Steele Hits Obama For Olympics Trip, But Squirms When Reporter Pointedly Asks Him If It’s A ‘Mistake’
Steele Hits Obama For Olympics Trip, But Squirms When Reporter Pointedly Asks Him If It’s A ‘Mistake’
Today in an RNC conference call, chairman Michael Steele criticized President Obama for going to Copenhagen, Denmark this week to pitch Chicago as the site of the 2016 Olympics. Steele said that “at a time of war, at a time of recession,” Obama’s short trip would distract him from focusing on pressing problems.
Steele basically tried to argue that the country couldn’t move forward with Obama in Copenhagen, saying that Obama should tell the public if he wants the country to make the Olympics “the priority” as his job-creation program:
STEELE: If the priority is the Olympics in seven years, okay, then tell the nation that’s the priority and that’s what we should be focused on because we’ll create jobs then and we won’t worry about it between now and 2016. But if the goal is to create jobs here in America today, then let’s do that.
After the RNC chairman bashed Obama over the Olympics for several minutes, Baltimore Sun reporter Paul West asked Steele, “So are you saying that it’s a mistake for him to go to Copenhagen?” Steele tried to dodge the question (eliciting an audible sigh from West), and eventually tersely cut off West when he tried to follow-up:
PAUL WEST, BALTIMORE SUN: Hi, I just wanted to follow-up on that last question: So are you saying that it’s a mistake for him to go to Copenhagen?
STEELE: You know, a mistake is in the eye of the beholder. I just don’t think it’s necessary. I mean, I don’t know the judgment behind the President going. [...]
WEST: Okay, but I’m still not clear. Is it a mistake in your eyes?
STEELE: My eyes don’t — What do you mean, my eyes?
WEST: Well, you said a mistake is in the eyes of the beholder. I’m wondering if you think it’s a mistake?
STEELE: I gave you my answer, Paul.
Listen here:
The whole trip will take approximately 18 hours. The New York Times reported:
Moreover, aides noted that it would be a relatively small time investment. Mr. Obama will leave Thursday evening and fly overnight, arriving in Copenhagen just in time to join Chicago’s final presentation Friday morning, when he and the first lady will address the committee. He returns to Washington on Friday afternoon.
So according to Steele, Obama spending 18 hours to promote an event that has the opportunity to increase U.S. prestige, generate $22.5 billion in economic activity, and the equivalent of 315,000 new full-time jobs must mean that he has completely abandoned his entire policy agenda and plans to now spend all his time on this issue. Does this mean that Obama is no longer overexposed?
Transcript:
BETH FOUHY, ASSOCIATED PRESS: Just to clarify — You said that you’re concerned that the President and the Democrats have lost focus, and you did reference the President’s upcoming trip to Copenhagen as an example of perhaps where he’s lost focus. I just want to clarify if indeed that’s the case, if that’s yet another example of him not concentrating on jobs and the economy and health care?
STEELE: I do very much, Beth. I think while it’s a noble idea for the President to want to pitch his home city, Chi-town, for the Olympics — and of course America would be more than honored to host the Olympics in the future — I think at a time of war, at a time of recession, at a time where Americans have expressed rather significantly their concerns and frustrations over the course of the spring and the summer about health care, about the economy, about a host of domestic issues — and even international issues — I think that this trip, while nice, is not necessary for the President. [...]
But the goal is, should be, creating not job opportunities seven years from now, but job opportunities today. [...]
PAUL WEST, BALTIMORE SUN: Hi, I just wanted to follow-up on that last question: So are you saying that it’s a mistake for him to go to Copenhagen?
STEELE: You know, a mistake is in the eye of the beholder. I just don’t think it’s necessary. I mean, I don’t know the judgment behind the President going. [...]
If the priority is the Olympics in seven years, okay, then tell the nation that’s the priority and that’s what we should be focused on because we’ll create jobs then and we won’t worry about it between now and 2016. But if the goal is to create jobs here in America today, then let’s do that.
