11/05/24
December 11, 2004
Swann tests gubernatorial waters: Former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver, NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP, Lynn Swann is floating the idea of running for governor of Pennsylvania in 2006. Without any political experience will his plans fly, or will they sink?
You know, much as I disagree with his politics, at least Arnold was involved with the Republican party here for almost 20 years before running for office. What has Swann done besides play the comic relief on NFL telecasts since his reitrement?
posted by billsaysthis at 09:57 PM on December 11, 2004
It's one thing to catch a football in front of 50,000 fans. It's quite another to make the big decisions that affect almost 13 million people.
posted by roberts at 06:39 AM on December 12, 2004
Flat out ridiculous. Though I'm not sure what kind of credentials are best for running for office, I am pretty sure that being a celebrity isn't one of them - despite their success rate.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:54 AM on December 12, 2004
The last time I heard--running for political office was a privilege for any U.S. citizen. It is not just for those "career" politicians. No one is born a politician even though some would have you think they are. Isn't this a great country!
posted by chjr at 06:20 PM on December 12, 2004
Here's what scares me -- have you heard Lynn Swann do commentary on a game? He makes Dubya sound like The Bard. This guy, while a great player, doesn't exactly strike me as the fellow I'd want making executive decisions.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:21 PM on December 12, 2004
chjr, no one's suggesting he doesn't have the right to run, just that he hasn't done anything to show he's capable of doing a good job at it. Even Arnold was a successful real estate developer and investor and been chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness among other public policy efforts.
posted by billsaysthis at 09:58 PM on December 12, 2004
Now that everyone else has had a chance to chime in, I will say what was on my mind when I read the article. It should be embarassing to the Republican party (and those who vote that way) when someone like John Brabender says:
"I don't think his lack of political experience is a killer.... During a race for governor, issues are a little bit secondary. A candidate's likability and leadership ability are primary. Lynn Swann is articulate and likeable and comes across as a great advocate for Pennsylvania."But it certainly explains Bush and his 2 terms.
posted by scully at 08:58 AM on December 14, 2004
It's sad that we have a political culture that allows someone to offset a complete lack of public service experience with sports acheivement. It's scary that he might actually have a chance at winning. This isn't school board he's running for, it's to head the fifth biggest state of the Union!