President Barack Obama will be traveling to Copenhagen, after all. He’s expected to give Chicago a final boost before the International Olympic Committee picks the 2016 Host City later this week.
President Obama plans to leave for Copenhagen on Thursday, the day before the IOC decides what city will host the 2016 summer Olympic games on Friday. Chicago’s 2016 committee members including Mayor Richard Daley are already in Denmark. Obama’s visit gives the campaign the extra push Daley was hoping for.
The President had been unsure of his travel plans weeks earlier. But now he’s expected to join his wife Michelle and other members of his administration.
Obama would be the first U.S. president to take on such a direct role in lobbying for an Olympic event.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, both from Illinois, also are going.
Chicago faces tough competition from Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo. Heads of state representing Rio and Madrid are also expected to attend the Copenhagen meeting.