The Teachable Moment - Obama's Olympic Lesson

It is admirable that Obama went all in to bring in 2016 Olympics to his home town. Not sure if he knew the risks and still went for the pitch OR if he thought US has the games in the kitty. It is honorable either way, the former scenario would bring in more points for his love for Chicago. The time and money would have been more than worth if he had come back with a win. It would bring in a few billions into the country and a lot more cheer to the nation now and in 2016. It would have provided the country a great opportunity for America to engage with world culturally. It is a no loss scenario, as opposed to what some Republicans say to score some political points. 

But, it is indeed a teachable moment for the Obama when dealing with international community. His team was highly confident about their pitch, their strategies and goodwill of US in a new changed world led by Obama.

“There won’t be a dry eye in the room,” said Valerie Jarrett, “I’m sure that it will touch the hearts of each of the IOC members,” before heading out to Copenhagen about the dramatic speech that Michelle Obama is going to give to the IOC. Michelle Obama her self was all in for the pitch. "It's a battle. We're going to win," she apparently boasted, with good humor. "Take no prisoners." Though Obama's speech was decent and professional compared to Mrs. Obama's self referencing political campaign style 'personal story' speech, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/02/president-obama-michelle_n_307637.html) it doesn't matter. 

In fact, majority of the votes would have been decided much earlier. It is not enough to put a nice effort pitching a plan and putting a nice face. There are a number of geo political and economic factors that would decide the votes in an international body. If US managed to come last contesting for a sports event with not much at stake, even after taking a number of steps to please international community as a part of an image make over and even after the most powerful man on Earth making the pitch himself. Imagine what lies ahead when you need to win over the UN body in more serious and consequential situations. 

Obama's team seems to have similar confidence in their strategies and the goodwill Obama has created in the world when it comes to foreign policy. It is fine that Obama is trying a new inclusive politics to bring every country in the world together as equals (?). But the IOC has given him enough indications that the world doesn't work his way.