Thursday, November 13th, 2008 at 11:55 am  |  89 responses

Links: Obama = Jordan?

Give me the damn ball!

by Lang Whitaker

I was reading the New Yorker last night on the subway home, and there’s a great story about how Obama won the election. But relevant to SLAM, there’s this great passage in the beginning of the story:

Obama, who is not without an ego, regarded himself as just as gifted as his top strategists in the art and practice of politics. Patrick Gaspard, the campaign’s political director, said that when, in early 2007, he interviewed for a job with Obama and Plouffe, Obama said that he liked being surrounded by people who expressed strong opinions, but he also said, “I think that I’m a better speechwriter than my speechwriters. I know more about policies on any particular issue than my policy directors. And I’ll tell you right now that I’m gonna think I’m a better political director than my political director.” After Obama’s first debate with McCain, on September 26th, Gaspard sent him an e-mail. “You are more clutch than Michael Jordan,” he wrote. Obama replied, “Just give me the ball.”

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  • Marcel Mutoni Posted: Nov.13 at 11:59 am
    So modest this one …

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.13 at 12:00 pm
    Egomaniac.

  • Ryan Jones Posted: Nov.13 at 12:04 pm
    McCain/Palin ’08!

  • Lang Whitaker Posted: Nov.13 at 12:04 pm
    Does this mean Biden is Pippen?

  • Ryan Jones Posted: Nov.13 at 12:07 pm
    …and McCain is Craig Ehlo…

  • Ryan Jones Posted: Nov.13 at 12:07 pm
    …and Palin is Isiah, because he went out like a bi— um, never mind.

  • Father Breakfast Posted: Nov.13 at 12:08 pm
    I’m gonna go with Bill Wennington on this one Lang.

  • riggs Posted: Nov.13 at 12:10 pm
    my president can play basketball, FTH.

  • namik Posted: Nov.13 at 12:10 pm
    As long as he is Jordan the player and not Jordan the GM, you guys are all good.

  • BigWalt206 Posted: Nov.13 at 12:25 pm
    haha namik…I guess we will see that one play out with his cabinet selections.

  • Chris O'Leary Posted: Nov.13 at 12:35 pm
    Doesn’t matter. Hillary Clinton, McCain, Palin, whoever. They’ve still got to come through Chicago.

  • Bryant Reeves Posted: Nov.13 at 1:10 pm
    Wow – Obama is a douchebag, just like Mike. At least we won’t have to listen to him blaming other people when things go badly (I’m still a big supporter, but things go wrong for everyone now and then).

  • Justin Walsh Posted: Nov.13 at 1:16 pm
    I love this. Obama is MJ. :) I want to see him punch out Biden when he tries to help with foreign diplomacy (see steve kerr)

  • Lang Whitaker Posted: Nov.13 at 1:17 pm
    It’s funny those of you who’ve had negative reactions to this, because to me I saw nothing wrong with what Obama said. I mean, he’s right, isn’t he?

  • Bryan Posted: Nov.13 at 1:22 pm
    Who had a negative reaction?

  • Justin Walsh Posted: Nov.13 at 1:23 pm
    Lang I totally agree and congrats on endorsing obama just before the election in links!

  • Spaceship Jay Posted: Nov.13 at 1:27 pm
    @ Justin Walsh; Hilarious.

  • j Posted: Nov.13 at 1:30 pm
    Biden is probably John Paxson. Lang, you subway? I thought you walked…..

  • Justin Walsh Posted: Nov.13 at 1:32 pm
    I just realized that Barack “MJ” Obama made that MJ comment on my Birthday. WHAT A PRESENT!

  • j Posted: Nov.13 at 1:32 pm
    Actually, Biden could be Kerr…clutch when he needs to be, but I’ll bet they get into at least one fist fight.

  • Holly MacKenzie Posted: Nov.13 at 1:33 pm
    I love Jones.

  • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.13 at 1:43 pm
    I think Biden is more like Bill Cartwright.

  • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.13 at 1:43 pm
    With duller elbows.

  • Lang Whitaker Posted: Nov.13 at 1:50 pm
    @j: I’m both. Depends on the weather.

  • j Posted: Nov.13 at 2:33 pm
    As long as Biden doesn’t have a tree tattoo representing Scranton, I’m ok with it.

  • SMK Posted: Nov.13 at 2:45 pm
    yeah, let’s just hope he’s MJ the baller, not MJ the team executive. So far he’s off to a good start – Rahm Emanuel for chief of staff is much better MJ’s first pick Kwame Brown.

  • Allenp Posted: Nov.13 at 2:47 pm
    He was definitely right about speechwriting, I don’t know about the other stuff though.
    I like a cat with confidence. Don’t we all want basketball players and leaders to have that?
    I’m a better commenter than everybody on Slam…
    See, it’s that easy.

  • Justin Walsh Posted: Nov.13 at 3:05 pm
    allenp with the zinger. slam commenters…response?