WEST: Okay, but I’m still not clear. Is it a mistake in your eyes?
STEELE: My eyes don’t — What do you mean, my eyes?
WEST: Well, you said a mistake is in the eyes of the beholder. I’m wondering if you think it’s a mistake?
STEELE: I gave you my answer, Paul.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
“How dare you call me on my sound bites!”
September 29th, 2009 at 1:03 pmWell the line for out of work electricians at the union hall has been so long that it’s not worth it to go down there. If Chicago gets the Olympics that line will shorten up immediately. But since Steele and the rest of Republicans hate workers so much they hate the idea. As long as CEOs are getting big fat bonuses they’re happy.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:03 pmI think Big Mike is taking some under-the-table $ from the DNC.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pmIs it a mistake in your eyes?
Well, that is a trick question where Little Mikey is concerned.
After all, he has buttons where his eyes should be . . . and cotton where his brain should be.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pmA remote chance may exist that someday Michael Steele will figure out that the only reason the media ever asks him a question is for the purpose of holding his moronic reply up for ridicule — but I wouldn’t bet on it.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:07 pmThe greater Chicagoland area has 8.5 million residents. But Steele thinks the jobs created by the Olympics would be better off in another country. What an a$$.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pmIt’s Steele steal-trap mind at work…
…don’t you see the genius behind it all, the master chess player at work…
…it’s how he wears his hat and expose his enemies…
…it’s how he rolls, it’s to throw off the opposition, and confuse the players…
…what an idiot tool he is.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pm.
LIE-CHEAT-STEELE
The “NEW” G(no)P
.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pmTypo, 9.5 million residents that Steel doesn’t think are interested in Olympic jobs.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:09 pmSteele: “Obama is such a great leader that the country is paralyzed if he isn’t within its borders at all times.”
September 29th, 2009 at 1:10 pmI can see where it is difficult for Republicans to grasp the concept that one competent individual can actually do two things (maybe even three or four) at the same time without any of them crashing to the ground in a flaming wreck. They must all have ADD.
Good grief, it’s 18-hours. I think everything will be OK and we don’t have to take every other agenda item off the table forever because of these 18-hours away.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:11 pmMichael Steele has to say thing to appease his Reich-wing base… none of which he personally believes.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:12 pmMichael hasn’t noticed this yet, but our President IS able to multi-task, and I doubt that a trip to Copenhagen to pitch Chicago would distract him from other burning issues.
After all, our last president spent a lot of time in Crawford, clearing brush off his “ranch”. And yet he managed to maintain the same focus on pressing matters while in Texas as he had when he was working in the Oval Office.
Hmmm…probably not the best comparison to use…
September 29th, 2009 at 1:12 pmHeaven Forbid Obama do SOMETHING constructive! Lord knows Bush didn’t give a sh*t about anything except clearing brush and starting an unnecessary war while depleteing our Treasury! I guess the Repugs are pissed Obama can walk and chew gum at the same time. WTF?
September 29th, 2009 at 1:13 pmSteele: “No, man, those Olympic jobs don’t pay real money! I mean, French people call their money ‘Frank’, what kind of self-respecting American would want to work for ‘Frank’?”
September 29th, 2009 at 1:14 pmOnce again Mike you have your mouth in drive, while your brain remains in park.
This guy just gets dumber and dumber.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:15 pmMaybe Mikey-Mike has forgotten that being awarded the Olympics doesn’t mean the jobs created will only be created when the Olympics are actually in town, 7 years from now — construction and the associated jobs begin immediately and continue up to, during and even after the the time that the Olympics are actually going on…
Dumba$$ can’t even keep his arguments on point…then again, I guess we “have no reason to believe anything [he's] saying right now, none”…
September 29th, 2009 at 1:17 pmI will have to admit that, as someone that has seen big projects get proposed, only to end up way over-budget, I am skeptical about having the Olympics over in the US. Yes, it is bound to create jobs. Yes, it is bound to bring economic relief to the area. However, the past few Olympics preparations have been horribly above budget, especially the Beijing Olympics.
