Neo-Wizard Backs Ex-Knick
Michael Jordan is bullish on Bill Bradley, and hopes his wizardry on the basketball court can translate into a successful campaign ad endorsing the former New York Knick.
The new Jordan ad will air Friday in states voting in the critical March 7 batch of primaries, said Kristen Ludecke, Bradley's spokeswoman. It was unclear exactly which states would see the ads, though it's widely assumed that Bradley must succeed in New York and California to remain viable.
In the ad, the six-time world champion looks directly into the camera and endorses Bradley. The endorsement makes the first time Jordan, a frequent star of TV commercials, has entered the political arena.
"He declares his support for Bradley based on his commitment to health care for children, curbing gun violence and other issues," Ludecke said. "Michael Jordan is one of the most well-known figures in the country and the world. He will help amplify Bill Bradley's message."
The former New Jersey senator has already won the endorsements of many other former top players. Bill Russell, the retired all-star Boston Celtic, made ads for Bradley that aired in Iowa and New Hampshire, urging voters to get to the polls.
But no player, current or former, enjoys the popularity of Jordan.
Bradley's rival, Al Gore, has won his own endorsement from the family: Jordan's mother, Deloris Johnson, backed the Vice President.
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