Rio Wins 2016 Olympic Games

As with the Academy Awards, first came the set-up of contenders, followed by the opening of the envelope. Then, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge announced that the 2016 Summer Olympic Games would be held in…Rio de Janeiro. Brazil's victory marks the first time in history that the games have been awarded to the South American continent. Rio bested Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago. Shockingly, the Windy City was the first to be eliminated, despite a personal pitch from President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle. What happened? Did public opinion polls against the games sink the Chicago bid? Is this a blow to the President, who was criticized for making the trip in the first place?