President Biden calls Philly sports fans 'most informed, most obnoxious' in the world [View all]
Presidents historically have had a symbolic connection to the sports landscape in the United States. It's a stage that gives the commander-in-chief a way to relate to Americans in a more casual way, outside worries about the economy and North Korean missiles.
Many presidents see sports as a way to escape the confines of partisanship. George W. Bush's first pitch after the 9/11 attacks was a show of perseverance. Barack Obama's riffing with the Chicago Cubs after their World Series victory in 2016 — despite being a diehard White Sox fan — was a powerful moment as the team broke its century-old curse.
And under President Trump? Well, things went awry. Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Eagles declined to visit the White House in protest of the president's divisive politics, which often leveraged cultural moments to activate his base. Trump even opted to formally disinvite the Eagles after only a small delegation of coaches and players were willing to show up.
President Joe Biden has had a busy first four months in office, to say the least. Opportunities to discuss sports haven't been plentiful or even appropriate given the state of the nation.
Read more: https://www.phillyvoice.com/president-biden-philly-sports-fans-informed-obnoxious-fishtown/
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