Daley disappointed, 2020 bid not likely
By Kathy Bergen
About three hours after Chicago was eliminated from hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, Mayor Richard Daley made his first public statement, saying he was disappointed and that a 2020 bid for Chicago may not be in the offing.
“I’m disappointed but you go on with your life.” Daley said, adding that Chicago may not be getting in the bidding for the 2020 Games. ”It’s already in this hemisphere, with Rio, and it would not make sense for an American city to try again in 2020. It’s in this hemisphere and they have to move somewhere else.”
Asked about whether this effects his political future, Daley said: ”Wait, wait, wait. This was never about Rich Daley. It was about Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe. Not me.”
“This was not a political gamble,” said the mayor, who appeared poised and gracious when he did address the media. “This was not a political adventure. It was a commitment on behalf of the city to get the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Daley was not even at the meeting center for the first round of voting. He was en route to the Bella Center, where the IOC meeting was held, when he heard Chicago had been bumped. He had the driver turn the car around and went instead to a supporters party at a Copenhagen nightclub, Axelborg, right near the Tivoli Gardens.
Later, Daley said he wouldn’t do anything differently. On the media, he noted that reporters from other bid cities were unabashed supporters of their bids, unlike the Chicago press.
“I’ve been to Rio and have been interviewed by press there, and every time, their reporters say, ‘Thank you, very much. But we are a much better city.’ I respect that strong emphasis on the press, that they were supporters. It was overwhelming. This is not to criticize you, but they say ours is the best city. They are really behind the city.”
Daley said he had spoken to Obama, who was still on Air Force One. He “personally thanked him on behalf of the United States.”
Daley said he had no prouder moment than listening to Michelle Obama’s speech.
“We’ve come on a long journey, and the city is better for it,” Daley said. He thanked Pat Ryan, the business community and labor community. Asked if he’d shed tears, he first said no before adding, “Sure, you have tears, you’re disappointed. I love my job. Chicago really shined here.”
The mayor also had high praise for Oprah Winfrey.
“Talk about a cheerleader. She was fantastic. She did everything possible,” he said.
