It was a guaranteed win until Obama got on the plane and went there. Japan wouldn't get it, as it's too soon after Beijing, Spain's completely bankrupt and wouldn't be able to finish anything, and then there was Chicago which means a huge chunk of change for the IOC, and all the member committees and organizations. It's been some lean years, especially with Vancouver in the red, and everyone was looking forward to the cash infusion that comes with a US Olympics.
But the IOC asserts it's independence whenever challenged, and having Obama show up to make the presentation changed it from a victory to a 1st round defeat. Ranking less than Spain? The White House wanted an easy victory and like everything Obama does, he snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.