Politics Is Not Sport

Politics is not sport in impact or participation. It is a competition of ideas, where votes are tallied, and a winner declared. And, like sport, the wins and losses felt most deeply are those where the hard work was done, the competition was fierce, and the stakes were high. It is then not surprising that, only slightly embarrassingly, the last time I felt the way I feel today was four years ago, when my beloved Cubs overcame history and rain delays to finally win the World Series in dramatic fashion.

Four years ago. Four years of Donald J. Trump. A person to me who is the antithesis of what a leader should be. He valued lies over truth, himself over us, division over unity. He bullied rather than healed, stoked fears rather than inspired. Which is why I am unabashedly joyous that after 150 million of us have participated in this sweeping contest, he will no longer represent the country that I love. One of my best friends viewed this election as policy over person and while I understand that position normally, I feel passionate that the character of the country was on the ballot this election, and I feel confident that if the situation were reversed, I would cross the aisle to support country over party.

For unlike sport, we are not just fans in the grandstand. We pick our jerseys, we get on the field, we run the bases, and we come home to a world changed. When the final out is recorded, we celebrate a victory or we hold our heads up high in defeat. And those that respect the game, respect its traditions and shake hands.

That is what is asked of us now. Respect the traditions and shake hands. For there are significant and challenging games to come for our country and for the world in contests and policy. We face a global pandemic, economic hardships, wealth and race disparity, climate change, and a crumbling infrastructure. It will take inspirational leadership and a united citizenry to tackle these challenges and turn the tide.

In this moment, though, in my best Harry Carry, “Biden-Harris Win. Biden-Harris Win.”

Now, let’s move forward and let’s play two.