PRESIDENTIAL FANTASY LEAGUE: WEEK TWENTY-THREE SCORES

by Max Klinger

Where the avenues of sports and politics meet, there is a mailbox where we deposit a weekly letter; a mailbox called the Presidential Fantasy League (see every PFL ever right here).

We've passed the one-month-to-go barrier and athletes are hopping onto the political scene like ants on a piece of candy. It's gotten so bad (or good; maybe we should say "good") that Browns' coach Romeo Crennel told his players to keep politics out of the locker room. And it's not just athletes talking politics, it's politicians talking athletics. From hockey to NASCAR the campaigns are bringing their stump speeches to the fans' front door. Let's take a look at the week in politics and sport.

TEAM OBAMA: "Where I come from, nothing's more fundamental than a job." —B.O.

CLEVELAND, OHIO: +20
LeBron James and Willie McGinest speak at an Obama rally. Both stress their willingness to vote for the first time.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: +10
Tyson Chandler says he's not a political guy, but can't help himself when he hears Obama is speaking next to their practice facility.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: +10
Obama says since the White Sox are out of it, he's going to root for the Phillies (at least until he starts stumping in Tampa).

CAROLINA BLUE STATE: +10
Dean Smith endorses Obama. Even if his letter only influences former members of his coaching staff to vote, that's most people who professionally coach basketball currently.

SCORE THIS WEEK: +50

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TEAM McCAIN: "We're a couple points down nationally, but we're right in this game." —J.M.

STRONGVILLE, OHIO: +20
Amid a barrage of teenage girls, Brady Quinn endorses McCain at a local rec center. Joe Thomas nods silently in agreement.

CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA: +10
Cindy "Where's your pink slip?" McCain is the grand marshal at the NASCAR Bank of America 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: +10
Palin drops the ceremonial puck at the Flyers first game of the season at Wachovia Center (name change coming). See (and listen) to the video yourself to judge what kind of reception the self-proclaimed "hockey mom" got in this swing state.

SCORE THIS WEEK: +40

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TOTAL SCORES AFTER 23 WEEKS:
1. Team Obama: 795
2. Team McCain: 680

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Got an issue with the way we're sizing up the candidates? Something we missed? Got an idea for the rules? Send us your thoughts: editor.espnmag@gmail.com

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