Cool it, Cubbie Diehards. Senator Obama's comments were fun and harmless.

In this election year, the most controversial comment from either presidential campaign has not been about policies or politics. No, the comment that has garnered the most attention was about the Chicago Cubs. Forget about health care, the war in Iraq, or the economy. In the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the Cubs are more important.

Who would have thought so much anger would be generated from Senator Barack Obama's appearance on "SportsCenter". Obama, a big White Sox fan, had a little fun with the Chicago rivalry. When asked by Stuart Scott who he would root for in a World Series between the two Windy City teams, Obama did not hesitate. The White Sox, he said, no doubt about it. And then he said the following:

"You go to Wrigley Field, you have a beer...there are beautiful people out there, people aren't watching the game. That's not serious. White Sox, that's baseball...South Side."

Oh no he didn't!!! Attacking the Cubs is un-American. How could he do such a vile thing?

Please. Have we all lost our sense of humor? Cubs fans everywhere are outraged, reacting as if Obama committed a heinous crime. Even Rick Telander, an acclaimed sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, wrote a ridiculous column yesterday in which he argued that this could cost Barack Obama the election. Are you kidding me? Does Telander also believe that all politicians who are Red Sox fans would lose the election because no Yankee fans would vote for that candidate? Does he believe that all Jets fans would not cast their vote for a candidate that likes the Giants? Senator Barack Obama is a White Sox fan. He made these comments with a smile on his face. Of course Cubs fans care about baseball. They are one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. Cubs fans live and die with their team. Senator Obama knows this. But he is a member of White Sox Nation. For every diehard Cubs fan who is irate at Obama, there is a White Sox fan who wants to high-five Obama right now. Part of the fun of sports is the heated rivalries. Regardless of your politics, we should all be applauding Senator Obama's passion for Ozzie Guillen and company. Yes, that includes you too, incensed Cubs fan.


Keep on rooting on your Sox, Senator. Never be afraid to have some fun at the expense of your rival. That is what sports is all about.