President Obama fences with US Olympic Fencer Tim Morehouse with a lightsaber. (Photo Credit: Jim Watson/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will try to bolster their hometown's chances of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games Wednesday.
Chicago, Illinois, is competing with Madrid, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Tokyo, Japan, for the opportunity to hold the Summer Olympics.
Wednesday afternoon, the Obamas will play host to an event at the White House aiming to boost Chicago's bid.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and U.S. Olympians and Paralympians are among those who will participate in the event, the White House said in a statement.
The International Olympic Committee will vote on the host city next month in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Michelle Obama announced last week that she would be traveling to Copenhagen for the meeting to support Chicago's chances.
From CNN Politics
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
1. This won't add to the federal deficit because the federal government isn't sponsoring the Chicago bid. The lack of said government dollars is one of the reasons Chicago is considered to be running second to the Rio bid.
2. Speaking of Rio, let's not act as if Chicago is the king of murder and graft, especially if you compare it to Rio.
What a great picture! Barack just makes me smile
Should he really be doing this? None of the other Presidents made a public effort when U.S. cities were being nominated. Also, as this country has hosted the Olympics more than any other country, why don't we let someone else have a try? As it's only been held south of the Equator twice (and both times in Australia), I think Brazil should be allowed the chance to show what they've got.
It would be great to get the Olympics, ..it would create a lot of jobs, and eventually bring a lot of tourist money into the economy. Win- win situation,.. despite what the negative crowd on here thinks.
Isn't it unpatriotic to not want the Olympics to be held in America? Too bad we Americans put our hate before our pride in our country.
The same Chicago, illnois that refuses that air Presidential School Address to our kids....that looks like double standard.
You don't think that having the olympics held in an american city would create a boom in the economy of that region?
There we go again.....Limbaugh's and Hannity's dogs are once again barking at the wrong house; although that house is the USA!....ha.ha.ha
What in the name are you buffoons opposing Obama for this time? He is not promoting Nairobi for heaven's sake! LOL!
See? How telling: Obama chose a blue lightsaber. Everyone knows that Sith Lord Bush and Darth Cheney would've chosen red ones....
Guys and Gals,
Will anything this man does be good enough for you?
1. Oh, the almighty DEFICIT KING wants to create more DEFICIT.
Please think... This brings funds into the country. How many people of America would pay to fly internationally to attend the Olympics. Answer: Much less than those who would travel within the US
2. So they're having an event at the White House that does nothing for 99.9% of America and the Michelle is going to Denmark to lobby for something that does nothing for 99.9% of America?
Oh John, you have a closed mind which is the problem with most Americans.
A major event such as the olympics brings revenue to the airline industry, broadcasting industry, retail industry. Why? Because an american hosted event brings more interest not only from Americans but those abroad as well.
People please grow up.
all you peeps have to much time on your hands!!! America has been traumatized enough over the past 8 years. can we all just get together and rebuild it to reflect that good old tradition of a "more perfect union"?????
is this the America that preaches democracy to the whole world especially Africa and they can't even respect their president whose is fighting for their own course? so so sad.