Why Aren't Politicians More Like Athletes?

So this may sound kinda crazy, but think about it. All you ever hear from politicians is what they don't stand for. You seldom hear about what they do stand for. It's all about how the other guy hasn't done this or how he did that and shouldn't have and so on and so forth. Shut up about the other guy already. Why is voting for you going to lead to better things for me? That's all I care to hear.

Contrast that with most athletes and especially coaches. Athletes seldom declare victory before a game. They rarely blame the refs or the timekeepers or anything of the sort. I mean, I know it happens, but out of all the games that go on year after year after year you only hear that kinda thing a handful of times. And even when you do, the rules are there to discourage that kind of behavior. These people pay hefty fines. Compare that with the last couple of national elections where there has been so much partisan bickering and accusing going on.

In case you missed it, Joe Biden recently announced his candidacy for President in 2008. He then proceeded to rip into the other major candidates, Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. Now if Biden was an athlete, his response instead would have gone something like these. And if you're a politician reading this, feel free to use it. I think it'll get you a lot further with the voters that the venom you normally spew.

Joe Biden, the professional athlete: Today, I'm announcing my candidacy for President in 2008.

Bill, the reporter: Senator Biden, what about Hillary Clinton? Do you think you have more of a shot than she would head to head against some of the more notable Republican candidates?

Biden: Well, there are some excellent candidates out there, Bill. I'm going to have a tough time even convincing my family and personal friends to vote for me, I think.

Reporter: Senator Biden, do you really feel Hillary Clinton is an excellent candidate? I mean, even some fellow Democrats are sounding as if they're concerned whether or not she's too polarizing a figure to have a shot with the more centrist voters.

Biden: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I've known Senator Clinton for a long time, though. I think she's got the strongest team on paper and she really plays the game the right way. If she's in the zone come election day, anything can happen. But I think I've really got a message the voters would like to hear. If we practice hard, take it one voter at a time, I think we can be in this thing at the end with a shot to win it. That's why you count the votes.