Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

[Barbaraann]

I am sitting on the fence on this issue, so I thought that I would ask my fellow MiceChatters their opinion on this matter.

Should Chicago host the 2016 Olympics?

1. Yes, they should.
2. No, they shouldn't.
3. I'm on the fence, on this question.
4. I have no interest in the Olympics.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

y e s

[sediment]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

Of course. We'll make money, we'll build (or renovate) all venues on time (as opposed to South Africa's attempt to get World Cup done by next September).
And people all over the world generally prefer to come here than most other countries.

Now, it should be in LA instead of Chicago, but nothing we can do about that now.

[Anders]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

I like the idea of the games being in Chicago. I think it's a much more qualified city than Atlanta was. It will be interesting to see which of these cities comes away with the games. I wouldn't be surprised to see them not go to Chicago though with London hosting the 2012 games.

[SnorkletsMom]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

It is not possible for me to have less interest in the Olympics. So if Chicago wants it, they can have it. :-)

[Barbaraann]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

So President Obama has decided that he is going to Copenhagen to speak on behalf of Chicago. Chicago newspapers, and radio programs are talking a lot about this issue. The Chicago media is speaking too much about the negative side of the Olympics, in the opinion of Mayor Daley.

I always enjoyed watching the Olympics back when they were aired "live". Now that they are brodcast, more after the fact, than during the fact, I don't enjoy them as much. I can just imagine the effect that Twitter will have on the games.

[sir clinksalot]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

I think Chicago is a great city and will do a great job hosting the olympics. If they get it.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

Now, it should be in LA instead of Chicago, but nothing we can do about that now.

WHY????

Can Obama Make Chicago's 2016 Olympic Dreams Come True - TIME





Chicago's plans would turn Lake Michigan into a sprawling sports complex.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

For Brazil, Olympic Candidacy Is About Role as Global Player...

International Olympic Committee.

Obama heading to Copenhagen to fight for Chicago...

"The President decided over the weekend that he wanted be a part of the final push as we enter the home stretch," Jarrett told Politico.com

"He did not want to leave any stone unturned. He is very excited about joining the First Lady for both the final presentation and the question and answer session. The Olympic spirit is about giving it your very best down to finish line and not taking anything for granted. That's what his presence in Copenhagen will demonstrate."

Obama Heading to Copenhagen for Olympic Pitch | NBC Chicago

[sediment]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

WHY????

LA could put it on a lot cheaper (meaning fewer tax dollars spent -- you see all that stuff being built; LA has probably 80% of stuff already built), and would probably make a ton more money, simply because people would rather go to LA than Chicago -- even Chicagoans. Hello, humidity??

[sediment]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

For Brazil, Olympic Candidacy Is About Role as Global Player...

Brazil is already planning to screw up the 2014 World Cup.

[sir clinksalot]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

LA doesn't need to host the olympics. The state is almost bankrupt as it is. The things we "do have" would need so much renovation. Infrastructure wise, LA's freeways and roads are not the most pleasing to be seen by a global audience. Have you not heard about the 100 year old pipes bursting throughout the city in recent weeks?

[sediment]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

LA doesn't need to host the olympics. The state is almost bankrupt as it is. The things we "do have" would need so much renovation. Infrastructure wise, LA's freeways and roads are not the most pleasing to be seen by a global audience. Have you not heard about the 100 year old pipes bursting throughout the city in recent weeks?

Meh. I don't live in LA. The revenue from the Olympics would be worth it.
Of course we don't NEED to host them. It's just the best place to have them, as evidenced by the two it already hosted. Last time we hosted them, lots of people took two weeks off from work, just to keep the freeways a little clearer.

[CaliforniaAdventurer]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

Obama's Olympic pitch draws GOP complaint

Obama's Olympic pitch draws GOP complaint - Yahoo! News

However, Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and 2008 Republican presidential contender, said Obama was right to make an appearance.

"In the current environment, the presence of a head of state is important to get the Games," Romney, who headed the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, said, noting that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair had set a new standard by personally lobbying for his country's succesful 2012 Olympic bid.

Steele said it raised questions about Obama's priorities.

"Where is the focus?" Steele asked. "At a time of war, at a time of recession ... I think this trip is nice but not necessary for the president. The goal should be creating job opportunities not seven years from now, but job opportunities today."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs laughed when told of Steele's criticism of Obama's trip.

"Who's he rooting for?" Robert Gibbs said. "Is he hoping to hop a plane to Brazil and catch the Olympics in Rio? I don't know. Maybe it's Madrid."

[aashee]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

I'm a lot more interested in seeing those tourism dollars coming here to the USA than going elsewhere.

[steamboatpete]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

Obama is right. Romney is right. Republicans who oppose this are wrong.

[Esdeebee]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

Of course. We'll make money, we'll build (or renovate) all venues on time (as opposed to South Africa's attempt to get World Cup done by next September).
And people all over the world generally prefer to come here than most other countries.

Now, it should be in LA instead of Chicago, but nothing we can do about that now.

LA already hosted the Olympics! Let Chitown have something!

[Esdeebee]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

I'm a lot more interested in seeing those tourism dollars coming here to the USA than going elsewhere.

Chicago area contractors are already licking their chops at the prospects of beginning work on Olympic facilities.

Me, I just want to have the opportunity to actually GO to these Olympics. They'll be in our back yard. Chicago is a great city. I live here, and we still find tourist-y stuff to do all the time. (I didn't have that experience in my one visit to the LA area...)

[aashee]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

Chicago area contractors are already licking their chops at the prospects of beginning work on Olympic facilities.

Me, I just want to have the opportunity to actually GO to these Olympics. They'll be in our back yard. Chicago is a great city. I live here, and we still find tourist-y stuff to do all the time. (I didn't have that experience in my one visit to the LA area...)

That's a good reason as well. Since I'm not able to attend I'm all for the money and patriotism it brings.

[AE_Fan]

Re: Should Chicago Host the 2016 Olympics?

I have to say it would be nice for Chicago to have the Olympics, though I will say this.

If they do end up hosting them, I honestly hope they do a better opening ceremony then Atlanta. Seriously, Atlanta had trucks and cheerleaders in their mess of a show!