NEWSDAY reports this week on a rather ironic Magic Johnson radio ad for Hillary Clinton (interesting to note that he’s endorsing Clinton over Barack Obama, for obvious reasons).
Ad copy: “This is Magic Johnson. On the court and in life, successful leadership comes from hard work and experience. That’s why I’m endorsing Hillary Clinton for President. We have great candidates this year, but I believe only Hillary is a proven leader, with 35 years’ experience dealing with challenges facing America.”
“My rookie year, we won our first game on a last second shot. I was so hyped. But the captain of my team said, ‘take it easy rookie, it’s a long season, it’s a long road to the championship.’ He was right. Winning comes from years of hard work and preparation. Whether it’s winning championships or a President who can lead us back to greatness, I’ll always want the most prepared and experienced person leading my team. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in voting for Hillary Clinton for President.”
There’s just one glaring problem with Johnson’s argument for Clinton - as he compares it to his professional career. The ad is obviously an attempt to take a shot at Obama’s lack of experience in relation to Clinton’s venerable political career. But the example Johnson cites about his basketball career has him winning the championship in his rookie season (which he did, in 1980). It didn’t take him “years of hard work and preparation” to get his first ring. He was a fresh-faced rookie (much like Obama) when the Lakers beat the 76ers in the NBA Finals in 1980.
Oops.
