GIVE FDR A RUN FOR HIS MONEY
27 June 2008 by Brad Bannon
For fans who go to Nats’ home games, the presidential race takes on a whole new meaning. The current line-up of presidents who run the race every night includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. I don’t have problems with any of these guys but I think it’s time for the Nats to recognize and include our greatest president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt into the race.
First we need a president in the race who is capable of going deep into the 20th century. We also need a real Democratic president since we already have a Federalist and two Republicans. For readers who have gone to Jefferson Jackson Democratic fundraising dinners, you know that the Sage of Monticello was the founder of the Democratic-Republican party. But T.J.’s political philosophy of small national government and states’ rights is sadly out of step with current Democratic Party dogma. We need a real Democrat in the race.
If the Nationals go the FDR route, the next question is whether FDR should run the race in his wheelchair or not? FDR wouldn’t be caught dead in a wheelchair in a public setting but it’s unlikely that his handicap would remain a secret in the age of YouTube. If FDR does run the race in his wheelchair, who will push it? Harry Truman is one possibility since he was FDR’s running mate in 1944. Another option is to have Eleanor Roosevelt do it, which would appeal to disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters.
If you feel that it’s time for FDR to run, please send an email to the Nats’ front office. Better yet, turn your backs to the field when they run the presidential race every night until the Nats buckle. It’s time to send a message to Washington.