The Thrill is Gone

The world's largest figure lost credibility by leading an entourage to Copenhagen to win over the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to place the Summer Olympics in Chicago in 2016. So, as the Olympics were handed to Rio, Oprah went away empty-handed! How is she ever going to face her audience again with her guests covering all the idiosyncrasies of relationships, health, or whatever else she covers on her popular series? (I've hardly ever watched it, so I don't really know.) And weren't we counting on her to subdue the Iranian leaders with psycho-babble into giving up their nuclear weapons program?

Seriously, the thing that startled commentators, even those who had criticized the trip in advance, was that President Obama put his credibility on the line without assurance of a favorable outcome. Most had assumed that if the President was putting himself and his office so out in front, the fix must be in. (After all, this is Chicago we're talking about.)

Anyway, there are mixed emotions about this outcome. Obviously, it would have been a point of local and national pride for Chicago to have hosted the Olympics (though polling showed Chicago residents divided, given the financial risks and logistical hassles involved). Of course congratulations and best wishes are due to Rio, which no doubt will put on a great show.

More important, is what does it mean for the President's credibility in dealing with more serious issues? On the one hand, it is a good thing if it diminishes his ability to win support for some of the dubious policies that he and the Congressional Democrats are pushing. And it is a healthy reminder that, for all the hype last year, Barack Obama does not walk on water. At the same time, all Americans should be concerned that any president, even one that many of us so strongly disagree with, not have their credibility so diminished that those in the world who would do us grave harm might act on their evil desires. We are living in dangerous times, so watch and pray.