Baller-in-Chief

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/23589412/page/7

If you’re in the White House and could install any one play toy — bowling alley, water polo — what would it be?
Basketball court. If we can get an indoor basketball court, I’d be happy.

Indoor?
Yeah, just because the weather’s kind of fickle in Washington.

http://wonkette.com/403459/important-basketball-person-dean-smith-endorses-obama

There is a point in every contest when sitting on the sidelines is not an option. That is why Linnea and I are writing to urge you to join Barack Obama’s campaign for President. There are pivotal moments in history when the right decision by a nation can change its course for the better — opening up new paths before us and providing future generations with opportunities that we had not thought possible. This coming election provides one of those moments. Linnea and I believe Barack Obama is the right leader at this critical juncture. I have written that when coaching a team, you must be prepared to make changes to meet new challenges and obstacles. We must be prepared to do the same as a nation. Now, it is the United States that needs a change in direction… and a change in leadership.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008229134_obamaball04.html

WASHINGTON — On the morning of the biggest speech of his life, Barack Obama found himself, quite literally, sidelined.

Obama shot baskets alone at the Denver Athletic Club, talking trash to friends as they ran the basketball court in what had become a campaign ritual, the pickup hoops game. Worried he might be elbowed in the jaw hours before he was to accept the Democratic presidential nomination, the players persuaded Obama he’d better sit this one out.

“There was a particular concern about not wanting him to turn up with a busted lip,” said Alan King, a Chicago attorney and a regular in Obama’s movable basketball games.