How dare he!

President will spend a few hours in Denmark lobbying for the 2016 Olympics in Chicago. Just like the President of Brazil, the Prime Minister of Japan, and the King of Spain for their respective bids. And he'll actually be working in Copenhagen, not being like me and desperately looking for Hash Bars only to discover that's Amsterdam (hire me now WaPo!).

And the Republican reaction?

"I think 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 ... this trip, while nice, is not necessary for the president," Steele said in a conference call with reporters Tuesday.

Yes, "time of war" and all that:

BEIJING — Halfway around the world, U.S. President George Bush managed to cap his Olympic experience at a place he calls home: a baseball field...Never before had a U.S. president taken part in an Olympics on foreign land. Bush came and soaked it in for four days.

"Not necessary for the President" - Michael Steele

"At a time of war" [Not really a war to Kissinger if Cambodia isn't involved]

Personally, I don't mind the flying to Copenhagen as long as there is also a plan to have certain Democrats in Congress visit the White House for a public option.

[cross-posted at Firedoglake]