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In Obama's Eyes, Jordan Tops Kobe

Prez: 'I haven't seen anybody match up with Michael'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 2, 2009 4:00 PM CDT
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(Newser) – President and Basketballer-in-Chief Obama wasn’t coy when asked whether he preferred Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan: “Oh, Michael,” he told the AP. “I mean, Kobe’s terrific. Don’t get me wrong,” he said. “But I haven’t seen anybody match up with Michael.” Jordan, of course, played for Obama’s hometown Bulls—though Obama says he’s “no Lakers hater,” and indeed predicted Los Angeles’ victory over Orlando in the NBA finals.

President Barack Obama watches his basketball go in the hoop as he shoots a couple of baskets during the annual Easter Egg Roll, April 13, 2009, at the White House.
President Barack Obama watches his basketball go in the hoop as he shoots a couple of baskets during the annual Easter Egg Roll, April 13, 2009, at the White House.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama watches a visitors take a basketball during the annual Easter Egg Roll, Monday, April 13, 2009, at the White House in Washington.
President Barack Obama watches a visitors take a basketball during the annual Easter Egg Roll, Monday, April 13, 2009, at the White House in Washington.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
President Barack Obama laughs with an unidentified child as he attends the Washington Wizards NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Washington, Feb. 27, 2009.
President Barack Obama laughs with an unidentified child as he attends the Washington Wizards NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls in Washington, Feb. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Michael Jordan is seen in a 2000 file photo.
Michael Jordan is seen in a 2000 file photo.   (AP Photo)
Kobe Bryant speaks to reporters after his Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship, June 19, 2009.
Kobe Bryant speaks to reporters after his Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship, June 19, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
hubydane
Dec 4, 2009 6:05 AM CST
This is actually a decent question. Do you really think that when asked about policy, he's -allowed- to tell you what is actually going to happen? At least now we get his personal opinion and a view of character, rather than something a fed tells him to say through an ear piece. Expecting blatant honesty to the public on political matters is naive.
hubydane
Dec 4, 2009 6:03 AM CST
Obama called Kanye a jackass and no one cared. He's the man, that's why it's not controversial.
cnguyen
Jul 3, 2009 7:31 AM CDT
Scottie Pippen? Dennis Rodman? Heck, even Kukoc and Kerr were good.

 
Barack Obama • NBA • Kobe Bryant • Los Angeles Lakers • Chicago Bulls • Orlando Magic • Michael Jordan • NBA finals • President Obama

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