Retired UNC-Chapel Hill men's basketball coach Dean Smith, who once coached Nike Jesus Michael Jordan, has spent a huge part of his life looking up to black guys. Thus, it makes perfect sense that he's come out in support of Barack Obama's bid for POTUS.
There is a point in every contest when sitting on the sidelines is not an option. That is why Linnea and I are writing to urge you to join Barack Obama’s campaign for President. There are pivotal moments in history when the right decision by a nation can change its course for the better — opening up new paths before us and providing future generations with opportunities that we had not thought possible. This coming election provides one of those moments. Linnea and I believe Barack Obama is the right leader at this critical juncture.
Such a legend is Smith that some NC natives are saying his endorsement is the final push Obama needed to get over the top in the state on November 4.
Read Smith's full statement here.
Editorial Director
Where is Michael Jordan's endorsement? Oh yeah, Republicans buy sneakers, too….
Personally, I hate Dean Smith (I went to Duke. Its a religious hatred). But the man is a true legend, and not just on the court. During the civil rights era, he participated in a sit in at a Woolworth's to protest segregation. I hope this helps Barack in my state, but Deano has been a Dem since time immemorial, and we haven't voted Blue in my lifetime. So we'll see.
Also, Barack did a basketball workout with the current UNC coach Roy Williams and his players during the Democratic primary here. Doesn't mean he necessarily endorses Obama, but still … The Research Triangle area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill-Cary) will go strongly for Obama, as probably will the Triad (Greensboro-High Point-Winston-Salem) and the Charlotte metropolitan area. His problem will be rural NC - if he can get Andy Griffith to endorse him though (seriously - even in his 80s, Andy has clout), he might be able to do OK enough to beat McCain here.