The Pittsburgh Steelers Owner Backs "Underdog" Obama in the Pennsylvania Primary
Even amid the "bitter" controversy over remarks that have the potential to alienate some Pennsylvania voters, Sen. Barack Obama may still be able to attract the support of one important Pennsylvania demographic—Pittsburgh Steelers fans—thanks to an endorsement made yesterday from Steelers owner and chairman Dan Rooney.
Rooney, who planned to remain politically neutral, endorsed Obama Monday and appeared alongside the Illinois senator at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. "I think it came as a surprise to most political pundits in Pennsylvania," said Gerald Shuster, a professor of political communication and presidential rhetoric at the University of Pittsburgh who said the Rooneys traditionally stay away from political endorsements but usually finance campaigns on both sides of the aisle.
Though Rooney's endorsement might not directly translate to votes from those who call the Pittsburgh Steelers their favorite National Football League team, it certainly doesn't hurt to have the support of the owner of Pittsburgh's most prominent sports franchise. Many Pittsburghers and western Pennsylvanians are obsessed with the Steelers, who last won the Super Bowl in 2006.
And this endorsement could offset those from Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, who both pledged their support for Hillary Clinton when she visited Pittsburgh for its St. Patrick's Day parade. "I think [Rooney] represents a certain element of the city of Pittsburgh—people who are a bit more conservative, strangely enough," Shuster said.
In addition to offering vocal support for the candidate, Rooney also penned a letter to his fellow Pennsylvanians making a case for Obama. "True sports fans know that you support your team even when they are the underdogs," Rooney wrote. "Barack Obama is an underdog here but it is with great pride that I join his team."
—Nikki Schwab
Tags: presidential election 2008 | Barack Obama | football | Pennsylvania
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Reader Comments
Looney Endorsement
Politics and sports do not mix. The Steelers turned off a lot of loyal fans with this stupid move. Then again, the pressure had to be unreal. Consider that the Steelers play in Heinz field.. as in Teresa HEINZ ketchup Kerry. I'm sure the DNC, which needs PA pressured this endorsement. Shame on the Looney Rooneys for this rediculous move though. I'm no longer a fan.
GO SKINS!
Dan Rooney and Barack Hussein Obama
I am speachless...
I've paid hundreds of dollars for tickets in the past and traveled to remote citys to support the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even my family dog wears (wore) the apparel.
No longer will I support the Pittsburgh Steelers financially or emotionally.
I feel like I've lost my best friend.
Steelers--Fan Base won't go for it even at point of gun
I too am a fan. Love the Steelers. What is it they say, "don't hate the player, hate the game"? Well, Ben and the boys are still the epitome of a great team to me, but the ownership, well, let's just say the gear is going away. That's right Dan, you lost another fan today who will never return due to this buy-off and publicity stunt. Football has no place in politics, and politics would do best to stay away from football. This is no different than seeing all these movies and listening to all the 'artists' over the years only to see them come out with their radical and anti-American feelings. Once I know you are on the "other side" you are gone from my eyes, ears, home and wallet. I am saddened but serious. Real serious.
This franchise has ALWAYS epitomized class. No longer. Rooney, you undid in a moment what I have idolized for 30+ years, a class franchise who doesn't play the games like the others do. They don't bring in or keep "problem children". They don't pay outrageous sums to "prima donnas". They haven't changed much of their look or even their onfield strategy and philosophy since it brought them success under Chuck Knoll. But it's over--here and now. You will forever stand on "that side" and I will stand here, on the side of what is right.
Good day Sir and good luck. Wait. No luck to you.
P.S.-I and others will "vote" with my pocket book, "vote" with the remote and "vote" with my voice against you and your team. How does it feel to endorse the same candidate as Hamas? The same candidate as Ayers? Don't answer, because I no longer care!
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