If we learned one thing during the 2008 presidential campaign, it's that Barack Obama knows who to surround himself with. (Save the Biden jokes, please!)
With that in mind, it's no surprise that he's declined the Nats invite to throw out the first pitch at Monday's home opener. Apparently, he and his advisors figure that the stink of Daniel Cabrera would be enough to sink his health care plan.
Really, it makes sense. He's got the D.C. vote locked up. Maryland's probably his. And the northern parts of Virginia are in his pocket, too.
What's to be gained by associating with this two-bit franchise?
Besides, Ted Lerner probably would've charged him full price for his skybox seat.
For Nats fans, though, it's a bit of a disappointment. Having the president throw out the first pitch is kinda cool -- as long as you know where the short security lines are.
Having Obama wuss out stinks. If Dick Cheney can do it, Barack can! BO certainly would've received a much better reaction than the chorus of boos that rattled around the half-empty seats of RFK to greet the then-VP.
But the man who might be most disappointed is everyone's favorite ticket huckster, Stan Kasten. With Obama out, that's that many fewer tickets he can sell. Think of all the Secret Service personnel he could've charged!
He was probably all ready to post his "Buy now, 'cause tickets are going fast" shtick on a Daily Kos diary.
Although, given Stan's recent methods, he was probably on Somali radio, selling Opening Day tickets to the pirates.
No wonder Obama wanted out of this mess.
Chris Needham used to write Capitol Punishment. He wouldn't throw out the first pitch either, but that's more owing to him being an unathletic klutz.
