White House scouts possible Obama Copenhagen visit to pitch Chicago for Olympics

White House scouts possible Obama Copenhagen visit

WASHINGTON — The White House says it is sending an advance team to Copenhagen to check out the possibility of a personal appearance by President Barack Obama before the Olympic committee.

A senior adviser to Obama confirmed Saturday night to The Associated Press that the advance team would only be making sure Obama has the option of going to appeal for Chicago, which is bidding to host the Olympics in 2016. He spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive plans.

The White House announced a week ago that first lady Michelle Obama will travel to Copenhagen ahead of the Oct. 2 vote by the International Olympic Committee. The Chicago Tribune and ABC News reported on the advance team visit earlier Saturday.