, noted that going through U.S. customs can be harrowing for foreigners.

Mr. Obama responded that he wanted a Chicago games to offer "a reminder that America at its best is open to the world."

The high drama will come when IOC president Jacques Rogge announces the name of the winner about an hour after the last votes are cast. He will break open a sealed envelope and declare which city has been awarded the games of the 31st Olympiad.

The winner gets huge prestige and billions of dollars in potential economic benefits, the losers just painful thoughts of what might have been.

Rogge doesn't vote and, as long as their cities haven't been eliminated, neither will members from Brazil, Spain and Japan. Three other members did not attend the session.

That left 95 voters in the first round, with more in subsequent rounds. In the event of a two-city tie in the early rounds, a runoff is held between the cities. If there is a tie in the final round, Rogge can vote or ask the IOC executive board to break the deadlock.

[jxknowles]

I think Eric Rudolph's anti-abortion, anti-gay bombimg murder at the Atlanta Olympics probably had something to do with the U.S. never in the running. That and school kids beating each other to death in Chicago. We're losing our luster as a destination that people from other countries want to visit. Rio, Brazil is a much better choice.

[upsetat63]

stuart-johns1 you failed to mention his WHITE heritage, why, is it to painful to give credit to his white mother for her sticking with it and not abandoning him like his African American father? NO, let's don't talk about that! Face it, I don't think he would be where he is without that support. Based on Bush's record, anyone from another party (except Hillary) would have won our last election. So, I don't feel President Obama did anything all that great,he was at the right place at the right time. Now, I do respect what he has achieved, I don't agree with all he is doing. However, this is America, and I have a RIGHT to have a different opinion just like you.

[stuart-johns1]

Why should I have mentioned his mother. In what context did his mother have to do with any post I was responding to??

You people are trolls. How's that for an opinion?

[upsetat63]

To bad schnarpsel had a tuff time going through customs. REMEMBER 911, I sure do and will never forget! If you feel it's so difficult, then take your green card and american wife and move to your country (where ever that is). I love this country, do we have problems, yes, but there is no where else I want to live. And if the USA is so BAD, why do millions come here every year, legally and of course illegally? I am greatful my ansestors struggled to get here a hundred and fifty years ago. They worked in sweat shops, fields, and balzed a trail for others. How many americans move to other overseas countries? Not many that for sure. So suck it up, customs is a process to try and keep us safer as a country! We failed in the past, and if we didn't change it will be repeated in the future!

[upsetat63]

hfwjim I take offense to your comment about "only has a high school education" meaning someone is not at the level of others who has a college degree. I went to UHK (University of Hard Knocks) and did quite well. Yes, in today's environment you need a college degree but if you don't have one it doesn't mean you are stupid. Please get off the race kick as well, President Obama was given birth by a WHITE Mother, raised by a white mother and white grandmother. His African American father was not around (nor was my white father) does this sound familiar? Why do we not here more about his heritage on that side. My opinion is he gets more mileage out of the African American side. Like on jobs apps, etc. It just goes to show given the right environment and upbringing any race of people can be successful in the USA! But, each of us (parents/children) have to take responsibility and accountability of our own future not the government. As far as other countries loving Obama, well they loved the Kennedy's too, so what? In my opinion it's way to early and surely not enough "results/data" in his Presidency to see if he'll be loved by the majority of the US population! Now, as far as Bush, I was not real happy with all the things he did either. But, I will not based my respect for our President on race, it will be on RESULTS, period. Right now outside the US, the Obama's are seen as the second coming of "Camelot". Only time will tell and I hope more will use the end results to judge him and not his race.

[troopf4]

to stuat-johns1: I beg to differ but there are Democrats that are opposed to portions of the HealthCare Reform.
You must be one of those that would have voted for a **** Ant before
you would vote against your party..

[stuart-johns1]

Like I said my presumputous republican extremist fool. You did'nt really want an answer. You just proved that. YOU wanted an argument. Good bye.

[troopf4]

Pigsinlipstick: Tell all of us something good about Obama and what he has done for you? I'm not a Republican...
I ask this question on every MSM comments board and have yet to get an answer.HMMMMMMM..

[stuart-johns1]

This is a list of Obama's accomplishments in just his first 50 days!

?January 20 -- In his inaugural address, Mr. Obama pressured congress to put stimulus legislation on his desk in record time.