  • Bryant Reeves Posted: Nov.13 at 3:17 pm
    Seriously? No one sees a problem with their president openly stating that he thinks he is better and smarter than everyone else? I know the comparisons are jokes, but think about it. That is a serious character flaw in a man who is now one of the most powerful human beings on Earth. A little humility is a good thing. I just hope that he isn’t caught up in the unrealistic expectations that his amazing campaign has spawned.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:21 pm
    I have no comment for you big country, speechless.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:24 pm
    I do have one. Idiots should not apply for the most important job in the country. Confidence is a good thing.

  • Kid Presto Posted: Nov.13 at 3:26 pm
    Swagggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • bike Posted: Nov.13 at 3:28 pm
    Oden is McCain. Both old guys with health issues.

  • Bryant Reeves Posted: Nov.13 at 3:34 pm
    dutch – why do you assume confidence = intelligence? I think Obama is very smart, but your statement makes no sense and is obviously historically inaccurate. exhibit 1: Bush, George W. That man had some serious confidence.

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.13 at 3:37 pm
    No Bryant Reeves, I don’t see the problem with that. Care to explain it to me?

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:49 pm
    I’m trying to get my comment to post Bryant , be patient.

  • Amanda Posted: Nov.13 at 3:53 pm
    Are these comments getting hot or is it just me?

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:55 pm
    Slam stop blocking!!!!!!

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:58 pm
    I’m gonna have to chop my comment up to see if that works. bryant- what W seems to possess is very different.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:58 pm
    Bush’s inability to sit down and have a dialogue with his critics are an example of his lack of confidence.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:59 pm
    Posturing or grand standing is what he seems to resort to. I think the world is pretty sick of that kind of bullying.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 3:59 pm
    As far as Obama’s confidence, I would like to point out that in advertising circles the Obama brand beat out nike, apple and zappos as marketer of the year.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 4:00 pm
    In my humble opinion that takes a certain amount of genius. If you observe America as if it was an enterprise than one could understand the excitement for the new CEO coming in.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 4:00 pm
    Something that’s rather needed since we are entering rocky times. Let’s start the worrying when someone messes up first shall we.

  • BETCATS Posted: Nov.13 at 4:06 pm
    Dutch went on a rampage

  • Allenp Posted: Nov.13 at 4:12 pm
    Why was Dutch’s comment getting blocked? weird.
    Anyway, I took it as Obama saying he’s going to constantly challenge anybody who brings him an idea because he thinks he’s intelligent and informed enough to be their equal. He’s not like Bush, a rampant delegater who resorted to bluster when he was underinformed.
    Instead, he’s saying I’m going to be on my stuff, so don’t be surprised when I challenge you and don’t just bow to your expertise. As a person who has been told often that I always think I’m right, I can respect this mindset. If you go into anything think you’re underqualified or uneducated you’re probably going to get your ass handed to you.
    People shouldn’t be arrogant, but confidence is key. There has been no proof that Obama’s confidence translates into arrogance or hubris.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 4:17 pm
    Weird indeed. Wish I had your eloquence. Well said Allen.

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.13 at 4:20 pm
    Very well said Allen.

  • Z Posted: Nov.13 at 4:50 pm
    If anything this might be a good thing. Bush seemed like a puppet at times with Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice making the real decisions. What I’m getting out of this is that Obama will screen everything that’s thrown at him and use his judgment. (e.g. He won’t let his Secretary of State do whatevs on FP just because)

  • Ryan Jones Posted: Nov.13 at 4:51 pm
    Options for leader of the free world (Choose one):
    A. Arrogant, pragmatic, and entirely self-made motherf*cker who believes he should get the job because he’s smarter than pretty much everyone else who might want it.
    B. Mediocre student and pilot who only got into college and pilot school because of his legacy status… turned career politician who thinks he’s owed the job.
    C. Hockey mom with thinks Jesus wants her to be president and doesn’t understand basic science or grammar.
    Yeah, I’ma go with A.

  • Ryan Jones Posted: Nov.13 at 4:51 pm
    When is election day again? I wanna make sure I don’t miss it.

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.13 at 4:54 pm
    A all day. Not that anyone asked. What was D again??

  • Z Posted: Nov.13 at 5:01 pm
    Quite frankly, I’m not sure you can be the best at whatever you do without being a bit arrogant and conceited.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 5:02 pm
    D is your great grandpa

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 5:03 pm
    Rick James said it best..

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.13 at 5:04 pm
    Dutch with the funny! Um…yeah…not really.

  • Joel O's Posted: Nov.13 at 5:05 pm
    Isn’t this a heck of a lot better than “I’m the decider”?

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 5:07 pm
    I’m one of da baddest Mf’s of all times……

  • albie1kenobi Posted: Nov.13 at 5:10 pm
    so who’s doug collins saying “give him the ball and get the fcuk outta the way?”

  • Bryant Reeves Posted: Nov.13 at 5:25 pm
    albie – the American people?

  • ciolkstar Posted: Nov.13 at 5:30 pm
    Awesome.

