Politics and Basketball

Word on the street or should I say “The Hill”, is that newly elected President Barrack Obama is quite the fan of basketball. Not only is his brother-in-law the new head coach of the Oregon State Beavers, but he plays pickup basketball on a regular basis–even on election day.

Scouts tell me that Mr. Obama has a sweet little jump-shot and is wirey with his elbows, often hitting opponents by mistake because of his competitiveness and aggression. I find the “mistake” part interesting as anybody who has ever played basketball will tell you that either those elbows are on purpose or the player is too clumsy to control their body. Anyways, no need to get into logistics.

Now, most of you are probably sitting around thinking about the issues and what the first order of business Obama will enact. Who is his cabinet going to be? How will he face the economy or the Iraq war? Me, I don’t care about those issues. I am curious to see who Obama should take with the first pick in his all-politics pick up game.

Some are saying the length of John Kerry would be a good choice or maybe the new Senator from Minnesota Al Franken, although he would have to find a pair of rec-specs (wonder where he could find a pair, sorry inside joke). Or, maybe Mr. Obama will cross party lines and select Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who starred on her high school team as a point guard.  However, if it were me and I was the coach of this team (come on Obama give me a shot), I would pick the new mayor of Sacramento.

New Mayor of Sacramento? You mean the place where there actually is more cowbell than a Will Farrell skit on SNL?  Well, there is a new Mayor in that town and it just happens to be former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson.

Last night, KJ, a 42 year-old Democrat, beat out incumbent Heather Fargo in a run-off election. Johnson will be the first black mayor of Sacramento and probably remains the best point guard in town–sorry Beno but it’s true.  Johnson says of his achievement,

“Sacramento also made history today in electing its first black mayor,” Johnson said. “Both Obama and myself, we ran on a promise and the theme of change. No more business as usual.”

By the look of this quote, looks like KJ is already kissing up to the big man in hopes of becoming his point guard.

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