?February 17 -- The resulting 787 billion dollar American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contained no congressional earmarks, per the President?s request, yet provides for more than five hundred billion dollars in government spending and hundreds of billions in tax cuts and support of state programs.

?February 26 -- The administration introduced an annual budget dramatically shifting federal spending priorities towards education, health and energy policies and launched health care reform with 600+ billion in funding.

?By executive action the President has raised ethics, transparency, and lobbying standards, begun new policies on treatment of enemy combatants, and ended restrictions on stem cell research funding.

?March 10 -- As if he wanted to start of the next 50-day sprint off with a bang, the President called for sweeping changes in education.

This just a tidbit of Obama's doings. The list get's even better and more significant as time passed.

Do a little research and quit asking baited questions. You don't really want an answer. If you did you could find it easily.

[troopf4]

This is a response to hfwjim: To quote a lady that resides in Chicago:
The elders in Washington D.C. need to get back to Chicago and do something about the youth being killed and the sorry state of the schools in the inner cities.
You must be one of those Democrats that would have voted for a **** Ant
because it's all about "The Democratic Party" There are millions of Independant voters out there, far more than Democrats -that gave Obama the benefit of the doubt- that are kicking themselves in the ass.
What has he done for you since he took office??? Stop the trash talk about Bush or any other former president - Obama's the man - he needs to get his fingers out of his ass and our wallets.
What kind of presiden t ignores the commander on the ground in Afghanistan - the commander has to fly to Denmark in order for Obama to make time for him because bidding for the Olympics in "Chicago" was Obama's priority and Michelle's as well - do you think she cares about the youth in Chicago, hell no!
By the way: The rest of the world isn't in a trance over Obama. Him, Michelle and the rest of the group that went to Denmark showed the world where their priorities are. Who gives a **** about their childhoods, again, when kids are dying everyday on the streets of Chicago.

[gboyd41]

Job well done Obama-keep up the good work.

[ROBACA]

Smart move IOC. America cannot afford to host the Olympics. Taxpayer waste once again. Did Oprah fly on Air Force One as well (paid for by taxpayers)? The wealthiest woman in the world had no influence whatsoever on the choice. LOL!!

[hatebs]

I am glad too we did not get it. The olympics do not make money. jobs are temporary. No one has mentioned that Valerie Jarrett was involved in Chicago 2016, resigned became Obama's advisor, his olympic person and signed an ETHIC WAIVER (only in government). She and her friends happen to own low income housing in Chicago where the Olympics would have taken place. Somebody would have made money. I regress though. The Olympics cost Billions. LA made a few million, Salt Lake-they supposedly made something. We have had the olympics 4x in this country since 1980-16 olympics (?) 4 - 25% 1 out 4. We can not expect to get it every time. Now, if we had a non celebrity group go, we might have not be eliminated in the first round. Michelle Obama sent out the message the she and President were 'sacrificing' their time to go there. Do you all think that the IOC did not get that message? I found it very demeaning, and I am sure they did too. Like, I have better things to do, but I am here, you better appreciate it. Then they both addressed the IOC with personal stories. You think they care? His adopted hometown-someone is Russia-are they going to be impressed. Michelle's dead father? HE IS DEAD, he will not be there and he wasnot an athlete. They should have addressed how the world would love Chicago. And the whole world does not hate Bush. And they know Bush is gone. OTHERS HAVE TO STOP BLAMING BUSH. If Chicago was not chosen, it is because we have had the olymics, they did not sell chicago right and/or theydo not like Obama/Oraph, Mayor Daly, the crime in chicago, a combination of some or all of the above. Chicago lost, people have to get over it, the mayor has to explain why they spent millions on the bid and he has to get back to work and figure something else out since Daly seemed to think for some reason, this was in the bag.

[tafhdyd]

Hey righties and dittoheads. You better get over to the Sen. Ensign headlines and defend your corrupt party member. You are wasting what little brain power you have left on the olympic issue.

[theskeptical1]

It is truly unfortunate that Chicago was not chosen to host the 2016 Olympics. Not only would this have been a great (and apparently the only) triumph in Obama's first year as president, it would have provided the opportunity to add some new Olympic events to reflect the unique character and culture of the famous Windy City.

Ballot Box Stuffing: although this sport is played in almost every country in the world, Chicago will have an overwhelming advantage. Their team, made up of veteran ACORN members and coached by Mayor Richard Daley himself, would have been a heavy favorite to sweep the medals despite an expected strong challenge from Zimbabwe.

