by Ted Sherman

Created on: October 07, 2009

President Barack Obama considered it his right and duty to fly to Denmark to argue for Chicago to be the city named for hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics. There can be no argument about that, and other Presidents have made similar trips to foreign countries to promote American enterprises, increase trade, seek economic alliances and other advantages.

Opinions about the President's pitch to the International Olympic Committee are split along predictable political lines. His party, the Democrats, laud him for taking a personal chance by using his prestige to attempt to acquire the Olympics, because it could bring billions of dollars to economically-strapped Chicago, Mr. Obama's adopted hometown.

The Republicans, loudly voiced by right-wing radio commentators, are angry because they believe the American President went to Europe with hat in hand to beg for a favor from the IOC. The opponents are full of self-satisfaction because he failed in his mission. Some of the more extreme criticism suggests that a Chicago Olympics would be a financial disaster, because the Olympics have rarely been profitable to the host city.

Beijing in 2008 is an example of what a financial gamble the Olympics can be. The Communist Chinese government spent billions to build new facilities, and except for income from the 2008 Games themselves, aren't likely to ever again be fully profitable in future sports activities. The records show that the only Olympics host city to make profits was Los Angeles in 1932, because the massive construction projects opened major freeways and built several large stadiums. Along with other venues from that year's games, all of the well-planned buildings and road constructions have been fully used ever since. It also helped Los Angeles break out of the Great Depression, which didn't end until Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President later that year.

Even ardent followers of President Obama must worry that if Chicago had been chosen for the 2016 Olympics, it would have been a gamble. Profits could be eaten away by the expenses of building stadiums, tracks and gym facilities, as well as the expenses to uproot people from homes that would be torn down to make room. And, as with Beijing, how to earn income from those big, empty Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums.

Despite all the potential political hazards President Obama faced in his pitch to the IOC, and the criticism he faced when he returned home, he has to be admired for his attempt. After all, even Brett Favre hasn't won every game in his career.

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