In case you haven't noticed, today is Nov. 4, the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, which happens to be Election Day in the these fine United States of America-and also happens to be my favorite day of the year every two years.
Yes, I know, I'm supposed to be "sports chick" and my favorite day of the year should be Final Four Saturday or Super Bowl Sunday. And yes, I know, it is extremely dorky to even concede that I would rank a midterm election Tuesday above both these events. But, as the greatest catch-all sports cliché of all time goes, it is what it is.
I will not endorse a candidate in this space today, not because The Chronicle explicitly forbids sports columnists from doing so, but because The New York Times does with its op-ed columnists. And I believe I have done as fine a job concealing my presidential preference this year as Paul Krugman or Maureen Dowd have. So why loosen my standards now?
It is with this air of neutrality and fairness that I share with you an e-mail exchange I had with Reggie Love, former Duke basketball and football player, on Oct. 26-the eve of the last week of the longest presidential season in America's history.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I probably should mention that Love is Barack Obama's right-hand man.
Me: What about your Duke experience prepared you for your job on the campaign?
Love: My Duke experience and education was very valuable in helping make it through what have been two long years on the campaign trail. I learned how to work with people from all different walks of life and different viewpoints. The Obama team is a huge organization and has a countless number of volunteers, and having gone to [an] undergraduate [institution] with such a diverse group of classmates made for an easier transition in learning how to work people from different demographics, regions and generations. Also playing two sports was good conditioning in terms of how many hours are utilized for work during the day.
Me: When you had to take a year off from the team and then were named captain the following season, what kinds of things did Mike Krzyzewski say to you to instill confidence on your return, and do you feel as if that confidence has in part fueled your success post-Duke?
Love: We should talk about this question at some point in time. The day Coach K named me captain, he said to me and the entire team, "Reggie never has a bad day on the court, no matter what was going on with on the court or off the court, he always showed up to work."
Me: What is the coolest part of your job?
Love: Every part of my job is cool. I work with a great team. And to know that I have a chance every day to play a small part in changing our country is the most fulfilling thing I could ever ask for.
Me: Do you feel as if the whole notion of being part of a team or of something bigger than yourself has carried through from college to now?
Love: Being a part of the Obama campaign is very similar to being on a sports team. And it is very much the epitome of being a part of something that is bigger than the individual. This campaign will and has touched the lives of so many people. It has given people across the world hope and optimism. And there is a chance that this campaign will affect the lives of our children and our children's children.
Me: Do you have a story that sort of exemplifies your average day on the campaign?
Love: I tell people on the campaign that it's like a long season, and every day isn't the Super Bowl or a playoff game, but every day counts in the end. The average campaign day isn't very glamorous-it's a lot of interviews and phone calls and conference calls, but it all makes a difference in the end.
Me: It's been pretty well-publicized that you and Sen. Obama play basketball together regularly. What can you learn about Obama on the court that the average American might not know?
Love: He is a tough player who plays every play. He's not the biggest guy on the court but doesn't have a problem competing with guys who may be a little bigger or a little faster. He is a competitor.
Here's hoping that Love has a place in the next administration-not because I like Obama or anything, but because it would be great to have a Dukie in the White House (who isn't Richard Nixon).
And remember, no matter who you support, don't forget to vote today. Because the first Tuesday after first Monday of November is the greatest reminder to us all that democracy, while not perfect, is pretty awesome.
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