Obama Plays Poker - Thats Worth Some Votes!
I think what America needs right now is a more down to earth, poker-playing president, such as Barack Obama. A recent article was published by Associated press stating that “Obama was a regular at low stakes games — sometimes stud poker, sometimes draw — designed to break up the tedium of long legislative sessions”.
“It’s a fun way for people to relax and share stories and give each other a hard time over friendly competition,” Obama said by e-mail. “In Springfield, it was a way to get to know other senators — including Republicans.”
As a presidential candidate, Obama doesn’t accept political contributions from lobbyists or political action committees. But as a legislator, he took thousands of dollars from the groups represented by some of his poker buddies. AT&T in its various incarnations, for example, gave more than $13,000 over the years.
Still, Obama routinely voted against the communications giant’s interests. He opposed SBC Communications Inc. — as AT&T was then called — on a major initiative in 2003 that would have increased costs for the company’s competitors.
Obama usually broke even or came out ahead. Part of the reason he fared poorly in that final game was that he faced card players focused solely on beating him, Link said. Other players took risks they wouldn’t normally and called all his bluffs just to have a little fun with the new political superstar.
Obama took it in stride, but his opponents say he always hated to lose.
“He didn’t throw his cards or take a swing at anybody, but he wasn’t a happy person,” said Link, a Democrat from the Chicago suburbs. “He’s got that competitive spirit, no doubt about it.”
With the departure of Obama and others, the Springfield poker nights have dwindled to just the occasional game. But the players haven’t given up on the possibility of another game with Obama.
“I’m hoping that maybe one night we’ll have one in the White House,” Link said.
After all, wouldn’t you rather have a poker playing president, than an idiot that helped make it harder for you to play poker?
Full Article: Obama Brings Poker Traits to Candidacy
barack obama poker
