Listen, I’m probably one of the biggest supporters of the Olympics taking place in the U.S. as anyone, but I’ve long held the belief that IOC Chairman Jacque Rogge’s desire to spread the “Olympic movement” would likely lead to a victory for Rio de Janeiro’s bid. I mean look at this video!
The only real surprise I got from the vote's results last weekend, was that Chicago lost in the first round instead of the last. But an even bigger surprise was the immature backlash Obama got from conservative Republicans.
A lot of conservative Republicans are so bent on attacking the Democratic power in Washington that they rejoiced when the announcement was made that Rio had won. This is absolutely childish. I often wonder who is running the party these days…don’t you remember when Republicans were viewed as very disciplined and strategic in their opposition or support of something? Nowadays, it’s the exact opposite. I’m personally very embarrassed. Somehow applauding a U.S. defeat in its bid for the 2016 Games is seen as a loss for Democrats and President Obama?At this point, I wouldn’t be all that surprised if hard-core conservatives start cheering when news breaks of a plane crash in Connecticut or California or one of “those liberal states with a woman governor.”
Before Chicago’s defeat was announced, Republican Chairman Michael Steele said, “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 that at a time of war, I think 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 summer about health care, about the economy, about a host of domestic issues, even international issues, I think that this trip while nice is not necessary for the president.”
You mean to tell me that the Republican Party doesn’t want the Olympics in the United States? At this time of war, you’re knocking the U.S. bid to host the biggest event in the world aimed at promoting good will and peace? If anything, Republicans should have joined Obama in support of the Games and made a politically united statement before Olympic voters last week. But no, that wouldn’t help increase Obama’s negatives now would it?
Michael Steele used to be someone worth admiring and looking up to, but now he’s starting to sound like someone who’s buckled under the pressure of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity’s listeners. Someone who isn’t willing to take a risk as Obama did when he flew to Denmark to lobby Olympic voters. And if Republicans are choosing childish attacks over risk-taking (perhaps supporting the healthcare reform bill) to recapture our attention and votes, then Steele and fellow conservatives will be talking to deaf ears by 2016, Olympics or not.
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