Beijing Capturing 2008 Olympics May Favor U.S. Cities in 2012 Bids.

Byline: Elliott Almond

Jul. 15--SAN JOSE, Calif.--Beijing's resounding victory Friday greatly improved the chances of San Francisco and other American cities trying to win the 2012 Games for the United States.

While the International Olympic Committee's 2008 vote in Moscow was seen in the context of Chinese politics, it also changed the complexion of the 2012 race.

By defeating Toronto, Beijing might have eliminated the United States' most formidable opponent. The Toronto bid looked permanently damaged when the Canadian Olympic Association said it would now focus on a 2010 Winter Games bid by Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia. It is not expected to run simultaneous bids, which could mean the end of Toronto's dream.

That certainly would strengthen a U.S. bid, because Toronto could compare …