So, that didn’t happen: The Obamas return. (AP)
Watching the Marine One arrival on the South Lawn today, it was hard not to read disappointment in the faces of President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. The thought we could be projecting, or overanalyzing, keeps Beltway Confidential from declaring anything outright.
Shortly after returning, the president made his way to the Rose Garden, where he addressed reporters.
One of the things that I think is most valuable about sports is that you can play a great game and still not win. And so although I wish that we had come back with better news from Copenhagen, I could not be prouder of my hometown of Chicago, the volunteers who were involved, Mayor Daley, the delegation and the American people for the extraordinary bid that we put forward.
Obama said he congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on landing the Games, and offered a very restrained defense of the trip.
I believe it’s always a worthwhile endeavor to promote and boost the United States of America and invite the world to come see what we’re all about. And we obviously would have been eager to host these Games, but as I said, this nation and our athletes are still very much excited to compete in 2016.
He talked about the new employment numbers (more bad news) and ignored a shouted question about McChrystal. And with that, he went back into the White House.
The end of a not-great day. (reuters)
Side note: The gray hair is back!
