Obama calls Thibs tough. 'He's got my vote,' coach says.

For all their injury-related missteps, President Barack Obama is bullish on the Bulls.

And that’s fine with Tom Thibodeau. But only up to a point.

“He’s got my vote,’’ the Bulls coach joked before his team played the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night.

Thibodeau didn’t want any part of the president’s prediction, though, that his hometown team can handle LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers.

“The Cavs are starting to gel,’’ Obama said in an ESPN radio interview. “But I just like Thibodeau as a coach. The guy’s tough. They play hard. Noah’s a fighter. And even if Rose doesn’t come up to MVP levels, if he’s playing at an All-Star level, I think the Bulls can beat the Cavs this year.’’

Thibodeau’s response to the prediction was predictable.

“I don’t go that far,’’ he said. “I’m just worried about tonight. We know he’s a big fan, and we certainly appreciate his support. It’s great for our team.’’