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Obama Brings Game to DC Politics

President lobbies IOC as both a politician and a fan

By Angus Loten,  Newser User

Posted Apr 29, 2009 1:44 PM CDT

(Newser) – Whether shooting hoops or lobbying the IOC, Barack Obama is fast becoming the nation's sports fan-in-chief. In his first 100 days, the president hosted a Super Bowl party, sat courtside at a Bulls-Wizards game, and shot around with Connecticut's women's basketball team, the Wall Street Journal reports. He's also proposed a national college football championship, scolded A-Rod for using steroids, and backed Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics.  

Obama's sportsman-like conduct makes for good politics. "Intellectually he's so lofty that I think he feels it's necessary to bring himself down a bit," said a political scientist at Rutgers. "There is nothing better to temper that loftiness than sports." It comes naturally. Obama works out nearly every day, including pick-up basketball and softball games with White House staffers. 

President Obama at a Washington Wizards game after his inauguration in February.
President Obama at a Washington Wizards game after his inauguration in February.   (AP)
Obama's regular pickup games with White House staff offer a counterbalance to his lofty intellectual side, Washington watchers say.
Obama's regular pickup games with White House staff offer a counterbalance to his "lofty intellectual" side, Washington watchers say.   (AP Photo)
The president in his trademark Chicago White Sox cap.
The president in his trademark Chicago White Sox cap.   (AP)
Chicago Bulls fan President Barack Obama, center, reacts to a Bulls three-pointer against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb.  27, 2009.
Chicago Bulls fan President Barack Obama, center, reacts to a Bulls three-pointer against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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kokuaguy
Apr 29, 2009 11:02 AM CDT
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AClotfelter
Apr 29, 2009 6:46 AM CDT
=oD

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