If this is going to be done in 2016, there has to be efficiency in its production. I’m hoping we can bring that for 2016.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:19 pmShorter Mikey Steele:
“This country needs a President who walks when it’s time to walk, and chews gum when it’s time to chew gum. A President who tries to do both at the same time is dangerous to American interests!”
September 29th, 2009 at 1:19 pmSteelyMike has the cowardice of his convictions.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:21 pmLook, this is easy … why does the media even bother to ask the GOP for a response to anything the prez does?
We all know what the answer will be: OBAMA’S WRONG!
If a reporter asks Steele should Obama actually crap in the WH, would he say that is socialist and Hitler used to crap, too??
September 29th, 2009 at 1:21 pmA few good follow ups for Mr. Steele would have been, “how did you feel as a Republican, when George W. Bush went on a Presidential record number of vacations to his “ranch” and to Camp David while in the middle of two wars? What did you feel about George W. Bush spending time on trying to privatize Social Security?
September 29th, 2009 at 1:22 pmat least with Obama we can count on a classy representative of the US.
bush falling down drunk at the olymics
September 29th, 2009 at 1:23 pm“Obama” starts with the letter “O” and “Olympics” starts with the letter “O”. They both are foreign, too. And 2016 is a Presidential election year when the Republicans don’t want any Democratic successes around to be seen.
Gotta stop those “O’s”!
September 29th, 2009 at 1:24 pmBabble on and on and on Sister says:
I can’t wait until the Chicago Machine and the corrupt Olympic Organizing Committee team up on this one.
Well, if it is fair to suspect that things will go completely wrong and that such a mission will be completely compromised by wrongdoing, it is also completely fair to suspect that things can go on-schedule without any major glitches. What would people assuming the worst say if things ran perfectly well?
See, anyone can play this “assumption” game.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:28 pm“So according to Steele, Obama spending 18 hours to promote an event that has the opportunity to increase U.S. prestige, generate $22.5 billion in economic activity, and the equivalent of 315,000 new full-time jobs..”
I think someone should do a more in-depth analysis of just how much money could potentially come from America hosting the Olympics. The $22.5 billion is ONLY for the state of Illinois. But, the Olympics generate money for that nation (e.g., tourism, goods and services, etc.) as whole — a point that many people seem to not understand.
I read an assessment that said the Beijing Games brought in 600 billion yuan (~$87.8 billion dollars) for the national Chinese economy.
So, the games would be a mini-stimulus package, if you will, for our national economy.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:29 pmWhen did Obama ever say the 2016 Olympics is “the priority” for creating jobs right now? Or did Steele just make that up out of thin air, as usual?
http://www.political-buzz.com/
September 29th, 2009 at 1:31 pmA black man looking for a handout? Where’s Limbaugh when you need him? LOL! ;)
September 29th, 2009 at 1:40 pmIf the President didn’t go and Chicago doesn’t get the Olympics they would blame him for not doing everything to bring the them here. If he goes and Chicago doesn’t get it Republicans will blame him for not getting them. If Chicago does get the Olympics Republicans will start whining about how much money was spent on his travel. They are so predictable.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:42 pmAs his name implies, steal. To take as a thief…A thread on this asshat is like the one on the walrus . Stealing space and our time, not worth the notice..Blessings
September 29th, 2009 at 1:42 pmI think Mike needs a ‘Czar’. You know, someone who can give him advice. Oh wait, that’s bad. Even though Bush had Rove…
September 29th, 2009 at 1:43 pmThe Republicans seem very concerned about the level of energy Obama is bring to his office. When they complain he is out there almost everyday pushing the agenda, I believe he doing good. The only path back to power for the Republicans is for Obama to fail, so they whine and moan just about anything he does.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:43 pmThe GOP still hasn’t grasped modern technology, either. Other than actually pressing the flesh, the President can do his work just fine in Air Force One, or pretty much everywhere he goes — especially in Denmark, for heaven’s sake.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:46 pmI can’t wait until the Chicago Machine and the corrupt Olympic Organizing Committee team up on this one.
