2008 Woodie Awards
O'Bomber runs a solid political campaign
Jason Mack
Issue date: 7/28/08 Section: Sports
Without getting into any of the politics, I have to say that Illinois senator Barack Obama knows how to run a presidential campaign.
From games of pickup basketball to bowling to sponsoring a racer in an upcoming NASCAR event, Obama is catering to a wide array of sports fans.
It all fits in perfectly with his message of change.
Considering that he is running against the prototypical elderly, caucasian Republican candidate, what could be better to convey the message of change than for the young, biracial democrat to emphasize his youth and reach out to a large assortment of demographics?
I'm sure dancing to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" on the Ellen DeGeneres Show didn't hurt the cause either.
Can you imagine John McCain doing the superman dance to "Crank That" from Soulja Boy?
But I digress.
Obama is going to be the primary sponsor of Ken Schrader's car for the August 3 NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway. Obama spoke at the team's press conference on July 23, and the owners, who are steadfast Republicans, have invited Obama to speak at a private fundraiser on Wednesday.
With the redneck demographic taken care of with NASCAR, Obama tried his hand at bowling and the blue collar vote.
He was ridiculed by the media for bowling a 37 while campaigning in Pennsylvania, but very few reporters acknowledged that he did not bowl all ten frames. Besides, before the game he claimed that he had not bowled since Jimmy Carter was president.
If elected, I'd be curious to see if Obama's jokes of turning White House bowling alley into an indoor basketball court become a reality.
When it comes to basketball, the pickup games are more than just a campaign gimmick. Obama is genuinely passionate about the sport.
During his days at Hawaii's Punahou High School, Obama and his teammates referred to themselves as "Rat-ballers" and he was affectionately known by his friends as "Barry O'Bomber."
Barry was no bench-warmer though. Obama was a solid contributor to a team that won the state title in his senior season.
Where will this diverse campaign take Obama next? A Hannah Montana concert? An appearance on Saturday Night Live?
It's hard to say, but it is quite entertaining to watch.
All Obama has to do now is kick the ball around with David Beckham, catch a few passes from Tom Brady and walk 18 holes with Tiger Woods and he will have every key sports demographic wrapped up.
I do not know much in detail about where either presidential candidate stands on the issues facing the country, but if Obama's politics are half as sound as his campaign is entertaining, I just might actually vote this time around.
- Jason Mack is the Sports Editor and a senior majoring in communication.
From games of pickup basketball to bowling to sponsoring a racer in an upcoming NASCAR event, Obama is catering to a wide array of sports fans.
It all fits in perfectly with his message of change.
Considering that he is running against the prototypical elderly, caucasian Republican candidate, what could be better to convey the message of change than for the young, biracial democrat to emphasize his youth and reach out to a large assortment of demographics?
I'm sure dancing to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" on the Ellen DeGeneres Show didn't hurt the cause either.
Can you imagine John McCain doing the superman dance to "Crank That" from Soulja Boy?
But I digress.
Obama is going to be the primary sponsor of Ken Schrader's car for the August 3 NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway. Obama spoke at the team's press conference on July 23, and the owners, who are steadfast Republicans, have invited Obama to speak at a private fundraiser on Wednesday.
With the redneck demographic taken care of with NASCAR, Obama tried his hand at bowling and the blue collar vote.
He was ridiculed by the media for bowling a 37 while campaigning in Pennsylvania, but very few reporters acknowledged that he did not bowl all ten frames. Besides, before the game he claimed that he had not bowled since Jimmy Carter was president.
If elected, I'd be curious to see if Obama's jokes of turning White House bowling alley into an indoor basketball court become a reality.
When it comes to basketball, the pickup games are more than just a campaign gimmick. Obama is genuinely passionate about the sport.
During his days at Hawaii's Punahou High School, Obama and his teammates referred to themselves as "Rat-ballers" and he was affectionately known by his friends as "Barry O'Bomber."
Barry was no bench-warmer though. Obama was a solid contributor to a team that won the state title in his senior season.
Where will this diverse campaign take Obama next? A Hannah Montana concert? An appearance on Saturday Night Live?
It's hard to say, but it is quite entertaining to watch.
All Obama has to do now is kick the ball around with David Beckham, catch a few passes from Tom Brady and walk 18 holes with Tiger Woods and he will have every key sports demographic wrapped up.
I do not know much in detail about where either presidential candidate stands on the issues facing the country, but if Obama's politics are half as sound as his campaign is entertaining, I just might actually vote this time around.
- Jason Mack is the Sports Editor and a senior majoring in communication.
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