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Court Is King in Obama Campaign

Basketball is essential outlet when things get tense

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 4, 2008 1:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – For Barack Obama, shooting hoops is an essential element of any tense day. In frequent sessions usually closed to reporters, the senator faces off with friends from the campaign and elsewhere, even flying in Chicago buddies to hit the court, the Los Angeles Times reports. But his aides make sure he’s careful: He wouldn’t want to “turn up with a busted lip” at a key event.

The former high school player is “very vocal,” often ribbing the other players, says a New York Knicks guard who’s played Obama. While his game has become more measured and thoughtful in recent years, the competitive candidate retains “a killer instinct,” says the head of Chicago Public Schools, a frequent opponent. As for the senator’s skill, “the form looks good, but he doesn't always make the shot,” says the guard.

In this 1977 file photo provided by the The Oahuan, yearbook of Punahou School, Barack Obama, second row center, is seen with his junior varsity basketball team.
In this 1977 file photo provided by the The Oahuan, yearbook of Punahou School, Barack Obama, second row center, is seen with his junior varsity basketball team.   (AP Photo/Punahoe Schools)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama holds a Spartans basketball jersey at a rally at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama holds a Spartans basketball jersey at a rally at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
University of North Carolina's Jack Wooten, right, pressures Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., during a basketball game in Chapel Hill, N.C.
University of North Carolina's Jack Wooten, right, pressures Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., during a basketball game in Chapel Hill, N.C.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
In this photo released by the U.S. Army in Kuwait, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama plays basketball with US troops.
In this photo released by the U.S. Army in Kuwait, Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama plays basketball with US troops.   (AP Photo / Army Sgt. Brooks Fletcher, US Army HO)
 Barack Obama and WNBA player Tamika Catchings, of the Indiana Fever, compare the size of their shoes after a basketball game in Kokomo, Ind., April 25, 2008.
Barack Obama and WNBA player Tamika Catchings, of the Indiana Fever, compare the size of their shoes after a basketball game in Kokomo, Ind., April 25, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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