I can’t wait for the 2016 presidential elections if you guys are seriously going to run on a “We hate the Olympics!” platform.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:46 pmIs little Mikey against all the jobs that would be created if Chicago wins the bid? Why does little Mikey hate American Workers?
September 29th, 2009 at 1:47 pmBut it’s OK for Bush to not interrupt a vacation to deal with a Cat 4 hurricane flooding New Orleans?
F.A.R. (F*** All Republicans)
September 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pmGet used to it folks, there is nothing, nothing, nothing that Obama does that will not meet with repugniscum criticism no matter how ridiculous. Their mission is to simply criticize Obama everytime he appears, speaks or breathes, and whatever manages to capture a little radio ot TV time, that’s just great with them.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:53 pmThis is a Clinton era redux, to the tenth power.
Since when do you lousy neo-con politicians have had the desire to create jobs? Ever since the idiot lush Bush rose to power the economy has gone down the drain. Ever since then it’s been war against humanity, war against the disposessed, war against the middle class and the poor.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:55 pmRacial tensions are at an all time high with you neo-cons. And, Steele, face it man Obama is black, but you are so much darker. Almost purple, like an eggplant. At the end of the day, racist neo-cons wouldn’t hesitate to label and exclude you. So get over it and leave Obama alone!
WEST: Okay, but I’m still not clear. Is it a mistake in your eyes?
STEELE: My eyes don’t — What do you mean, my eyes?
WEST: Well, you said a mistake is in the eyes of the beholder. I’m wondering if you think it’s a mistake?
STEELE: Depends on how you look at it.
WEST: [Blank stare]
STEELE: What I’m saying is that the President traveling to Copenhagen at this time will be a mistake in 2016 if, in the eyes of the beholder, hind sight is 20:20. Next question!
September 29th, 2009 at 1:58 pm… as if facts were of any concern to this one…
September 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pmBabble on and on and on Sister says:
——————————————————————————–
I can’t wait until the Chicago Machine and the corrupt Olympic Organizing Committee team up on this one.
I wonder if they will dare call Mitt Romney in to pull their azzes out of the fire again? Wouldn’t that be a hoot?
September 29th, 2009 at 1:24 pm Vote Up | Vote Down | (-8) | Report Abuse
——————————————————————————–Well, I know a couple of ex Utah folks who would tell you Romney cost them a bundle messing up the winter olympics in Utah.
Facts, are a wonderful thing.
the trolls should try them.
tony and lido
September 29th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
STEELE: If the priority is the Olympics in seven years, okay, then tell the nation that’s the priority and that’s what we should be focused on because we’ll create jobs then and we won’t worry about it between now and 2016. But if the goal is to create jobs here in America today, then let’s do that.
Now, watch this drive.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pmPresident Obama strikes me as someone who can multitask. The last guy was the one who couldn’t process more than one thought every five years or so.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Bush purposely cut himself from the world. The man wouldn’t even read newspapers. At least Obama seems interested in his job. Not just killing time like Georgie did. And where was Georgie when the Financail System melted down? I took days for him to surface. Just like with 911, Katrina…
September 29th, 2009 at 2:03 pmNo, Condi was still bring him the Presidential Daily Briefing with titles like “Bin Laden determined to attack inside the U.S.”.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:04 pmMickey, on the other hand, manages to forget what he said in mid sentence. Come to think of it, so did Chimpy.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:05 pmI just love the way Obama’s got the right chasing itself all over the map.
It’s truly a Bugs vs. Fudd show.
By the time the Right is done wetting itself over people going to the doctor, it’s going to be a very simple and easy matter to get EFCA and climate change legislation passed.
Poor righties – they still don’t know what has hit them.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:06 pmSlappyBastinado says:
The Obama air lift……..
Um…I see Bush’s entourage only in the link…
September 29th, 2009 at 2:06 pmOops! Mikey.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pmThat’s OK. It didn’t matter. Remember, Bush didn’t understand the bailout anyway.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:07 pmSlappa-dap-a-ding-dong-doodle!!!!!
been practicing?
it doesn’t show.
