United States President Barack Obama campaigned for the 2016 Games to be held in his hometown, Chicago. Rejected in the first round, many were stunned by the announcement. Of those shocked, Senior Australian IOC member Kevan Gosper said, “The whole thing doesn’t make sense other than there has been a stupid bloc vote. To have the president of the United States and his wife personally appear, then this should happen in the first round is awful and totally undeserving.”
From the White House, Obama said, “I’m proud I was able to come in and help make the case in person. I believe it’s always a worthwhile endeavor to promote and boost the United States of America and invite the world to see what we’re all about.”
One critic, GOP consultant Brad Blakeman said:
“It demeans the office. For the president to be reduced to the effect of the Billy Mays pitchman for the United States to get the Olympics for his home city of Chicago is just not something that presidents do. His priorities are screwed up and the American people are seeing that this president just doesn’t get the effects and importance of governing.”