The Games will be held either in Marid or Rio. Chicago didn't even make it out of the 1st round. I guess Obama, Michelle and Oprah didn't make a convincing enough argument. It's probably just as well, because ESPN reported that a lot of people didn't feel Chicago could afford the costs to get ready, including the 80,000-seat stadium.

for South America to host the games.  There are comments coming out now that Obama pissed off some delegates because of his quick "in and out, rock star" approach to the IOC.  This could get interesting, as the IOC and the USOC are already on bad terms with one another.

-- Modified on 10/2/2009 12:04:41 PM

... when, according to Stephen Wilson of the AP:

"For the first time, there are no IOC executive board meetings in the days leading up to the vote. That means there will be much less opportunity for lobbying and schmoozing. Most IOC members won't be arriving until the day before the vote."

If this were the case, it would appear that most members are acting in the same "in and out" approach as well.

Furthermore, why would this get interesting?  If there should be any "ill will" towards the IOC, Madrid should be first in line ... shut out for the second consecutive time!  By the way, do you think there are some who might have found the former IOC president's self-stated, death bed plea a bit "put-off"ish as well?

at Obama's quick entrance and exit.  They felt it was too "business-like," and it was suggested by an IOC voting member that some felt "it showed a lack of respect." Yes, I'm sure that some might have found Samaranch's statements a bit too much as well, although I have yet to see a reference to that.   As for the relationship between the IOC and the USOC, it has been rocky for some time now, and I'm sure this won't do anything to soothe feelings.

Honestly ask yourselves. Would you rather go to the Olympics in Chicago or in Rio de Janeiro? I think it's pretty unanimous here people. There was no backroom dealings or any shadiness as Jessie Jackson suggested. It's plain and simple. Rio hosted the Pan American games and it was a success, Brazil will be hosting the World Cup in 2014, South America has never had an Olympic game,  most people in Chicago and Tokyo didn't want the Olympics there, and, most importantly, everyone would rather go to Rio.

Brazil's presentation was by far the best, they showed they really wanted this. You saw their reacting when the announcement was made and the joy. It would have been a crime not to pick Rio.

The video is worth watching!
Congrats Rio!

-- Modified on 10/2/2009 5:02:11 PM

-- Modified on 10/2/2009 5:02:26 PM

And Rio is their signature city.  USA has hosted twice in last twenty-five years...no surprise, given the political pressure being inappropriately applied, that the Windy City was snubbed...

YOu may help a Italian here with tour in RIO?
kiss CC

Correction, the USA has hosted the Olympics three times in the last 25 years -- 1984, 1996 and 2002.