Republicans are criticizing President Barack Obama's plan to make a personal pitch overseas for Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele called the president's upcoming trip to Denmark "a noble idea," but "not necessary" at a time of war and recession.

The White House quickly fired back at Steele.

"Who's he rooting for?" Press Secretary Robert Gibbs asked. "Is he hoping to hop a plane to Brazil and catch the Olympics in Rio? I don't know, maybe it's Madrid."

Chicago is in the running with Madrid, Tokyo and Tio de Janeiro to host the 2016 summer games.

The International Olympic Committee is scheduled to announce its decision Friday.

Obama will be the first U.S. president to make an in-person appeal to the IOC.

Two weeks ago he said he would not be going because he needed to focus on health care reform.