Obama Basketball

Guide Note

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is a well-known lover of basketball. He played on the Punahou high school basketball team in Honolulu in the 1970s, helping the team win the state championship. Obama continues to play pick-up games on occasion, with members of his family as well as his secret service detail. Fast Facts:

1. Obama's brother-in-law is the coach of the Brown University basketball team
2. Played pick-up ball while at Harvard Law school
3. Obama shoots left handed
4. Obama's brother-in-law is the head coach of the Oregon State University men's basketball team

Senator Obama has basketball in his campaign for the presidency, announcing that several lucky volunteers who register voters will be chosen to participate in a 3-on-3 basketball game with himself and a college basketball star. He also played a short game with the UNC men's basketball team while campaigning in North Carolina ahead of the state's 2008 primary.

Sports has long been used in presidential politics to showcase a candidate's vitality and athletic prowess. For example, many presidents have thrown out first pitches at important baseball games. President George W. Bush has been widely praised by sports broadcasters for his ability to throw a baseball to home plate. In 2004, John Kerry faced controversy when a photograph of him windsurfing was released to the press. Political commentators said the photo made Kerry seem out of touch with working-class, American sports.