Olympics 2016

Daley To Check Out Beijing Transportation

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Mayor Daley is getting ready for a trip to Beijing to watch the Summer Olympics in person. He's hoping that Chicago lands the 2016 games.

CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports that it is the mayor's second bid-related trip to Beijing. The first was made two years ago, while the stadium nicknamed the Bird's Nest was still being built. This trip comes as they are putting the final touches on facilities now, just eight days away from opening ceremonies.

The Chicago Delegation wants to see Beijing's venues, its transportation plan, its security set-up, and more.

"It's both a look at the facilities as well as an opportunity to interact with international Olympic committee members," Mayor Daley said.

It's that interaction, like the mayor had with IOC President Jacques Rogge during the World Boxing Championships here, that will further Chicago's hopes for the 2016 games.

But he knows he can't do it alone.

"Tony Blair had an enormous impact upon the international Olympic committee members, and Putin spent two days with members to get the 2014 Winter Olympics," Daley said. "When you have the president really excited about it, supporting it, it really does make a difference."

Left unsaid is the international rock star status of Chicago's Barack Obama.

Picturing him as president, lobbying voters in Copenhagen a year from October, makes Daley smile.

"Like I pointed out, he hails from Illinois and Chicago," Daley said.

When asked if Chicago's bid for an event that will cost billions to put on is inconsistent with the economic crisis Chicago and all Americans are currently facing, Mayor Daley said "no," repeating his pledge that no public money will be used. Daley says the housing and infrastructure improvements will be an important legacy.

Chicago appears to be running neck-and-neck with Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Madrid. The decision is due in October 2009.

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