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Indiana, hoop politics, and free throws
Despite the protestations of those who would prefer Clinton to "bow out gracefully", she's chosen, for better or worse, to stay in the race. The obvious analogy in Indiana is in basketball, where someone (Obama) has a seemingly insurmountable, lead. If you're behind, it's simple. You foul. A lot. And you try not to be called for being intentional, because it hurts you as well. In basketball, as well as the current situation, the strategy being successful relies on a lot of things falling into place.
1. After you foul, you score. In PA, Clinton did pick up a net popular vote and delegate count, but it's debatable if she "made both free throws", scored a deuce, but clearly not a three.
2. If you're the one being fouled, it's all about how you do at the line. Obama has to make the free throws, simple as that. So far, judging from "the Wright stuff" and "Bittergate", he's been able to do that. He'll need to keep it up.
3. No one owns the clock. When the game's over, the game's over, and the one with the most points/votes/delegates is the winner, regardless if that's by 1 vote, 1 delegate (super or otherwise), or the smallest fraction of a percentage point, the winner is the winner.
So Senators Clinton and Obama, there's still time on the clock (albeit only a few tics left). Play on!
Comments (2)
I typically dislike sports metaphors for these political races, but to be honest, this one is pretty apt. Well done.
April 23, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Indiana and North Carolina will give Obama great opportunities to show off his hoops skills (where they matter) and leave the bowling behind!
April 23, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
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