Chicago gave Barack Obama major support in his election bid and today the president-elect returned the favor to his hometown. He appeared in a video address pitching Chicago's bid for the 2016 summer Olympics. Chicago is up against Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Madrid.
The speech, introduced by Mayor Richard M. Daley Jr., was played during the general assembly of the European Olympic Committee in Istanbul.
"In the coming years, my administration will bring a fresh perspective on America's role and responsibilities around the world," Mr. Obama said. "But if we are to truly meet our shared challenges, we must all work together. By uniting the world in a peaceful celebration of human achievement, the Olympic Games reminds us that this is possible." ...
"I deeply believe in the Olympic movement and have long supported hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in my home city of Chicago," Mr. Obama said. "Over the past two years, I have spoken often about my belief that while we may come from different places and backgrounds, there are certain shared values that unite us, values at the heart of the Olympic movement: friendship, excellence and mutual respect.
It's early in the competition and next year Obama will get a chance to to make the case for Chicago in person and as president, when the city makes its final presentation to the International Olympic Committee.
Earlier, Michael posted word of Hillary Clinton's reported acceptance of the Secretary of State job.
Now comes more news on the emerging government. Via MSNBC, we hear that Barack Obama will tap Tim Geithner as Secretary of the Treasury. Geithner is currently serving as the the NY Fed President.
Obama is also said to be giving the Commerce Secretary position to Bill Richardson.
Earlier in the week, we learned that Tom Daschle will head up the Health and Human Services Dept.
The pieces seem to be falling into place. It's an impressive team, by the looks of it.
"I made my deepest friendships there. I learned about serving other people and I learned how to think for myself. Also: The girls should take Tonken, Turner and Lang when the time comes."
I'm going to throw in Elko, Crow, Mog, Banker and Aronson. The only downside is that I'm kind of bummed that this will make it near impossible to get my son in.
JJ Abrams, producer of the best show on television, has breathed fresh life into Star Trek by using old characters with a new cast and a new attitude. If you watched the new trailer, and didn't feel the urge to rush giddily to the theater right now to line up for the May premier, then you must be some kind of emotionless, green
Earlier,