Now you ball’s all wet and scummy from landing in the puddle outside the court…
good thing it’s vinyl. Maybe when you start grazing the net, your Dad will get you a real one.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:09 pmPurple State says:
I will have to admit that, as someone that has seen big projects get proposed, only to end up way over-budget, I am skeptical about having the Olympics over in the US.
Every time the Olympics has been held in America, it has resulted in a huge economic boost for the region and the country as a whole. The construction leaves behind infrastructure which helps the economy in the future. And thousands and thousands of people come from around the world to spend money here. There’s really nothing here to complain about.
.
Babble on and on and on Sister says:
I wonder if they will dare call Mitt Romney in to pull their azzes out of the fire again? Wouldn’t that be a hoot?
Speaking of Romney, He’s all for it.
But in any case, Masachussetts and Illinois are two different states. And if you’re thinking of Detroit, that’s in Michigan, which is also not Illinois. Neither is Utah.
Try passing the sixth grade before you try to weigh in on political discussions.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:09 pmshoeless@53, Touchee!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 2:10 pmI tend to agree, tombaker. Nothing could be more damaging than the Reichwhiner’s own panicked screeching. They are revealing themselves as foolish, greedy, children throwing a mass tantrum in front of the whole world.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pmThat’s because it was themselves who hit them, and now they can’t stop.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:12 pmFools rush in. And they’re rushing so fast it’s making a whooshing noise.
These people are ignorant as hell and still living in the 20th century or even before that evidently. When the prez travels he uses what’s called Air Force One. It has a phone and everything.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:13 pm18 hours? That’s all this trip will take? Goodness gracious, GW Bush took over 48 hours to fly over New Orleans after the Katrina Hurricane and the levee break.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:16 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Like Chicago needs some hick Mormons telling us how to do business. That would be like Arnold asking Palin how to run the State of California.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:21 pmElBruce says:
Purple State says:
I will have to admit that, as someone that has seen big projects get proposed, only to end up way over-budget, I am skeptical about having the Olympics over in the US.
Every time the Olympics has been held in America, it has resulted in a huge economic boost for the region and the country as a whole. The construction leaves behind infrastructure which helps the economy in the future. And thousands and thousands of people come from around the world to spend money here. There’s really nothing here to complain about.
That’s the exact same conclusion that I have come across, and that seems to be a good argument for a reason it should be in the US. I just want to warn those companies that are funded for such a project that our collective eye is on them. We want to see a project bring prosperity to the region, not red tape and rip-off schemes that have accompanied some of these past Olympics projects.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:21 pmkwsventures, did you know that Barack Obama is President of the whole U.S.?
September 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pmWe elected President Obama with a clear mandate to “stick his nose into everything”. We expect our President to preside (look it up) over the nation’s affairs. We’re fed up with incurious fools who live in a bubble of delusion and lies.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pmkwsventures thinks President Obama is from Kenya but doesn’t know his home is in Chicago. What an idiot.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:22 pmkwsventures says:
Obama sticks his nose into everything. Is there any area that Obama will not comment or get involved?
- He’s not the first world leader to do this, I’ve been told.
- This is an economic opportunity for America. You do want America to succeed, right?
- He’s the freaking PRESIDENT.
Get over yourself.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pm@37 Babble on and on and on Sister says:
——————————————————————————–
gummble-bee-itch says:
The GOP still hasn’t grasped modern technology, either. Other than actually pressing the flesh, the President can do his work just fine in Air Force One, or pretty much everywhere he goes — especially in Denmark, for heaven’s sake.
There is a difference with spending your time away from work and not doing anything for the country (Bush) and spending your time working wherever you may be to help the country (Obama)….see there is a big difference…just sayin
Also I loved when Bush was at his ranch…less things for him to screw up on
September 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pmDude, I have ADD, and I can multi-task just fine. The Repugs are just bone stupid.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:25 pmIs there any area that Obama will not comment or get involved?
