I’ve started reading Obama: From Promise to Power by David Mendell, and it opens with an anecdote of then-senatorial candidate Barack Obama walking around the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, hours before he gave the speech that launched his national reputation.
Obama’s response to a comment that “he seemed to be impressing many people of influence in this rarefied atmosphere”:
“I’m LeBron, baby. I can play on this level. I got some game.”
He’s referring, of course, to LeBron James, small forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
James is, interestingly, a young star, full of natural talent and enormous potential, selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft at the age of 18. He has dramatically improved a previously troubled franchise.
But for all of his talent, he has not yet won it all (although we’ll see how this year turns out; Boston leads its series with Cleveland, 3-2).
If Obama is LeBron, what NBA player best represents John McCain?
Hmm. Navy brat. Went to high school just outside Washington, D.C.. Attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Shouts at the opposition when he’s riled.
After entering his profession, had a somewhat successful record, but seemed to always fall just short of his top goal. Dealt with back injuries.
Finally, at an old age for his chosen field, when some thought he was past his prime, he won the top prize twice in a four year span.
Ladies and gentlemen… retired San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson.
(A player who objected to Dallas Mavericks players criticizing the United States as the Iraq War began.)
UPDATE: Many, many readers have asked if McCain is Robinson, who is his Tim Duncan, a younger partner who helps take him to the top? That’s a great question.
Some also ask, in this metaphor, who’s Hillary. May I suggest Bill Laimbeer?