Politics has once again managed to work its way onto the pages of ESPN. I recently wrote about Kenny Mayne adopting "Obama!" as a new signature call. For the record, Mayne wrote me to say that he was an independent, didn't intend any political overtones by "Obama!" and didn't realize, when agreeing to endorse Progressive Insurance, that head honcho Peter Lewis is a huge donor to a variety of left-wing causes including MoveOn.org.This morning's online ESPN edition brings an article by Jason Sobel discussing, among other things, Tiger Woods' political potential. The item is prompted by Woods' appearance this week as host of a new tournament at the famed Congressional Country Club, just outside D.C. Observes author Sobel: "Hey, he's already among the world's most recognizable figures. Now he practically holds the key to the nation's capital by bringing professional golf to an area that was devoid of any tournaments when the tour's schedule was first announced. It's no secret that Congressional's first club president also happened to be a U.S. president, as Herbert Hoover resided in that capacity and fellow commanders in chief William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge and Woodrow Wilson acted as founding life members."
That's when things get sticky. In lauding Woods, Sobel says "Tiger is as as distinguished as Barack Obama, as eloquent as Hillary Clinton, as esteemed as Rudy Giuliani."
Granted, Sobel was probably just reaching for comparisons. But of all the adjectives one might employ in describing Hillary, surely "eloquent" is not among them. Even if you were seeking to be complimentary, you could call her "determined," or "purposeful," perhaps even "redoubtable." But eloquent? She of the nails-on-blackboard shriek? Hey, for that matter, Barack might be a pretty cool customer, but what makes the one-term senator "distinguished"?
For the record, the article quotes Tiger as denying any political ambitions. And I have not known him to express any explicitly political opinions. But I'm going out on a limb and guessing that this ultimate example of success through hard work is not a liberal. Evidence:
- The article reports that Woods is offering complimentary tickets to the tournament to "men and women serving in the military, as well as a variety of other ways of giving back to the troops throughout the week."
- Tiger quoted in article: "Even though my dad was retired, I basically grew up on a military base," he says. "And just understanding the commitment that it takes each and every day for the servicemen and women, what they do for us, I just think that it was something that would have been and should be honored, and that's why we're doing it. What they are doing right now for us, and for us back home, it's just a way to say thank you."
- From article: "On Wednesday, Woods will play three holes of the pro-am with former President George H.W. Bush."
- On the heels of his historic Masters win in 1997, Tiger famously turned down then Pres. Clinton's invitation to appear with him at a ceremony honoring Jackie Robinson at Shea Stadium. Maureen Dowd slammed Tiger in a column called Tiger's Double Bogey.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Tiger eloquent? When did that
July 4, 2007 - 08:29 ET by ThisnThatTiger eloquent? When did that happen? He's a great golfer, but eloquent? Ever listen to his interviews? Eloquent? Not a chance.
Hillary eloquent? Not a fat chance.
ESPN relevant? Give me SI any day.
eloquent
July 4, 2007 - 09:28 ET by totalkaosdaveI think that's the point. He IS as eloquent as Hillary...it's NOT a compliment...maybe the writer is a John Hairwards supporter...
Tiger Woods is probably the b
July 4, 2007 - 16:19 ET by mostlymoderateTiger Woods is probably the best golfer that ever lived. However, he is not very eloquent. In fact, his interviews make him look like an off-key comedian. Everything is "off" timing. He does not speak well.
Tiger seems to want to play
July 4, 2007 - 08:37 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsTiger seems to want to play golf, not politics.
Good for him.
Link
Link
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I don't support our liberals or their mission.
as eloquent as Hillary Clinto
July 4, 2007 - 08:38 ET by NoMoreClintonsas eloquent as Hillary Clinton
They must be thinking about her Southern drawl. Actually, what were they thinking?
Hillary the eloquent with a n
July 4, 2007 - 08:45 ET by botgHillary the eloquent with a nut-job straw-man
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
Amber, I
July 4, 2007 - 12:21 ET by botgAmber, I linked this earlier, as a homescholling mom what do you think?
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
I forget the exact circumst
July 4, 2007 - 09:00 ET by sarcasmoI forget the exact circumstances, but Tiger snubbed Jesse Jackson early in his career. I'm not much of a golf fan, but I must say he's good enough to make watching it almost-interesting, and his new kid is a cutie. As for "eloquent," I find him simply understandable, but as a sports star that's all he has to be. Politically, I suspect his tax bills make him agree with me, but maybe all this speculation about Tiger's politics is just proof we all want to project our own politics on excellence.
