Staff Reports
President Joe Biden has decided to roll out the red carpet for the Texas Rangers as they celebrate their 2023 World Series championship at the White House, but this event feels more like a swan song for Biden’s time in the sports spotlight. Scheduled for 4 p.m., this event marks the grand finale of the Biden administration’s interaction with Major League Baseball teams, with the 2024 champions likely getting a warm welcome from either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump. Who could have predicted this twist in the narrative?
Despite the Texas Rangers’ well-deserved victory, one can’t help but notice Biden’s true loyalties lie with the Philadelphia Phillies. Could this be the reason why the Rangers are getting their moment in the sun? After all, a baseball team with a better record in the National League East seems a tad more appealing to the president, who probably has more than a few Philly cheesesteaks scheduled for the season ahead. Nothing says “unity” like a divided roster of favorite teams from the get-go.
WATCH: President Joe Biden hosts the Texas Rangers at the White House on Thursday to recognize the 2023 World Series champions on winning their first title in the history of the franchise. https://t.co/7OMQfihgqK
— PBS News (@NewsHour) August 8, 2024
Meanwhile, 68-46 is not just a number; it’s a reminder of the Phillies’ strong performance. One can almost envision Biden, clad in his Phillies cap, gazing longingly at the team that best fits his fantasy of sports fandom while he awkwardly shakes hands with the Rangers’ players. How refreshing it must be for a president to engage with a team he actually likes—if only he could muster the same enthusiasm at the negotiating table with foreign leaders.
This visit could easily ignite a debate over sports and politics as the country watches. There’s an undercurrent here that suggests Team Biden’s sports diplomacy has done little to elevate the discourse compared to the fastball being thrown by team owners and sports fans across the country. As the White House plays host to baseball champs, one can’t help but wonder if all future team visits will come with a side of awkwardness as Biden juggles loyalties and sports metaphors.
All in all, the celebration of the Texas Rangers brings with it the realization that sports under this administration have turned into something resembling a peculiar political game of tag. One player goes out, another gets welcomed, and the true fanboys continue to lead the charge dubiously. As everyone gears up for the upcoming 2024 season, it can only be hoped that Biden continues to cast the same skeptical eye toward his favorite team, helping them realize that perhaps there’s more to winning than just a good record—much like in politics.