I’m pretty darn sure your mommy’s basement is safe enough.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:28 pmTo be fair the last president Republicans loved was Reagan and he spent his second term battling Alzheimer’s. Republicans think a president who breaks the law but is able to say “I don’t remember.” under oath 200 times brilliant.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:28 pmI’ve read right here on this site that when Bush was in Crawford he was totally cut off from the world.
No-no-no! He was protecting us from all that brush that needed clearing, VERY fcuking important work, especially regarding National Safety, right????
September 29th, 2009 at 2:30 pmJust because Bush could not walk and talk at the same time, does not mean Obama is the same. I hope if we get the Olympics in Chicago, that Steele and the other complainers are disinvited. We don’t need no stinkin’ Republicans. I will personally meet them at O’Hare Airport (15 minutes from my house) to greet them with go back home signs.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:31 pmkwsventures says:
Obama sticks his nose into everything. Is there any area that Obama will not comment or get involved?
That’s what effective Presidenting looks like. Most folks just call it “going to work.” Take notes if y’all ever want to get a guy in the job again. Or if you hope to hold down a job yourself someday.
.
Purple State says:
That’s the exact same conclusion that I have come across, and that seems to be a good argument for a reason it should be in the US. I just want to warn those companies that are funded for such a project that our collective eye is on them.
Sounds good to me. While we’re on the subject, I think we’ve got some overdue bills to present to Hallibertan, KBR, Blackwater and many others.
.
Purple State says:
We want to see a project bring prosperity to the region, not red tape and rip-off schemes that have accompanied some of these past Olympics projects.
Citation, please?
September 29th, 2009 at 2:31 pmI wish the trolls would pick one of the following:
1. Obama is doing too much.
2. Obama is doing nothing.
3. Obama is doing everything wrong and/or too fast.
4. Obama is doing everything wrong and/or too slow.
These statement are mutually exclusive yet the trolls seem to interchange them to suit the day’s talking points.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pmkwsventures says:
Obama sticks his nose into everything. Is there any area that Obama will not comment or get involved?
Project much?
September 29th, 2009 at 2:36 pmTypical day:
day 1
Obama: gets up at 8AM
Repugs: – he is too lazy – there are too many problems for him to waste half the day sleeping
Obama: has lunch
Repugs: how dare he eat lavish meals while so many people in the country have nothing
Obama: explains the details of the health care plan.
Repugs: “YOU LIE”
day 2
Obama: gets up at 5AM
Repugs: – he is destroying the country – he is trying to take over everything
Obama: skips lunch
Repugs: he is so arrogant – this is just another way to grab more power while we are distracted
Obama: says he will listen to serious debate on health care
September 29th, 2009 at 2:37 pmRepugs: bipartisanship? what bipartisanship? It’s all his way or the highway
kwsventures why do you keep sticking your nose in this blog where it doesn’t belong. No one cares about your ignorant opinions.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:38 pmWith all apologies to Chicago, as much as I question the economic logic of getting the Olympics (due to past Olympics having financial problems), if that is what they want to do, it is perfectly acceptable and expedient for the President to visibly lend his support – especially as he is from Chicago. (cue the trolls saying that he didn’t come from Chicago but from Africa and Hawaii).
I do, however, compliment Chicago in spreading out the Olympics to make them a regional event. Such a move could possibly mitigate past problems.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:38 pmpurplestate says: I will have to admit that, as someone that has seen big projects get proposed, only to end up way over-budget, I am skeptical about having the Olympics over in the US.
In one way what matters is not the budget of Olympic projects, but the income that results.
Of course if the costs exceed the income then EPIC fail, and of course the budget DOES matter to those providing the funding. And it matter a lot how the money is actually spent.
For the 2012 London Olympics the UK isn’t just building the needed sporting facilities and the requisite Olympic village, only to have their purpose and use largely disappear when the event is over, as seems to have happened in Greece.
