Obama’s Turn Around Jump Shot

Contributor, Dusty Rhodes

I’m a little tired of sports analogies applied to the Presidential races, but, of course, I have framed my observations in a sports context. I’m no expert at any sport or sports terminology but I call ’em like I see ‘em.

It seems to me that most politics is played like football: Exploit the opponent’s defense with your strongest attack. A good running defense necessitates a passing offense. Weak linemen are exploited with strong offensive lineman to create the gaps for running backs

Hillary Clinton seems to be following the baseball strategy of keeping close waiting for an explosive home run or crafty base runner to pull victory from the jaws of defeat. This is one of many winning formulas in baseball but it relies on a great performance by an individual. Hillary, it seems, is no Jose Reyes or Bill Clinton for that matter. Barack Obama on the other hand is a basketball fan and former College player. Basketball, as with other sports is played many ways and through many strategies but I think Mr. Obama has absorbed the team concept that is integral to the game. Of course there are dominant players as there are in every sport but basketball is unique in that every player on the court switches between defense and offense without a stop in the action and often will change in mid stride. Good basketball requires strategic motion. Every player is a potential receiver, running back or homerun slugger. Defense has to be fluid but is often mapped and practiced. The next field goal can come from the top of the key, in three-point range, under the boards, or from half court and both teams need to be ready to rebound the next missed attempt. Put a team approach together with a superstar player with the instincts and intelligence of Barack Obama and we have a legitimate phenomenon on the front pages. The Obama campaign has made his supporters a part of the team.

Another influence on Obama’s campaign is the fact that physical aggression is not rewarded on the hardwood as it is on the gridiron. Pushing, elbowing and other forms of contact are punished in basketball and yet somehow, without wounding your opponent, games are won.

I know that strategy is not the only contributing factor to Obama’s success but, whether intentional or not, I think that Mr. Obama and his campaign have increased its success through his love of basketball.