Thirteen Sports Principles Helped President-Elect Obama Win the White House

Summary

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"President-elect Obama religiously plays basketball. Even on election day he was on the court," says Walter Jackson, author of "Sporting the Right Attitude" for young adults. "Obama loves the sport which he has played since high school. He said he finds refuge on the court. If you look at the foundation of his election campaign, consciously or subconsciously, Obama ran the campaign using the same principles star athletes use to win."

Sportsmanship: Obama resisted character attacks on his opponents and their families, instead concentrated on their policies. When the press asked Obama's response to those criticizing Sarah Palin's daughter for getting pregnant so young, Obama responded, "My mother had me when she was a teenager." Good athletes know how to conduct themselves on an off the field.

Go the Distance, Build on Momentum: "Campaigns are essentially trials," says David Axelrod, Obama's Chief Strategist on "60 Minutes." "They're endurance contests to see who has the stamina and fortitude. If you pass that test, you've gone a long way." Athletes religiously work out preparing to go the distance in a game.

Even on election day he was on the court, says Walter Jackson, author of Sporting the Right Attitude for young adults.

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Thirteen Sports Principles Helped President-Elect Obama Win the White House

"President-elect Obama religiously plays basketball. Even on election day he was on the court," says Walter Jackson, author of "Sporting the Right Attitude" for young adults. "Obama loves the sport which he has played since high school. He said he finds refuge on the court. If you look at the foundation of his election campaign, consciously or su...

See the full content of this document

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