Obama trips on dumb Ravens-Redskins question
President Barack Obama has made more visits to Maryland than any other state since taking office. But he still has a lot to learn about Maryland.
Take professional sports culture.
At Obama's town hall-style meeting with seniors Tuesday in Montgomery County, a 69-year-old audience questioner advised the president that the U.S. medical system needs more "archers" and fewer "expensive football teams" (it was a complicated comparison).
Obama began his response by saying he'd steer clear of football. Then, he entered that territory anyway.
He asked audience members if they were mainly Ravens or Redskins fans. He should have known better. Sort of like asking a crowd on Chicago's south side if they were mainly White Sox or Cubs fans (Sox, of course).
Mr. President, the Ravens and 'Skins both play their home games in the state. But in Maryland, as elsewhere, sports loyalty is largely a matter of geography. In places like Howard County, there's an invisible dividing line between Baltimore and Washington fans (in western areas of the state, closer to Pittsburgh than Baltimore or DC, the Steelers dominate). Any closer to DC, you're in rabid Redskins territory.
White House planners, as they often do, had provided Obama with a "real world" backdrop. The idea was to get him out of Washington, but no more than absolutely necessary, to limit the drain on his time.
As a result, the address may have said Wheaton, Maryland, but the venue was culturally Washington.
Needless to say, the audience favored the 'Skins (though one member voiced support for Navy).
Perhaps Obama should put the Ravens-Redskins pre-season game on his August schedule, so he can explore this topic in greater detail. As with presidential visits to an Army-Navy game, he could spent each half on an opposite side of FedEx Field, and possibly get to know Maryland a little better.
Comments
who care OBAMA is an idiot
Posted by: chris | June 8, 2010 1:57 PM
My name Chris. I speak english good.
Posted by: Dave | June 8, 2010 2:23 PM
My name is Dave. I have no brain for myself and do whatever the Demorats say
Posted by: jt | June 8, 2010 3:00 PM
I think I'm ok with my President not knowing what areas are Ravens fans and what areas are Redskins fans...I'm fairly sure he has some more important things to worry about.
Posted by: Jenn | June 8, 2010 3:42 PM
He can have the Redskins. And the Hogs. And the losing.
Posted by: Goldwater | June 8, 2010 4:09 PM
My name is Governor O'Malley and all you morons will vote for me no matter what I do... HAHAHA
Posted by: The Governor of the World | June 8, 2010 4:09 PM
Please check nobama's green card. You will find him on the golf course or hosting parties at the white house.
Posted by: smitty15 | June 8, 2010 6:16 PM
"As with presidential visits to an Army-Navy game"
He didn't even go to the Army-Navy game last year.
Posted by: Sam | June 8, 2010 6:58 PM
Ridiculous. Never do that again.
Posted by: Redskins jersys | June 9, 2010 4:55 AM
Football, eh? Did Obama blame the Houston OILERS for anything?
Question: Which of the following possible answers do Obama and Paul McCartney have in common?
1. Both gave the Queen an I-Pod?
2. Both worship a guy named Lenin?
3. Both abused themselves with drugs and alcohol in their formative youth?
Posted by: Dennis | June 9, 2010 5:54 AM
obama is a douche bag and every one that voted for him now knows that.
Posted by: dan g | June 9, 2010 2:39 PM
the truth is an aide most likely told him the state has two football teams. The aide should be fired for not alerting the Pres as to the distinction.
Posted by: mel mintz | June 9, 2010 4:50 PM
Stupid question, must have been from a Redskins fan.
Posted by: Billzappa | June 10, 2010 3:38 PM