One of the bits of "conventional wisdom" the desperate Republicans have tried to float this year is that Barack Obama, an African-American raised by a single mother who occasionally needed food stamps, is somehow an elitist - while John McCain, scion of a long line of Navy Admirals whose daddy's rank continually got him out of trouble at his elite private school and the Naval Academy, is not.

So... when Rick Reilly, ESPN columnist, contacted both candidates asking them to be his copilot for a week of fantasy football, who do you think responded? The "elitist" Barack Obama, or "John the Senator"?

That's right... the elitist. And it turns out that like regular American Joes (including Joes the Plumber who actually follow the rules and get plumbing licenses), Barack knows a thing or two about football.

He is taller, grayer and quicker to laugh than I expected. Moves sort of like an athlete—cool and smooth. "Now, you're the expert," he began. "And I'll gladly be the junior partner in this, but I really think we should take Drew Brees. He could have a big week. Oakland's secondary is a wreck."

Ohhhh, so that's how it's going to be. "Well, I like Carson Palmer," I said. "He's due for a big week, plus he plays in Ohio and I figure that's a state you need, so …"

He looked at me like I'd stuck my elbow in his soup. "Man, this is more important than politics!" he insisted. "This is football!"

And what regular Joe hasn't done this from time to time?

Of course, he already knew. Because, like so many Americans, he was checking the fantasy stats all day, even while he was supposed to be prepping for his final debate. He e-mailed to say he wished he had followed my advice on Berrian (who smoked Marshall), but he was "pumped up" about our numbers. And he congratulated the newlyweds.

Can we please put this "elitist" meme to bed? The man can sink a jumpshot, watches SportsCenter every night before hitting the hay, and checks his fantasy football team while preparing for a debate on national television. That, I think, makes up for his liking arugula in his salad.

(While we're on the subject, when did iceberg lettuce - which pound for pound has the least nutritional and taste value of virtually any leafy green - become the "regular guy" lettuce, while things like arugula, spinach greens, and spring mixes are for the hoity-toity types? Seriously... can't a man get a decent-tasting vegetable without being tagged as a snob?)

Labels: Barack Obama, Fantasy Football, Politics