Obama will go to Denmark to pitch for Olympics

[September 28, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A senior White House adviser says President Barack Obama has decided to travel to Copenhagen to lead the U.S. appeal for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Chicago.

Valerie Jarrett told The Associated Press Monday morning that the president will leave Thursday and will join his wife, Michelle, and others in his administration, in making the pitch. Obama would be the first U.S. president to take on such a direct role in lobbying for an Olympics 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.

[Associated Press; By JULIE PACE]

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