PastaJoe Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 The Philadelphia Flyers decision to invite self-described hockey mom Sarah Palin to drop the ceremonial first puck at the team's home opener on Saturday night is prompting head-scratching in the worlds of sports and politics. For Republicans, who are clinging to diminishing hopes that Palin and her running mate, John McCain, can carry Pennsylvania, a less-than-warm welcome from the notoriously unruly Philly fans could be embarrassing to the GOP ticket. A cascade of boos for Palin might also prove to be a PR nightmare for the Flyers, reinforcing yet again Philly fans reputation for boorishness, and focusing unwanted attention on the motives of the teams managing partner, big GOP donor Ed Snider. "I don't think it is a good idea to mix politics and sports. Half the fans will disagree with what you say or do", said Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals, a conference rival of the Flyers. Leonsis, who in the primary gave maximum contributions to both Palin's running mate and his Democratic rival Barack Obama, said if he invited a candidate in a looming election to appear at a Caps-related event, I would be sure to give both sides equal time. And he added, "I am surprised that the candidate would go on the ice in Philly". Philly fans threw snowballs at Santa Claus and booed Beyonce because she was wearing a Michael Jordan dress. This is dangerous territory. (Flyer owner Ed) Snider and his wife have given nearly $90,000 to federal candidates and causes, mostly Republican, including $25,000 to McCain's joint fundraising committee. But Saturday's puck-drop is not political, according to Flyers officials, who issued a statement in which Snider explained, "because of the tremendous amount of publicity she has brought to our sport, we invited the most popular hockey mom in North America to our home opener to help us get our season started." Ike Richman, a spokesman for Comcast-Spectacor, would not say whether the Flyers planned to invite Obama or his running mate Joe Biden, who represents nearby Delaware (a hotbed of Flyer fandom), to similar events. But he said Palin's appearance "does not mean that we support or do not support their political views. This is all about hockey." Sure. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14462.html Read another story of a hockey mom who countered Palin by making and selling "Hockey mama for Obama" bumper stickers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steely Dan Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I can't imagine too many Republicans being happy about this after they see what the Secret Service will put them through to get in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wacka Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 I hope she skates out instead of walking on mats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PastaJoe Posted October 12, 2008 Author Share Posted October 12, 2008 No suprise, Palin faced a chorus of boos throughout the ceremony. They played music the whole time to try and cover it without success. I like the Obama/Biden sign in the backround. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7TgDanmWkg&eurl= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drnykterstein Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 No suprise, Palin faced a chorus of boos throughout the ceremony. They played music the whole time to try and cover it without success. I like the Obama/Biden sign in the backround. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7TgDanmWkg&eurl= I was wondering. That is great. As I've said before... she deserves every bit of this. Even if all she really did was say yes to a job she is not ready (or able?) to handle. It's kind of, an important job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olivier in france Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 Who are the woman with the "hockey mom" Flyers shirt and the little girl? I'm sorry they had to endure that! They even showed that on french TV to show how Palin looks now more like a problem than a solution for the McCain team... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swede316 Posted October 13, 2008 Share Posted October 13, 2008 I was wondering. That is great. As I've said before... she deserves every bit of this. Ha! Remember, the Philly fans booed Santa Claus too...Santa Bad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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