Sarah Palin is back in the news with the release of her new book, Going Rogue. Here is a post from the Sports Academic archives, originally published Sep. 9, 2008:

Most bios of new VP candidate Sarah Palin include (and often begin with) the fact that she was once a basketball player and led her team to a state championship, earning the nickname Barracuda along the way. If her basketball experience is regularly brought up, it is because Palin and other Republicans (who played the song "Barracuda" by the group Heart at their convention) want it brought up. The following is from the Business Week election blog:
"Basketball was a major influence in her life, to tell by comments she’s made to reporters. 'I know this sounds hokey,' she told the Anchorage paper, 'but basketball was a life-changing experience for me,' and it taught her 'about setting a goal, about discipline, teamwork, and then success.' Voters just might get to hear about it again now; reported the newspaper in 2006: 'Palin has been telling interviewers about the 1982 state tournament at West High…for at least a decade, including the self-effacing line about its being hokey.'"
Nero certainly knew the political clout the title of champion could convey, so he bribed his way to a victory in the Olympic chariot race in AD 67. And Napoleon tried to prove his legitimacy by hunting in the manner of the old monarchs on more than one occasion (apparently he was terrible at it). Today sports have an even more powerful hold on the public imagination.
Because of the strong sports culture in America, the fact that Palin was a state champion will lead many to forgive a multitude of shortcomings. Who needs other credentials when "State Champ" is on the resume? Americans assume that those who are successful in sports can transpose that success into any other field, the examples of Pete Rose, Marion Jones, etc. notwithstanding. Unfortunately (and with due respect to Jack Kemp, Bill Bradley, and Steve Largent) as Murray Sperber notes in his book Beer and Circus, in the current era of specialization, such successful transitions are becoming more and more rare.
Beyond that, goal setting, teamwork and success may be easy to track in sports, but the world of politics is far more ambiguous and requires the ability to handle some gray. Dealing with Iran, Russia, or Venezuela will not be as clear cut as the pick and roll, and economic reform will demand more nuanced, analytical thinking than anything sports can teach. Being too goal driven may also lead politicians to surreptitiously fire anyone who impedes their agenda (e.g. police chiefs, state public safety commissioners, or federal prosecutors), thereby subverting the democratic process.
Sports metaphors are easy to understand and, by their very nature, populist. And we will certainly hear a lot of them before the end of this election season (from both Palin and Obama). But I can think of more athletes I would not want to see in office (President Bryant? Senator Rodman? Congressman Rocker? Governor Barkley?) than those I would.
The moral of the story: Beware of politicians who vaunt success on the court over political acumen.
70 comments:
Phelps for President! (google it). Sure he's not old enough, but nothing says American Pres. like breakin' the rules.
How about Lance Armstrong for a cabinet post? He's apparently returning to cycling, but maybe McCain can convince him to work as the new drug czar in his administration.
Plus, Armstrong is actually old enough!
Let's see, Nixon bowled, Obama plays hoops, W. bikes, jogs, and clears brush, Ford played football, and Clinton chased greased pigs (If memory serves). Any other athletic presidents I'm missing?
Why not "Landis for Pres"???
His Amish background and links to the land might appeal to Palin's "Real America".
To enable you to catch up on in dream ball or help amateurs out there who are simply realizing what the game is about, here are some dream b-ball specialized principles. 안전놀이터
What is an outstanding post! “I’ll be back” (to read more of your content). Thanks for the nudge! 메이저사이트
This sort of appears completely greatest. Each one of these small info tend to be produced as well as plenty of background info. I favor which a great deal. 오션파라다이스 먹튀
This sort of appears completely greatest. Each one of these small info tend to be produced as well as plenty of background info. I favor which a great deal. 오션파라다이스 먹튀
This is exactly why it is actually better which you can related exploration well before delivering. It will be possible to publish bigger report using this method. 메이저사이트
This is exactly why it is actually better which you can related exploration well before delivering. It will be possible to publish bigger report using this method. 메이저사이트
You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!! avvocato per incidenti stradali
Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks حوامل
Just admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It’s so remarkable that I can't afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet! 릴게임
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. 릴게임
Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. 릴게임
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. 오션파라다이스
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. 오션파라다이스게임
This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.! Satta
I have a hard time describing my thoughts on content, but I really felt I should here. Your article is really great. I like the way you wrote this information. Spotify streams
Thank you ever so for you blog article.Thanks Again. Really Great. 오션파라다이스게임
Thank you ever so for you blog article.Thanks Again. Really Great. 오션파라다이스게임
Certain dissertation web sites over the internet courses currently have evidently unveiled while in the web-site. 토토
Certain dissertation web sites over the internet courses currently have evidently unveiled while in the web-site. 토토
That would seem wholly great. Every one compact info are designed coupled with number of track record comprehension. Everyone loves the following a lot. a course in miracles
That would seem wholly great. Every one compact info are designed coupled with number of track record comprehension. Everyone loves the following a lot. a course in miracles
If more people that write articles involved themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. I have learned too many things from your article. 먹튀검증
