Obama Should Skip Olympic Pitch in Europe, GOP Chair Says

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele on Tuesday criticized President Obama for his plans to travel to Copenhagen to boost Chicago's bid for the 2016 summer Olympics instead of staying stateside to focus on what Steele said should be his domestic priorities, including health care, job creation and developing a strategy for American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I think that at a time of war, I think at a time of recession, at a time where Americans have expressed rather significantly their concerns and frustrations over the course of the spring and summer about health care, about the economy, about a host of domestic issues, even international issues, I think that this trip, while nice, is not necessary for the president," he said.

Steele also complained the president is telling Congress to get to work while he jets off to Europe. "I go back to (the Democrats) pushing like hound dogs to get a health care bill passed pronto. If it is so important, Mr. President, then stay home and get it done."

Steele said another Obama could pitch Chi-town just as well as the president. "I think the first lady would have been and should have been the lead here and let her go and sell Chicago."

When White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was asked later in the day about Steele's criticism, he quipped, "Who's he rooting for? Is he hoping to hop a plane to Brazil and catch the Olympics in Rio? Maybe it's Madrid."

The flight to Copenhagen is nine hours each way, but the president plans to spend no more than three hours on the ground there Friday, and will return to the White House Friday afternoon, White House aides told ABC News.

Gibbs explained that the president believes it's important for him to speak directly with the members of the International Olympic Committee to make the case for his adopted home town, but that he won't stick around for the final announcement. He said the president needs " to get back to do more work."