As I was looking at Barack Obama's bracket, I couldn't help but wonder if his picks were politically influenced.
For example, does the former Senator from Illinois really think the Illini are going to beat Western Kentucky? Maybe he does. Illinois is the higher seed and should win. But if he had a hunch that Illinois would lose, would he publicly pick the Hilltoppers?
He did pick Gonzaga to knock out the Illini in the second round, although the Zags are seeded a notch higher.
Pennsylvania is always a crucial state politically and he has Pitt going to the Final Four. Then again, so do a lot of people. Considering Pennsylvania backed Hillary in the primary, maybe Obama was throwing the state a bone, or maybe he really likes Pitt.
North Carolina is another important state politically.
There's no more important state politically than Ohio, which has five teams in the tourney. Obama has three of those teams losing in the first round and Ohio State and Xavier losing in the second round.
Obama didn't pick many upsets. He has three No. 1 seeds and No. 2 seed Memphis in the Final Four.
He knows basketball and I'm sure his picks were based on that knowledge, but when politicians are involved, you're never sure.
ounds like Barack and i have basically the same frame of mind. Ofcourse living in NC and being a Tar Heel fan to begin with had some influence in my picks but I will readily admit that if hansbrough or Lawson goes down they will not make the final four.
He is smart, but most folks already know that. I went with NC also.
But Roman you are absolutely correct about politicians. No telling what you might get from one of them.
Obama is smart, but he can't possibly have had enough time on his hands to follow most of the College teams himself except probably the obvious hyped top seeds. Thanks for the info, but I like my picks better, thank you very much.
Anyone else notice that all 3 double digit seeds winning were over west coast teams?
I can't decide which is more over rated, the big east with 3 number one seeds, or the tarheels with 25 year old, 6'6" "center" whose best move on offense is travelllng and on defense, flopping. Well, at least the tarheels have a built in excuse for flaming out because of Lawsons toe injury. Obama has one part right, an ACC school will probably win it, Wake Forest has the most talent of any team in the country, and FSU has more size and a better guard than the bulls do. Watch out for Toney Douglas, now if the bulls could just pair him with rose they have something. I actually like the Illini to make a little run, too. Weber is a good coach and when no one is expecting much he can exceed expectations.
his picks may not be politically motivated, but if you come through for him.....he makes it worth your while!
Steelers owner drafted as envoy to Ireland - USATODAY.comPresident Obama has tapped Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney as US ambassador to Ireland. ... Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin is African American. ...
www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/steelers/2009-03-17-rooney-ambassador-ireland_N.htm - 63k - Cached - Similar pages
Tim...you and Obama are both trying to Jam Health car and Carbon taxes down our throats?
I had no idea...;)
Uhm, well maybe Obama's picks were politically based, but I highly doubt it. The president's March Madness picks are too insignificant to waste effort putting political influence in it, no one really cares what obamas picks are, its just for fun.
Sure they might be, but even the article disproved itself multiple times by giving all examples where Obama just chose the higher seed and the article expects him to choose the underdog or implies that.
Everyone please vote for Tar Heel Anoop Desai on American Idol!!! Watch his videos with the Clef Hangers to hear his amazing voice.