Olympics 2016

WASHINGTON (CBS) ― The White House announced Monday that President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen on Thursday to support Chicago's effort to win the 2016 Olympic Games.

Obama would be the first U.S. president to take on such a direct role in lobbying for an Olympics event.

Some believe that will make the difference and help push Chicago over the top for the final vote Friday morning. Chicago was already considered to be in a tight race with Rio, and the president's support, in person, can only increase Chicago's odds. 

Even though President Obama had said he was too busy working on health care reform to commit to making the trip to Denmark, some had speculated all along that he would wait until the last minute to announce he would be on board to rally for Chicago in front of the International Olympic Committee. Michelle Obama had already agreed to attend and so did Oprah.

"I think it's a very nice gesture that he's supporting Chicago, considering that he's from here," said Chicago resident, Jolanta Adamczyk.

Chicagoan Jacob Owens agrees. "It's great. It's good for the city," he said. When asked if the president is the one who can push it in Chicago's favor, Owens said, "If anyone can, he can."

Most of the people CBS 2 talked to Monday were in favor of the president's late decision, including Mike Balzer, who lived in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympics.

"It was actually something that was very good for the city and I think it would be very good for the city here." Balzer said.

Most of the Chicago delegation is already in Copenhagen to practice for the final pitch. Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky was on the phone on our morning show after the news broke.

"We're obviously excited about the news. We think it's a great testament to his support for our bid and frankly, for Chicago. So having two of Chicago's top people here for our delegation, the two top people, is fantastic," said Sandusky.

Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman Patrick Ryan both issued jubilant statements.

"President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama symbolize the hope, opportunity and inspiration that makes Chicago great, and we are honored to have two of our city's most accomplished residents leading our delegation in Copenhagen," Daley said in a statement. "Who better to share with members of the International Olympic Committee the commitment and enthusiasm Chicago has for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement than the President and First Lady."

"There is no greater expression of the support our bid enjoys, from the highest levels of government and throughout our country, than to have President Obama join us in Copenhagen for the pinnacle moment in our bid," Ryan said in his statement. "We are honored that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be with us to extend a hand of friendship on behalf of our nation and the City of Chicago as we seek to welcome the world for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will also go to Copenhagen, as will Oprah Winfrey.

The chief executives Spain, Japan and Brazil will also attend.

The president's announcement comes on the heels of a new survey giving Rio a slight edge. The web site, "Around the Rings" ranks Rio in first place with 84 points. Chicago comes in second with 83. Madrid and Tokyo are tied at 80.

Part of the reason why Rio may have the advantage is because the Olympics have never been held in South America. But the Chicago 2016 committee is shrugging off the results of the latest survey, pointing out that Chicago and Rio are in a virtual dead heat. They also say the scales would likely be tipped in Chicago's favor had the survey been done after President Obama announced he was going to Copenhagen.

Daley and Ryan are already in Copenhagen, and rehearsed their presentation on Sunday.

The rest of the 2016 delegation leaves on Monday night. There is a sendoff party at the gate at O'Hare International Airport at 8 p.m. The United Airlines charter plane takes off for Denmark at 9:30 p.m.

CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine will be on that flight. His reports from Copenhagen start Tuesday morning.

CBS 2's Susan Carlson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

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