  • Bryant Reeves Posted: Nov.13 at 5:30 pm
    I’m not slamming (pardon the pun) Obama for being smart, successful, media savvy, etc. and I definitely prefer him in power over McCain. That being said, arrogance is not a hallmark of success. I’m not saying that Obama is going to fail (and I hope that he doesn’t). But, to rectify current problems, both domestic and international, the World needs an American leader who is willing to listen to, and work with, other leaders of the world. Not one who thinks he is smarter and morally superior to them.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 5:32 pm
    bryant-I was thinking the same thing.

  • ciolkstar Posted: Nov.13 at 5:32 pm
    Obama is swaggerific!

  • Jackie Moon Posted: Nov.13 at 5:35 pm
    I watched some video of Obama and his buddies playing on election day, and the defensive intensity of the game was cooler than cold. Everyone was just jogging out there, it looked like one of those walk throughs in practice that go at half speed to explain the offense. I pretty much expected that, I mean who’s going to get physical with a bunch of politicians? But I’ve always wondered,where’s the competitive guy who start to play lock down defense on Obama? Who’s going to lay down a hard foul? The Obama games must be so weak, because it probably wouldn’t be cool to get all competitive. Would you feel bad stuffing Barry O’s jump shot? What about ripping him and taking it the other way for two? And if you fouled Obama hard, would the Secret Service get up in your grill? Can you talk trash to the Prez, or is that a violation of Federal Law, threatening the President’s game? Could you mock him and say “Yes, I can!” after you score in his face? So many questions, and no answers.

  • Russ Bengtson Posted: Nov.13 at 5:39 pm
    He needs to play Li’l Penny. Because, you know, the Secret Service couldn’t guard him.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 5:39 pm
    bryant-I was thinking the same thing.
    To your 5:25 comment.

  • Dutch Rich Posted: Nov.13 at 5:42 pm
    Open runs at the white house is gonna be sick. They need to place a camstream in that cypher.

  • Harlem_World Posted: Nov.13 at 5:48 pm
    Damn Ryan…your popcorn is mad salty today.

  • Captain America Posted: Nov.13 at 5:48 pm
    basketball politics, politics basketball, get real Linky.

  • Captain America Posted: Nov.13 at 5:51 pm
    Obaama + Ron Artest = GovIMT cheese

  • ciolkstar Posted: Nov.13 at 6:09 pm
    Ryan Jones and AllenP go hard. Bryant Reeves can take that isht to FOX sports online or something.

  • Allenp Posted: Nov.13 at 6:28 pm
    Yo, Jackie Moon’s comment was great.
    Especially the part about saying “yes I can” every time you score. I would like to do that.
    Or ask Obama “Who’s bitter now?” when your rip him on the break?
    Or, when calling out you man, say “I’ve got That One” while pointing to Obama.
    The opportunities are endless.

  • Moose Posted: Nov.13 at 6:59 pm
    Question for you Lang, or Ryne, or Russ, or any other writer: Where is the SLAM Dome? I know it’s in NYC, but whereabouts in the city?

  • Jayemmbee Posted: Nov.13 at 8:07 pm
    I guess he is the MJ of the Politics because he is the Champ

  • Melo Man TO Posted: Nov.13 at 9:23 pm
    russ and ryan are funny guys

  • Anton Posted: Nov.13 at 11:00 pm
    Bill Clinton is Kobe

  • Darksaber Posted: Nov.13 at 11:52 pm
    Obama and his “supporting cast”, niiice. Hope the Pippen, Grant, BJ and Cartwright spots are held by clever, good people. He’s gonna need it.

  • ♦MyKal♠ Posted: Nov.14 at 3:22 am
    Who’s going to be Obama’s Bill Cartwright and stuff everything up? (and shoot really, REALLY ugly) Don’t get me started on lazy 7-footers, again.

  • Jukai Posted: Nov.14 at 11:12 am
    so if Hilary is Chief of State… Steve Kerr? =/

  • DK Posted: Nov.14 at 1:25 pm
    biden is horace grant, always there to rebound for you barack

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Nov.15 at 12:42 am
    @ Lang: He may not be right, but at least he’s honest and confident. At least he doesn’t depend on his his speechwriters and advisers to help guide him every step of the way. He’s not afraid to do what he thinks is right.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Nov.15 at 12:43 am
    Nah, Hillary is Dennis Rodman, Jukai.

  • KA Posted: Nov.15 at 1:31 am
    does this mean that he shoved russell/mccain on the last shot?

  • Treyz 4 Dayz Posted: Nov.15 at 1:39 pm
    The reason I voted for him, hes the champ.

  • D Posted: Nov.17 at 1:09 pm
    Yesterday was Ben Handlogten’s 35th birthday. No recognition on Slam?

  • Dacre Posted: Nov.18 at 12:20 am
    yeah he’s getting a special birthday cover on PUNKS right…??

  • Dacre Posted: Nov.18 at 12:20 am
    i share a birthdate with Antawn Jamison. Take That.

  • j Posted: Jan.18 at 4:03 pm
    Obama = MJ
    Biden = Pippen McCain = Pat Ewing
    Palin = Charles Smith

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