Bribe Handling: in this new event each competing team will attempt to clandestinely pass large stacks of currency back and forth amongst themselves without getting caught by the judges (aka, the feds). Again the home team will enjoy a huge advantage with none other than Coach Blagoyevich heading up a team made up of the most crooked politicians in the state of Illinois. With so much talent available, Coach Blago's biggest challenge will be deciding on his starting lineup.

Some traditional Olympic sports would have to be modified in order to appeal to the hometown audience.

Fencing: it will have be explained that this involves swordsmanship. Most people in Chicago think that fencing means disposing of stolen merchandise at a good profit.

Small Bore Pistol: to fit in with the local culture, all competitors in this sport will be required to shoot with their their pistols turned sideways while holding up a pair of baggy pants with the other hand. There will also be a new "Drive By" event with extra points for hitting innocent bystanders.

Track and Field: hurdles will be replaced with subway turnstiles in all applicable events. In the revised shot put competitors will attempt to throw a brick through a store window at fifty feet, after which they have thirty seconds to scoop up as much merchandise as possible. Also while competing in track events, each runner will be required to carry a stolen television set throughout the race.

Wrestling: each 'wrestler' will run up behind an elderly woman and attempt to wrestle her purse away from her. Since he will then have to run 100 meters with the stolen purse this will also count as a track event.

Cycling: the main change will be at the beginning of the race. Each rider will first have to cut through the security chain of another competitor's bike and then ride it away and use it for the rest of the race. Also cyclists will get extra points if, during the race, they manage to snatch wristwatches or jewelry from spectators as they ride by.

Field Hockey: instead of hockey sticks the teams (gangs) will be equipped (armed) with clubs and iron pipes. No ball will be necessary, since the players will be primarily interested in beating in the heads of the opposing team members. Spectators (aka, innocent bystanders) are advised to stay at least 30 meters away from the field while the game is in progress.

Now isn't it a shame that all those foreign visitors will not have the opportunity to enjoy a true Chicago Experience they can tell their friends about back home?

[gboyd41]

theskeptical1-that is the funniest thing I have read in a long time!

[azfalcon]

The credit goes to the same person who takes the blame. If you would have hailed one person for 'getting the win' then you must hold the same person responsible for the loss. If Bush is to be blamed for all the bad things still happening, then he gets the credit for the good things happening. When Obama becomes accountable for the bad things happening, then he starts getting credit for the good things.

[pigsinlipstick]

ALL THESE REPUBLI'CON' AMERICA HATERS NEED TO LEARN TO READ


PUT DOWN YOUR BIBLES AND YOU STUPID GUNS TURN OFF FOX ,FAKE, NEWS


AND READ A NEWSPAPER ONCE IN AWHILE DON'T BE FOOLS

[rematenaj]

What a bunch of hateful comments here! Why does everything have to turn into a political punching game? Geez!

[geewheeez]

I just love it, Americans hate America...I guess this is the end of the power of USA.

[pigsinlipstick]

FUNNY HOW THE RIGHT WING WHACKO'S CAN GET OUT HERE SO FAST WITH THE


NEGATIVITY, THEY ALL WORK IN KARL ROVE'S BASEMENT TYPING ALL DAY,


THAT IS THE REPUBLI'CON' VERSION OF A JOB.


WHAT IS REALLY SAD IS THAT THE REPUBLICANS MURDER


45,000 AMERICANS EVERY YEAR AND THESE TYPING CLOWNS COULD CARE LESS.

[Mortarman29]

I thought it was 50,000??? Can you get it at least consistent?

[robo1415]

Glad to see it...Chicago is symptomatic of what's wrong with America....They need to fix themselves first...

[Mortarman29]

I know the problem...those IOC folks are just rascist Bush lovers that just want to give money to evil and greedy HMO CEOs.

[uuuhuh]

We should have sent clinton he would have gotten it done

[Lawyers-Guns-n-Money-01]

by uuuhuh October 2, 2009 12:48 PM EDT
We should have sent clinton he would have gotten it done
====================================================

Only if he would have brought a contingent of women in blue dresses (pre-treated with Scotch Guard to prevent staining) with him.

Bill to the IOC: Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it! (And here's a cigar as an extra added benny.)

[uuuhuh]

Yea or he coulda gone over a week early and "wined and dined" the female and or male voters then "slam" dunk

[curiously1]

With all the criminal thugs running around in Chicago, I am not surprised !