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
Rooney-Obama Endorsement
I think Rooney's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama is timely and sublime.
"Support is genuine when it is timely and sublime".
Dan Rooney's Endorement of Senator Barack Obama
Since I have spent most of my life in the Orlando, FL area, I follow all three Florida NFL teams. Since my wife is from New Orleans, I also follow the Saints. However, I lived in New Castle and worked in Pittsburgh from 1974 to 1977 during their first two Super Bowl victories. I became then and remain now a Steeler fan(atic).
Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting him, I remember Art Rooney fondly. From everything I have read about Dan since the 1970's, he seems to be every bit the exemplary team owner his father was.
While I do not base my voting decisions upon endorsements alone, I do consider them from people I respect and factor them into my final decision. Thanks, Dan and thanks, USN&WR.
Rooney Endorsement
This Rooney has killed the 37 year old, hardened support of this rabid Steelers fan. Sports should stay out of politics and for some reason this child of the Rooney's jumped out in such an unnecessary fashion; leaves me stunned. What an idiotic move. I can no longer support his team in any way now and will be burning all my long time collectables in effigy. Arthur and the rest of the Rooney's gone by must be rolling over in their graves.
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