Madrid bid: Obama is no 'Superman' for Chicago

MADRID - A leader of Madrid's bid for the 2016 Olympics downplayed the impact of President Barack Obama on Chicago's candidacy.

"He's not Superman. I don't think he will be the decider," Spanish Sports Minister Jaime Lissavetzky said Wednesday. "I don't think Chicago will be favorite because of this."

Madrid, Chicago, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro are vying for the 2016 Summer Games. The candidates must submit bid files to the International Olympic Committee by Feb. 12. The IOC will select the host Oct. 2 in Copenhagen.

Obama is from Chicago and has been a strong supporter of the city's Olympic bid. Chicago bid officials hope he will travel to Copenhagen for the vote.

Lissavetzky acknowledged that Madrid's chances would have been better with George W. Bush still president.

"I would have preferred that in the moment of the decision that Bush would have been in office since he's been so bad for the world," Lissavetzky said.

The minister said the Olympics remain the government's priority, even with Spain launching a co-bid with Portugal to host the 2018 World Cup.

Madrid has three-quarters of its installations completed and Lissavetzky contends the Spanish capital is best able to deal with the global economic downturn.

Barcelona hosted the Olympics in 1992.