I was watching TV the other night. As I flipped through the channels for about the third time, I see that Letterman is talking to Charles Barkley. Now, Sir Charles always is worth listening to. He tells you how it is, at least how he sees it. This guy has more charisma than most people have in their little finger. So, when Letterman asked him about the rumor that he was running for Governor of Alabama, I was hooked. Crazy? Maybe. But he might just be able to pull it off (Scott, stop cringing). "Alabama, that's my home. I'm thinking about running for governor; they need the help." Maybe it’s not a publicity stunt. Maybe he really cares. His decision was received warmly by Joe Turnham, Alabama's Democratic Party chairman. Alabama's last Democratic governor, Don Siegelman, said Barkley has become a role model for many people and "would make an excellent candidate for high office." "I really believe I was put on Earth to do more than play basketball and stockpile money," Barkley said. "I really want to help people improve their lives, and what's left is for me to decide how best to do that." Siegelman noted that Barkley has the personal wealth to stage a strong campaign. "He's definitely going to be taken seriously," Siegelman said.
What about his platform? It can’t just be that he wants to be governor or because he can. Barkley told the school board members that poor children don't have a level playing field with wealthier students, because the poor children have to cope with more problems like crime, drugs and teen pregnancy. But he also admonished some black parents and their children. "There are too many black kids and their parents who do not value a good education," he said. "There are places where a black kid who is a good student and tries to speak correctly, you hear stuff like, 'He's trying to be white.' Well, I say, if that's true, we need more kids trying to be white." Don’t look now, but that sounds like some real issues. That may not work in many states, but it might in Alabama. Barkley is loved in Alabama more than anywhere else.
It is a natural transition for the public to want their famous athletes to be in office. They want to believe that the greatness exhibited on the court or field will transfer to the office they hold. There are a few examples that have worked: Bill Bradley (Basketball Hall of Fame and Senator from New Jersey for 18 years; Presidential Candidate in 2000); and Jesse Ventura (professional wrestling fame [whether or not wrestling is a real sport is a topic for another blog] and Governor from Minnesota). Ventura was a legend in his sport and loved by his home town. Sound familiar?
Barkley has been successful at many things. People can’t help but to love him. Alabama may be ready for him. He will have the backing. Money will be plentiful. Popularity does get you elected (Governor Schwarzenegger). In 2010, we may be calling him Governor Barkley.
What about his platform? It can’t just be that he wants to be governor or because he can. Barkley told the school board members that poor children don't have a level playing field with wealthier students, because the poor children have to cope with more problems like crime, drugs and teen pregnancy. But he also admonished some black parents and their children. "There are too many black kids and their parents who do not value a good education," he said. "There are places where a black kid who is a good student and tries to speak correctly, you hear stuff like, 'He's trying to be white.' Well, I say, if that's true, we need more kids trying to be white." Don’t look now, but that sounds like some real issues. That may not work in many states, but it might in Alabama. Barkley is loved in Alabama more than anywhere else.
It is a natural transition for the public to want their famous athletes to be in office. They want to believe that the greatness exhibited on the court or field will transfer to the office they hold. There are a few examples that have worked: Bill Bradley (Basketball Hall of Fame and Senator from New Jersey for 18 years; Presidential Candidate in 2000); and Jesse Ventura (professional wrestling fame [whether or not wrestling is a real sport is a topic for another blog] and Governor from Minnesota). Ventura was a legend in his sport and loved by his home town. Sound familiar?
Barkley has been successful at many things. People can’t help but to love him. Alabama may be ready for him. He will have the backing. Money will be plentiful. Popularity does get you elected (Governor Schwarzenegger). In 2010, we may be calling him Governor Barkley.
1 comment:
The problem I have with the "natural transition" from athlete to politician is that money and fame CAN get you elected, and I'm worried that too many athletes will give it a go and win. Some may do a good job and have a clue, but others may just get elected for their great hook shot, or ERA, or super-human biceps. I guess the problem is they can jump right into the high profile races and skip any baby steps and/or community boards. Maybe that is a good thing, who knows?!
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