JMR
I'm not so sure it was a blat
July 4, 2007 - 10:01 ET by Rastus03I'm not so sure it was a blatant snub as much as it was Tiger not allowing himself to be strong-armed into following Jackson around echoing his extreme rhetoric.
He may well share some of Jesse's views, but I admire him for standing up to the kind of racial arm-twisting for which Jackson is known.
Have a look at this excelle
July 4, 2007 - 15:16 ET by sarcasmoHave a look at this excellent article, first linked above by NBer "DontFeedTheTrolls" above, and authored by great (even by my standards) journalist Radley Balko. I think I'm more of a fan than ever, so even if he's a Democrat or a Republican, Tiger sure as hell knows how to attract libertarians like me! And, like I said, the new kid's a cutie. Tiger's a winner, and that makes ME a winner because I'll be entertained by him instead of bored by golf at bars for at least the next 20 years, and possibly longer.
JMR
He also snubbed Bill Clinton
July 4, 2007 - 14:25 ET by AntiMediaHe also snubbed Bill Clinton early in his career.
Just another glaring example
July 4, 2007 - 09:50 ET by Rastus03Just another glaring example of a sportswriter trying to be more important than he is.
The veering leftward of the people who cover sports is ever maddening, as most professional athletes consider themselves to be moderate to conservative with a libertarian bent.
Getting straight sports reporting from some of these wannabes is beyond impossible.
I remain wistful for the time when sports will be covered by fans of the games who will just give us the facts. Is that so wrong?
Look for incidents like this
July 4, 2007 - 11:00 ET by mattmLook for incidents like this to increase in frequency. CBS News with Katie Kaboom did a PR piece for Hillary last night....
It's all part of a vast Clinton - wing conspiracy (so to speak)... The Clinton Machine is in full gear.
Katie Kaboom?LOL.Help Fred T
July 4, 2007 - 12:10 ET by Dave RKatie Kaboom?
LOL.
Help Fred Thompson defeat the RINOs, along with the Hitllary/Obama axis, & win the White House in '08.
Katie Kaboom was a cartoon ch
July 4, 2007 - 12:46 ET by mattmKatie Kaboom was a cartoon character from Warner Bros. (I thimk) During the Animaniacs... She was a teenager with an anger management problem....
Shrillary
July 4, 2007 - 11:03 ET by merlin61Eloquent?????? I am hoping a praying that she does not
win the election because I couldn't bear listening to her
obnoxious, shrill voice for four years.
BTW what's so great about e
July 4, 2007 - 11:10 ET by mattmBTW what's so great about eloquence, anyway?
Shell game artists, con-men, shysters, demagogues and charlatans in general are eloquent.
Give me an honest stutterer any day!
On the flip side...
July 4, 2007 - 11:23 ET by acumenOn the flip side, much like Tiger, Herself does have a knack for turning a hazard into an opportunity (pretty in pink - VRWC?).
And I'm cringing at her ability to smash balls (sorry in advance for that mental image)......
Hillary - Eloquent
July 4, 2007 - 11:58 ET by CellaHillary - eloquent? Give me a break.
I listened to that screeching voice for a few minutes a few days ago.
Bill was with her. When he wasn't faking it, he was sitting there looking as if he wanted to throw a kitchen chair at her. I wonder how many times he has had the woman screeching, in that same tone, at him.
Cella....excellent post.I won
July 4, 2007 - 12:09 ET by BlondeCella....excellent post.
I wonder how many times he has had the woman screeching, in that same tone, at him.
I suspect you've come up with the perfect anti-Hillary advert. A picture of sour-pussed Bill, with the shreiking going on in the background....with your words of wisdom printed underneath.
And then the voice-over....."Do you want to listen to this for the next four years?"
LOL!
Eww, you just gave me the shi
July 4, 2007 - 20:12 ET by dahliatraversEww, you just gave me the shivers with that ad, Blonde. That would be very effective.
Tiger Woods is more than se
July 4, 2007 - 13:02 ET by Dave RTiger Woods is more than set-for-life. Let's face it, the man has money too burn and then some. Why would he want to wade out into the Hell that most political campaigns have become these days, and subject himself, as well as his family, to all the BS that comes with it?
