Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Obamaball: President Obama and Sports

From today's SN column lead item:
What will President Barack Obama mean for sports?

No. 44 already made news earlier this week by declaring that he would like to see a college football playoff. I predict that by the end of his first term, he has brokered one.

That's because President Obama is a die-hard sports fan.

Most presidents have been fans, but you get the sense that Obama follows sports with the same passion as you or me -- when he is, y'know, not leading the free world.

But if there is one out-sized sports influence that an Obama administration will have on the country, it is this:

Basketball will become our national pastime -- a return to "Big" sport relevancy in the U.S. after years of increasing marginalization.

Obama's passion for hoops is well-known, a daily ritual throughout his campaign and a constant presence throughout his life.

Obama will be "Baller-in-Chief." He will install a basketball court in the White House. He will resuscitate the visibility and cachet of the sport, inspiring a generation of kids to take up and follow the game.

If there is a phrase that might have defined his perfect campaign plan -- and will certainly define his transcendent presidency -- may I propose:

"Obamaball."
There is a lot more in this theory to unpack. Fortunately, there are at least 4 years (and hopefully 8) to figure it all out.

-- D.S.

1 comment:

Tosten Burks said...

I agree.
What Bush did for baseball, Obama will do for basketball.

Wait, what? Worst ratings ever?