August 19, 2016--CHICAGO--President Barack Obama welcomed the world to his hometown of Chicago this evening in the spectacular opening to the 31st Olympiad. Declaring the Summer Games "open to the world and its athletes", the games were a bittersweet reminder that Obama's second term is nearing its end.
Widely credited with helping to secure the games for Chicago during his first term in 2009, Obama noted that this represented the return of America "as a symbol of light and hope in the world."
Obama's two terms have been widely hailed as the most successful in modern history, from the international rebuilding effort in Iraq nearing completion to the stellar response to Hurricane Maria in 2011.
(click for more)
IN OTHER NEWS
-------------
Obama Laughs Off Idea of 22nd Amendment Repeal
Adds, 'The Vice President Was Ready For This Job On Day One, And She's Ready Now'
IOC President Calls Chicago Games Greenest Ever
'First Games To Make More Energy Than They Consume'
Edwards Seeks Political Redemption In Governors Race
Optimistic About Lead In NC Gubernatorial Polls
GOP Nom Pawlenty Complains About Late Dem Convention
'The Olympics Will Completely Eclipse Our Momentum'
Washington Could Become 7th State to Legalize Gay Marriage
Complicated Constitutional Amendment Has Slight Edge
NASA Director Says Accelerated Moon & Mars Plans 'On Track'
Calls 2014 Greenland Comet Fragment Strike 'A Wake-Up Call'
Chinese Determined to Beat US Back to Moon
Friendly Rivalry Marks 'New Space Race'; Whispers Of Joint US/China Moonbase
Buddhist Guru Britney Spears Launches Sold-Out Speaking Tour
Tropical Storm Sofia Gaining Strength In Caribbean
Researchers Build On Stem Cell Successes
Look To Grow New Hearts In Addition To Liver Triumph
GMFord Announces Best Mileage Yet
2017 Proton Diesel Hybrid To Get 120 MPG