Born to Bracket

Obama fans rejoice! With Japan struggling to manage one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters in recent memory and Libya still torn apart by destructive forces from both Moammar Gaddafi and the opposition rebel army, President Barack H. Obama has at least one reason to smile: He’s around 88 percent. While that metric may not be his approval rating—which lingers at a tepid 40 percent after a general downward trend—Obama’s NCAA March Madness tournament bracket currently ranks in the 87.8th percentile as of Saturday’s semifinals.

To some, the inclusion of analysis of a college basketball tournament on a presidential agenda may seem incongruous compared to the urgent international crises also on his docket. Certain caustic critics attack his ESPN appearance to present his bracket as insensitive and unconstructive, neglecting to mention that Obama utilized the television appearance to implore the public to help Japan relief efforts. To these skeptical, irritated evaluators, I ask: Would another press conference have been more effective? A brief television appearance does not detract from Obama’s commitment to his presidential duties, especially as the White House has been consistently active on reshaping plans on how to best address situations in Libya and Japan. Given the fact that the international crises have not gone untended, Obama deserves the right to pursue his leisurely pastimes—meaning the study, analysis, and successful construction of his bracket—without public revulsion.

Understandably, the main reason the critics express such outrage over Obama’s surprisingly successful bracket seems to be that it projects an image of disinterest and inactivity towards more critical matters. Even so, the United States has consistently provided support in numerous ways for nations in need such as Japan and Libya, revising the form of aid or best approach. In the ESPN segment which has come under attack, Obama opens the four-minute blurb with heartfelt plug for Japan. As a result, because of similar efforts, the United States has shown its tireless support in other ways, including sending  robots to Japan. With regard to Libya, Obama recently defended American-led military assault, citing it as a matter of “national interest.” Whether or not one agrees with his policies or approach, the fact that Obama has treated the international crises with fervent attention and care in accordance with his political and moral beliefs is undeniable.

True, public acceptance of Obama’s NCAA bracketing centers around a simple truth: Presidents are people, too. Before Obama expressed his ardent passion for college basketball by publically releasing a bracket for the third year in a row, presidential pastimes trace back to Nixon with his bowling and even George Washington and his love of brewing beer. It is absurd to think that he should place all frivolous activities on hold whenever a global crisis emerges. Denying Obama the chance to pursue to follow college basketball while students around the nation take several five-minute breaks to watch YouTube videos presents a ridiculous double standard. Granted, the delicate combination of diplomacy and military action required to mend relations in the Middle East does not compare to my Expos paper on Impressionist art, but Obama and I would both benefit from a break to recharge the brain.

So stop condemning Obama for being human in the least harmful way imaginable. In an age when the government seems so distanced from the American people—think back to the last time you spoke to your local representative—knowing that the commander in chief of the United States kindles a love for basketball is somewhat charming. If he can balance international affairs, wrestle with the economy, and still pick an alarmingly accurate first round, then play on, sir, play on.

Irene Y. Chen ’14, a Crimson editorial writer, lives in Wigglesworth Hall.