One of the questions Letterman ask him was about whether Obama felt he was being targeted by criticism that is fueled by racism.  His first answer – “first of all, I was actually Black before the election.”  Good point and a very diplomatic answer considering how easily responding to a question like that can cause an uproar.

He went on to point out that other presidents in the past have met with serious opposition when they’ve tried to implement a great deal of change and he doesn’t feel that his experience is any different than those situations.

I always think it’s best to diffuse a tense topic through humor so I was glad he chose to provide a serious answer intermingled with a little humor.

image: CBS

Post from: EveryJoe

President Obama Jokes With Letterman

President Barack Obama (Image: Zuma Press)

Rumors are swirling around the vineyard that Obama will be playing a round later in the week with world number one player Tiger Woods.  Both Woods and the White House are denying that the two are going to tee it up sometime in the near future.

From the sounds of things, the Prez isn’t so much a golfer as he is a duffer.  Obama’s first tee shot sailed about 180 yards while slicing left into the woods.  Despite his wayward tee shot, President Obama got a standing ovation from fellow golfers who stopped to admire his play.

Obama expects to get a few more rounds of golf in as he continues his vacation.  Whether any of those rounds includes a guy named Eldrick remains to be seen.

Post from: EveryJoe

Obama Hits the Links on Martha’s Vineyard

The truth is that the WNBA’s impact is far more than financial. I read an article on ESPN about how President Obama’s daughters love watching women’s basketball.  One particular quote stood out the most: “Sasha and Malia, have never known a time when women did not play professional basketball in the United States.”

I sometimes forget that young girls (11 years or younger) do not know any different. Professional women’s basketball is the norm for them. They expect to see it. They can watch it on television and daydream of one day playing in the WNBA. What an impact that must have on their self-esteem and confidence?

When I was growing up, I didn’t have that. I marveled at Michael Jordan just like everyone else, even though I knew I could never “be like Mike.” Now, young girls can marvel at Candace Parker and know that they too have the chance to dunk a basketball, play professionally, and be in television commercials.

The WNBA may not be a cash cow, but they offer so much more. They offer young girls a chance to dream big. And you can’t put a price tag on that.

Young kids today can dream about playing in front of a large crowd on the WNBA stage.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

The WNBA’s True Impact

Image: EA SPORTS

From Peter Moore:

Of course, I can’t resist pointing out that while I’ve always wholeheartedly endorsed moderation in anything you do, including playing games, it may be time for the President and his family to put their Wii to good use and fire up the 30-Day Challenge with EA SPORTS Active. This is a “game” even the President may not want to “step away” from.

…

Mr. President, here is my challenge to you: Try EA SPORTS Active and I guarantee you’ll need aides saying “Yes You Can!” to finish your first workout.

So what do you think? With President Obama step up to President Moore’s challenge and start to get active with EA SPORTS Active? Have you tried this Wii video game yourself?  You can read about the participants in the Wii 30 Day Fitness Challenge and check out their results at easportsactive.com.

Post from: EveryJoe

EA Sports Boss Challenges Obama

According to ESPN.com, moments after Monday’s event in front of the South Portico, Obama hustled the team over to the outdoor half-court, away from reporters and cameras.

He challenged a few of the players to a spontaneous game of P-I-G.

“He was pretty good from 17 feet,” said coach Geno Auriemma. “His shot’s a little unorthodox, but it goes in … He’s got a little bit of that swagger.”

Obama is a big fan of college basketball, and appreciates all that the UCONN women have accomplished this past season. “My girls look at the TV when I’m watching ‘SportsCenter‘ and they see women staring back,” he said. “That shows them that they can be champions, too.”

Video courtesy of YouTube

Post from: EveryJoe

Obama Plays Ball With UCONN

image: Newscom

Apparently, the American President loves to watch Entourage (me too!) which is about an up-and-coming actor and his group of friends (and brother) after he moves out to Hollywood.  It’s based loosely on the life of Mark Wahlberg, who produces the series.  I didn’t know that the character of Ari Gold (a talent agent played perfectly by Jeremy Piven) is actually based on Endeavor’s Ari Emanuel, who is actually the brother of Obama’s chief-of-staff, Rahm Emanuel.  That’s got to make Ari’s antics even more hilarious.

How much does Obama like the show?  One White House mouthpiece claims that the campaign schedule was rearranged so that he never had to miss an episode.  WOW!

He also admitted to liking The Wire and ESPN’s “Sportcenter” (I watch it almost every night too!).

Post from: EveryJoe

What TV Shows Does Obama Watch?

Actually, there is an update. Albeit rather … well. Cute. Here’s the screencap I took (above).

Post from: EveryJoe

America has a new President – and Obama has a smiley on his Wikipedia entry