Help Fred Thompson defeat the RINOs, along with the Hitllary/Obama axis, & win the White House in '08.
ESPN I believe is extremely b
July 4, 2007 - 14:51 ET by DontTreadOnMeESPN I believe is extremely biased. From watching PTI with Tony and Wilbon the very next day of the Virginia Tech shootings start belly flopping liberal talking points to just the other day when they used the Scooter Libby Pardon to wonder why Libby gets nice treatment and the Crack Dealer Willie Aikens doesnt. That was on "Outside the Lines".
I wish there was a better station to compete with these arrogant B*****.
On ESPN and world conquest
July 7, 2007 - 05:40 ET by UnsaneAnd don't forget...if there is ANY organization out to take over the world...it is ESPN.
MAKE WAY FOR THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS!!! THE 1999, 2003, 2005, AND 2007 NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!
I'm frightened ...
July 8, 2007 - 11:00 ET by dahliatraversI'm frightened ...
I have no idea what Tiger Woo
July 4, 2007 - 15:05 ET by KC MulvilleI have no idea what Tiger Woods’ political orientation is. What I do know is that he’s an absolutely tremendous role model. Tiger’s reputation is that he’s relentless and deeply competitive, but that he doesn’t cheat and he gives other people credit where credit is due. I’ll take that any day, from a Republican or Democrat. Even if he turns out to be a Democrat, my suspicion is that he’ll be reasonable and fair, and that’s all we can really demand. We can haggle with this guy.
As for Hillary being eloquent, and Obama being distinguished … I think the rhetoric ran away with the spoon there.
Sportscasters judging eloquence?
July 5, 2007 - 06:54 ET by nkviking75The way most sportscasters mangle the English language, who in the h-e-double-hockey-sticks is ESPN to judge eloquence?
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out?
Eloquent! Yes! Time for a female president
July 5, 2007 - 08:49 ET by w0tmEloquent! Yes! Time for a female president!
She is not only eloquent but among the wisest of the wise. It's time for an eloquent, intelligent and gifted female for president. What? Who did you think I was talking about? Hillary!!?? See:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d05_1183505393
She has my vote!
w0tm: She's great! I just wis
July 5, 2007 - 08:59 ET by Mica the Magnificentw0tm: She's great! I just wish she was broadcasting from the nude news channel.
Sigh.
And like, Bush, ya know . .he like . .sucks and everything. . war is not the answer cause . . like . . .war sucks . . - - - Liberal counterpart to the conservative chick
w0tmI remember her from a vid
July 5, 2007 - 17:19 ET by botgw0tm
I remember her from a video about Sean Penn. After i wayched the video i hit the righthandgirl link there and found many others. This video about the Hildabeast is rather good.
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
Hey another good one bot....I
July 5, 2007 - 17:27 ET by bigtimerHey another good one bot....
I loved it.
It's funny that i posted the
July 5, 2007 - 17:29 ET by botgIt's funny that i posted the non-commentaried video yesterday and today this shows up.
“The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.” -Chief Justice John Roberts
Eloquent and on point would b
July 5, 2007 - 09:34 ET by ucEloquent and on point would be Bill Clinton - Bill Clinton at the inagueration of the Los Angeles Tiger Woods Learning Center - find this speach if you can, it used to be on Tiger Woods Foundation site. Clinton in his own words and speaking to a room for of LA youths describes himself "as a politician I was a failure." This is atleast an accurate paraphrase. Tiger's story does say something about children honoring and celebrating their parents and their parents past fights and struggles. Reminds me of some recent executives, though Bush's numbers are low they are still very nearly dubble that of the Democrat Congress. How is a wife trying to carry on not a conflict of interest and not eloquent? Protect our combined name and reputation and rewrite it if we can as a legal reflex and not a childs choice?
Oh, Hillary may think she's e
July 5, 2007 - 17:05 ET by BlondeOh, Hillary may think she's eloquent now...while she's bashing President Bush over the Scooter Libby commutation (sp?) of his sentence.
I can't wait to see how eloquent she'll be when someone throws in her face the little fact that the attorneys in the Travelgate grand jury found her to be "less than truthful" while under oath. Or perhaps her truthfulness about those mysterious Rose Law firm billing files.
That is, if anyone will ever ask her the bloody question.