Sure the economy is in the toilet, Iran is marching to join the nuclear club, he is having monumental difficulty in getting his own party to pass health care reform - but all this doesn't mean he can't pay a visit to the IOC meeting in Copenhagen and lobby them to choose his buddy Boss Daley's town for the summer olympic games in 2016, does it?

To my mind, it begs the question; just what does Obama owe Daley that he would put his domestic agenda on hold, while going out of town during the crucial lead up to the Iranian talks this Thursday (by his own measurement, a hugely important part of his presidency)?

Yes, the Olympics have the potential to bring a lot of cash into the US - but a lot of it would go to Daley cronies and friends. It would be the crowning achievement of the Daley family's 50 year domination of Chicago and Illinois politics, assure hizzoner of having a statue erected of himself, and probably make Daley Mayor for Life - if not in title then certainly in effect.

Mark Silva of the Swamp has the Daley statement thanking the president for his help:

" President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will both make presentations to the IOC during Friday's session,'' the White House press secretary said later this morning, in formally announcing the trip. "They will discuss why Chicago is best to host the 2016 Summer Games, and how the United States is eager to bring the world together to celebrate the ideals of the Olympic movement.''

Chicago is competing with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo for the 2016 summer games.

Promoters of Chicago's bid for the 2016 games have pressed the president to take the United States' case personally. And prromoters today praised the president's decision to join the first lady in Copenhagen.


"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," Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley said in a statement released this morning.

"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,'' the mayor said.