LeBron James to the Bulls? Obama Hopes So
If only the presidential power of "recess appointment" extended to professional basketball, there'd be no doubt that NBA star LeBron James would be playing for President Obama's hometown team next season.
"The president believes he would look quite good in a Bulls uniform," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said of Mr. Obama's hope that James chooses to sign with Chicago.
A two-time MVP with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James is scheduled to announce tomorrow evening which team he wants to play for - a choice available only to free agents like himself.
The White House expressed its view on James in response to a question put to spokesman Gibbs at his daily press briefing today.
"Hope it doesn't lead to an NBA tampering charge," said Gibbs with tongue-in-cheek.
But by taking the side of his hometown Bulls, isn't the president worried he'll put off fans in the other cities that are desperately seeking James' services?
Gibbs made it clear that Mr. Obama won't abandon his Bulls just to avoid rubbing supporters of other teams the wrong way.
Two weeks ago, said the spokesman, the president went to a Washington Nationals game wearing a Chicago White Sox cap because "that's the team he roots for."
Gibbs made it clear Mr. Obama wouldn't sell out the Sox and won't abandon the Bulls either.
Gibbs was asked in jest if the White House Counsel was studying if Mr. Obama could influence LeBron James' choice with a "recess appointment" like the one used for Dr. Donald Berwick to oversee Medicare and Medicaid.
"Wouldn't that be something," Gibbs replied.