If more people that write articles involved themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. I have learned too many things from your article. 먹튀검증
There are specific dissertation websites that are online via the internet when you find definitely reported in your internet site. casino
There are specific dissertation websites that are online via the internet when you find definitely reported in your internet site rizk casino
This valuable appearances totally proper. Each one of minimal details have decided thanks to large number with practical experience simple awareness. I'm just excited them just as before significantly. 릴게임다이소
There is a developing discussion between the prevalence of land gambling clubs versus online gambling clubs 검증사이트
There is a developing discussion between the prevalence of land gambling clubs versus online gambling clubs 검증사이트
This amazing is very much unquestionably great. All these smaller fact is manufactured working with number with credentials know-how. I actually enjoy the reasoning the best value. https://reeljackpot.com/
This amazing is very much unquestionably great. All these smaller fact is manufactured working with number with credentials know-how. I actually enjoy the reasoning the best value. https://reeljackpot.com/
Usually there are some dissertation sites making use of the website whenever you develop into in plain english reported in the site. https://gamepangpang.com/
The appearance efficiently excellent. Every one of these miniscule information and facts will be designed working with wide range of track record practical experience. I like it a lot. https://reelkorea.com/
The appearance efficiently excellent. Every one of these miniscule information and facts will be designed working with wide range of track record practical experience. I like it a lot. https://reelkorea.com/
There are various dissertation internet websites on the net when you attain definitely reported with your web page. https://reeldaiso.com/
There are various dissertation internet websites on the net when you attain definitely reported with your web page. https://reeldaiso.com/
A lot of dissertation webpages on line as you may get hold of secured in a dark listed during the webpage. https://reelpolice.com/
A lot of dissertation webpages on line as you may get hold of secured in a dark listed during the webpage. https://reelpolice.com/
You will find dissertation online sites via internet settle purchase not surprisingly well-known while in the web pages. https://goldciderssun.com/
You will find dissertation online sites via internet settle purchase not surprisingly well-known while in the web pages. https://goldciderssun.com/
If more people that write articles involved themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. I have learned too many things from your article. https://bettingtipinfo.com/
If more people that write articles involved themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. I have learned too many things from your article. https://bettingtipinfo.com/
Wow, đây là bài đọc hấp dẫn. Tôi rất vui vì tôi đã tìm thấy nó và phải đọc nó. Rất tốt về nội dung này. Tôi rất thích nó. Cảm ơn vì thông tin tuyệt vời và độc đáo. kubetcomvn
Its in the same way an excellent write-up that i unquestionably appreciated studying. It's actually not essentially day-to-day that i grow a chance to uncover nearly anything. UFABET
Its in the same way an excellent write-up that i unquestionably appreciated studying. It's actually not essentially day-to-day that i grow a chance to uncover nearly anything. UFABET
That would seem wholly great. Every one compact info are designed coupled with number of track record comprehension. Everyone loves the following a lot. Slot Online24Jam
That would seem wholly great. Every one compact info are designed coupled with number of track record comprehension. Everyone loves the following a lot. Slot Online24Jam
That would seem wholly great. Every one compact info are designed coupled with number of track record comprehension. Everyone loves the following a lot. Slot Online24Jam
This could be furthermore a reasonably great article that people definitely valued examining. Certainly not each day that benefit from the probabilities to locate a item. Smart contract Development solution Delhi
great article. Very useful post. This is my first time I visit here. Keep it up.blockchain development cost Bangalore
This could be furthermore a reasonably great article that people definitely valued examining. Certainly not each day that benefit from the probabilities to locate a item. Smart contract development company Lucknow
This is really too a very great publishing all of us critically skilled searching via. It's not even close to every day we now have danger to look at something. Smart contract development Lucknow
Thanks for sharing!!Wonderful Article.... MLM Compensation Plans Jaipur
Thanks for sharing!!Wonderful Article.... MLM Compensation Plans Jaipur
This could be furthermore a reasonably great article that people definitely valued examining. Certainly not each day that benefit from the probabilities to locate a item. Smart contract development company Fatehpur
This is really too a very great publishing all of us critically skilled searching via. It's not even close to every day we now have danger to look at something. Smart contract development Fatehpur
Thanks for sharing!!!Smart contract development company Chandigarh
I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. MLM Compensation Plans Mumbai
I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. MLM Compensation Plans Mumbai
Nice blog this is a very informative blog it is very helpful for me, Thanks for sharing.
Advanced MLM Software Mumbai
I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. sexologist course in allahabad
Thanks for sharing!!Wonderful Article... top 10 sexologist doctors in allahabad
I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. top 10 sexologist doctors in allahabad
This is an informative article.
Cryptocurrency Exchange Software Developer in Bangalore
This is really very great publishing.
Cryptocurrency Exchange Software Developer in Bangalore
Wow, very nice article thanks for sharing!!!Cryptocurrency Exchange Software Development Solutions delhi
It's very informative information thanks for sharing...Cryptocurrency Exchange Software Development Solutions delhi
Post a Comment