One new stadium being built specifically for the Olympics is actually modular so it can be reconfigured for different purposes and different capacities, and it’s being located in a new public park being sculpted from neglected ground.
The Olympic Village is being designed as genuine housing (the majority being ‘affordable’) rather than a ‘hotel’ and will include retail space for post-Games inhabitants.
A new underground line is being built that is more than just an appendage to the current system. There is a new cross-city light rail system that London has need for many years and new high-speed (180 mph)rail connecting the North of England.
No surprise that the original budget is looking to be ‘doubled’, but the overall effort appears to be very integrated with long term public needs, rather than just serving the immediate demands of the Games and purely political desires.
Would Chicago take the same approach?
September 29th, 2009 at 2:39 pmWas watching Hardball last night and Chris Maathews was raving about how President Obama is making a mistake going to Coppenhagen in person and he sounded like he was presented with Faux Snooze talking points:
“The economy is what the people care about”
“Obama is trying to do too much when he should be working on health care”
“If he doesn’t get the Olympics for the US he will lose political capital for failing”
seriously delusional troll talking points…imho
September 29th, 2009 at 2:50 pmOh, having spent a year in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, one thing Chicago does brilliantly is totally crap urban planning.
September 29th, 2009 at 2:55 pmThe metropolitan rail system (I forget the nickname for it)is really handy but the ‘cars’ are bloody awful. There’s no express rail to the airport. The stations are crappy (though not as bad as in NYC).
Once you get out of the city center into big grid of the city the roads deteriorate rapidly.
The Millennium Park can’t host anything if it rains, or if it’s too damn hot, and the park itself has no landscaping or tree-scaping–it’s just a space with no intrinsic interest.
jusasoldier says:
Was watching Hardball last night and Chris Matthews was raving…
That’s your first mistake, my friend. Expecting Tweety Bird to say anything new or profound is like watching paint dry…
ain’t gonna happen!
I really wish they would quit doubling up his airtime. How about a show for Lawrence O’Donnell?
September 29th, 2009 at 3:04 pmIt’s just Michael Steele trying to get some publicity again.Same old,same old.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:08 pmElBruce says:
Purple State says:
We want to see a project bring prosperity to the region, not red tape and rip-off schemes that have accompanied some of these past Olympics projects.
Citation, please?
I suppose I got into the bad habit of saying something without having any facts on the ready. I apologize for my statement and retract it. I guess I’m just a little bitter about the Big Dig up here and projected it towards other massive projects.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:10 pmPresident Obama is not going to go the make a pitch for Chicago with out having a lock on the outcome.I wonder if Las Vegas is giving odds on the outcome of this trip?
September 29th, 2009 at 3:13 pmThe whole trip will take approximately 18 hours.
which is the excuse the frighties would use if he DIDN’T go…
it’s just a given: they will object to EVERYthing he does…
September 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pmBush couldn’t eat pretzels and watch football simultaneously, so naturally the idiotic repugs think Obama can’t take 18 hours in another country to advocate for the USA, while at the same time still cleaning up the pile of stinnking crap Bush left all over the White House.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:43 pm5th Estate says:
Oh, having spent a year in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, one thing Chicago does brilliantly is totally crap urban planning.
For most cities, hosting an event like the Olympics or Worlds’ Fair provides a great opportunity to fix those sorts of things.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:57 pm, Obama spending 18 hours to promote an event that has the opportunity to increase U.S. prestige, generate $22.5 billion in economic activity, and the equivalent of 315,000 new full-time jobs …
talk about exaggeration.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:01 pmkwsventures says:
talk about exaggeration.
Really?
Proof?
No?
Oh yeah. I’m shocked.
Get lost you lame a$$ troll.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:30 pmkwsventures says:
talk about exaggeration.
If you have different numbers than the Chicago 2016 committee, please cite them. Did you do a “study” too?
September 29th, 2009 at 4:31 pmZimzone says:
——————————————————————————–
jusasoldier says:
Was watching Hardball last night and Chris Matthews was raving…
That’s your first mistake, my friend. Expecting Tweety Bird to say anything new or profound is like watching paint dry…
ain’t gonna happen!
