R.I.P. Chicago Olympics

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Autocratic forces are ascendant.

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In a stunning upset, Chicago was the very first city eliminated this morning from voting to host the 2016 Olympics. Reaction from The Corner:

Ponnuru: Chicago is out of contention….But I’m sure that Obama will be a lot more persuasive with the Iranians.

Miller: Wow, what an embarrassment for Obama. If he can’t work his personal magic with the Olympians, why does he expect it to work with the Iranians?

Lowry: We Can Take Some Comfort….in this distressing hour that the Iranians, Russians, Chinese et al. are push-overs compared to the International Olympic Committee. Right?

You know times are tough when the NR gang all have to use the same gag writer to produce their lame jokes. Of course, the real loser in all this is Oprah, but I notice that none of these guys has the guts to take her on. Probably wise thinking.