As the Bears near training camp this week, they made sure they tied up Charles “Peanut” Tillman to a six-year contract extension. You would think with only a few days left, no other news would surround the Bears besides a new contract for Lance Briggs. Well, think again..

It seems as if Soldier Field is a hot place to be this year…and one event doesn’t even involve football. If you have not heard, a democratic presidential debate will happen at Soldier Field on August 7th. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, John Edwards, Chris Dodd and the rest of the group will all be there.

Apparently, this event will be arranged by the AFL-CIO who have approximately 12,000 attendees slated to attend. Big deal right? Wrong.

What may be lost in this event are two names, one year, and one city. Mayor Daley+Pat Ryan+2016=Chicago. Still doesn’t ring a bell?

If you’re still a tad confused, I’m referencing Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Summer Games. Its no coincidence that such an event is being held at Soldier Field, especially an event that will be broadcast across the nation on MSNBC. The democrats have two of hottest candidates for president in 2008 and they’ll both be there slugging it out and supporting their platforms. While its already been decided to have Chicago represent the United States for the 2016 games, Mayor Daley and Chicago will make a strategic plug to the nation and the rest of the world regarding the city’s stability to host such an event.

Daley is no fool. It’s unsure whether the AFL-CIO came to City of Chicago or if Daley and his group mentioned it as a possible idea, but you have to believe that Daley had some sort of “push” to make sure the debate was held at Soldier Field when the idea first was discussed. The key factor is that Daley (and the Chicago Park District) own and maintain Soldier Field. Thus, no special permission needs to be granted from an ownership group or corporation that usually would get messy, especially in a political realm. Chicago is a democratic machine and what better way for Daley to showcase Chicago…both politically and for the Olympics.

Daley has changed the presence, look, and feel of Chicago during his 18 years at the helm, however, Daley has one more big ticket item to notch in his belt. The Olympics in Chicago. Say what you will about Daley, but he’s a smart man that knows how to promote the city and increase its chances for a nomination in 2016. The nation and parts of the world will be watching. It could be just one more way to promote Soldier Field and its possible usage as main location for Olympic events.

Technorati Tags: Chicago, Mayor Daley, 2016 Olympics, 2016 Chicago, Pat Ryan, Soldier Field, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, 2008 Presidential Election