I really wish they would quit doubling up his airtime. How about a show for Lawrence O’Donnell?
September 29th, 2009 at 4:38 pmI vote for this. Chris loves Pat Butcanan too much.
He’s already over there Mr. Steele. It’s just a little side trip that would bring a lot of work to Chicago. Just a little side trip like when you pass through Ohio and Boehner makes you stop by and mow his lawn.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:52 pmLet’s see…Olympic exaggerations…
Here’s what China had for its exaggerations…I mean, expectations.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:54 pm5th Estate says:
Oh, having spent a year in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, one thing Chicago does brilliantly is totally crap urban planning.
The metropolitan rail system (I forget the nickname for it)is really handy but the ‘cars’ are bloody awful. There’s no express rail to the airport. The stations are crappy (though not as bad as in NYC).
Once you get out of the city center into big grid of the city the roads deteriorate rapidly.
The Millennium Park can’t host anything if it rains, or if it’s too damn hot, and the park itself has no landscaping or tree-scaping–it’s just a space with no intrinsic interest.
I don’t know when you were here but you are incorrect. The Congress-Douglas subway line goes from the Loop to O’Hare.
The ride costs $2.00 and lets you off at the center terminal. The RTA is a regional authority that funds the subways and buses. Money is tight so subway stations are done when there is money.
The Metra Rail system is financed by various government agencies and the commuter cars are pretty standard like most other commuter lines in other cities. The rail system feeds in from all directions into city and crosses county lines because of the suburbs.
The city streets carry a lot of traffic so the repaving is always going on during spring, summer and fall. The main thoroughfares are paved frequently. The expressways are funded by the city and the state so repaving is done as budget permits.
We have Soldier Field (Bears), Wrigley and Sox Park. There is the new hockey arena and basketball arena. All housing would be built on the south side of the city near U of C. and would be sold after the games. There are other buildings that can be built to accomodate events.
The city has always been relatively frugal with money. That is how we keep property taxes in check. The feds, state and county governments are all going to help with the Olympics.
September 29th, 2009 at 5:02 pmpags2 says:
Thanks for the info. Sounds like a great town. Of course, that doesn’t fit into the right-wing meme that it’s some kind of 1920’s gangland zoo over there, so they won’t be able to cognitively process the information which you have provided to them.
September 29th, 2009 at 6:48 pmI think that this trip, while nice, is not necessary for the President.
It’s 18 hours. On Air Force One. A plane, I might note, with phones, faxes, and TVs. Seriously, is there anyone who thinks Obama’s not capable of oh, say, multi-tasking? Sheesh.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:31 pmElBruce says:
Thanks for the info. Sounds like a great town. Of course, that doesn’t fit into the right-wing meme that it’s some kind of 1920’s gangland zoo over there….
The right wing would like for everyone to think of Chicago as the old style gangland and corrupt elections. Nothing could be further from the truth. Chicago has had a Dem mayor and city council since 1930. The Dems have run Chicago longer than the communists in Russia. There are no Republicans because the Dems do a very good job of managing the city. There has been a lot of negotiations with the city, state and feds regarding the financing of the Olympics. However, I don’t think we will get it. South America has never had the Olympics and Rio is going to host the Soccer World Cup in 2014 so that makes it appealing.
September 29th, 2009 at 7:50 pmSteele, just shut the fck up! He is so damn stupid to even realize that the repugs are just using him. When they are done with him they will just toss him to the curb like a piece of trash. When that day does come his credibility will be so destroyed that he will never get a job in politics or working for the public again. He will deserve it to. Dumbass!
September 29th, 2009 at 8:27 pmsscncturn64 says:
When that day does come his credibility will be so destroyed that he will never get a job in politics or working for the public again.
Not just politics or the public, isn’t Gonzales still unemployed?
September 29th, 2009 at 8:35 pmThank you for your sharing.!
October 3rd, 2009 at 9:38 am