Olympics 2016

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Will the O-factor seal the deal for Chicago's 2016 bid?

Monday, Chicago rolled out its secret weapons on the last night before Olympic evaluators move on to their next destination.

Koko Taylor gave the media representatives a preview outside the Art Institute, because Chicago 2016 didn't want any part of them inside -- claiming the organization hadn't told its guests, though some of them seemed quite happy to see them.

"What I'm hoping is that we can all have an honest conversation about what a great city this is -- and the possibilities it would bring not only for the citizens of Chicago but for the citizens of the world," Oprah Winfrey told CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine on her way into the event.

The museum was decked out in Olympic art as members of the International Olympic Committee's evaluation commission arrived and stopped to chat with young fans bussed in by the committee before heading inside to tour the museum's new wing, then dining on Chicago-themed gourmet fare.

Outside, two dozen "no-games" demonstrators greeted the 100 or so guests with placards, chants and drums.

The commission was wined, dined and entertained after spending the day listening to Chicago make its case for the games, live and on tape.

"If Chicago is selected as the 2016 host city I want to tell you the United States will welcome the world with open arms," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a taped message.

Chicago also made its financial case Monday, calling its plan conservative, reasonable, and feasible. Boosters predicted the games here would turn $500 million profit.

How the commission views all this might be clearer Monday when its members speak to representatives as their last scheduled event of the six-day visit.

Chicago made a promise to the Olympic evaluation team Monday to host not only the greenest, but the bluest, Olympics ever. That includes a commitment to solar power and other forms of renewable energy.

There's also a plan to use some construction materials that actually improve the air by absorbing carbon.

Monday was D-day, dollar day, for Chicago's bid team, time to lay out and justify its $5 billion plan. The team projects the games would make $500 million, and needed to prove to the evaluation commission that if they didn't, there are sufficient guarantees against possible losses.

Among the other commitments made to the commission were a promise made by Paralympian Linda Mastrandrea for the most accessible Olympics ever. The environment specialists in their bright green watches promised the greenest ever.

"Our commitment in our plan to use 100 percent renewable energy for game time operation," said Bob Accarino of Chicago 2016.

On display outside was a solar power charging station for bicycles, as well as new products to be used for the exterior of the temporary Olympic stadium.

"There's an opportunity to use biologically based or corn-based products to create the living skin for the stadium rather than petroleum based plastics," said Chip Hardt of Chicago 2016.

Inside the stadium, spectators would find not the normal wood or plastic seats, but wheelchair parts. The seats are to be taken apart and disassembled after the games and be made into wheelchairs that would be donated to developing countries.

With President Barack Obama overseas, his senior adviser Valerie Jarrett addressed the commission, though she stopped short of promising what's anticipated to be Obama's final presentation in Copenhagen this fall. 

Asked if the IOC seemed receptive, Jarrett answered, "I hope so. I certainly hope so. I gave it my best shot."

That included promising President Obama would set up an Olympic office in the White House to coordinate the Olympic efforts of all federal agencies.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Editor's Picks

• Gay Celebrities
• Did You Know? Stars From Chicago!
• Celebs Who Lean To The Right
• Real Or Fake?