MSNBC "The Ed Show" - Transcript
Interview
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Let me bring in Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, whose district includes parts of Chicago. Congresswoman, how great would it be for the United States of America to get these games? And do you think the president is overstepping his bounds by going to Copenhagen?
REP. JAN SCHAKOWSKY (D), ILLINOIS: You know, if you think about 315,000 jobs, thats more jobs than were lost last month. This is an incredible development tool for us. Besides, as you said, Ed, come on, lets not be party poopers. The United States of America hosting the Summer Games would be a huge boost economically, but also I think just in our spirit.
And Chicago is the perfect place. Youre from the heartland. You know that were a city that is a welcoming place for people from all around the globe, who choose Chicago at their home, a place where people are all going to feel comfortable, no matter where they come from.
SCHULTZ: Well, what I do know is that creating jobs is an important thing. And normally when you get something like this, if you track other Olympics, where they have been for years, the economic impact is much greater than the forecast. Are the Republicans--are the Republicans, Congresswoman--are they just innately against everything that has Barack Obamas name to it?
SCHAKOWSKY: I dont know. You think Boehner has his eyes on Rio?
Maybe he wants to go to Rio or maybe to Madrid. I dont know.
SCHULTZ: Well, I think its disheartening, because I know theres a lot of hard-working people in Chicago that have really banked on this as being a real shot in the arm. How good do you think it would be for just the psyche of the country, seeing that weve had so much tough economic news here under the Bush years, and early on into the Obama stimulus package. What would this mean between our ears?
SCHAKOWSKY: It would be absolutely great. The thing I really resent about what Leader Boehner has said is that, as if its only about Chicago and he think hes the mayor of Chicago.
This is about Team USA. This is about the United States of America hosting those games. So I think it would be a boost for the entire country. People would come from every state to the city of Chicago. And maybe he doesnt realize we do have beaches, where he can lay out and tan as well.
SCHULTZ: Well, lets not undersell that, Congresswoman. You also have some fantastic salmon fishing on lake Michigan. I can attest to that. In fact, I have pictures to prove it. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, great to have you with us tonight. Thanks so much.
SCHAKOWSKY: Thanks, Ed.
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