Lance Armstrong for TX governor? Just heard on This Week

[babylonsister]

he's considering a run. Anyone know what his political affiliation might be?

[movonne]

1. Dem, I think..

[Ezlivin]

2. OLN had a nice segment with Senator Kerry

A big bike fan (and of OLN), Kerry was his usual ebullient, intelligent self. When asked about Lance's political leanings, he responded by saying: "I hope he picks the right party."

We all do, John. We all do.

[liberaliraqvet26]

3. hes a Dem...

hangs out with Kerry alot.

[BrightKnight]

25. He might win - n/t

[longship]

4. Why?

Why do people think that qualifications for leading a state's government include that a person can ride a bicycle fast.

I suppost it's the same reason why people think that the qualifications include that a person is big and strong and can pretend that he's an android from the future.

I suppost it's the same reason why people think that the qualifications for President of the United States include that a person has never had a successful commercial venture, is a self-confessed alcoholic and drug-abuser, and cannot construct a cogent sentence.

Why don't we talk about minimum qualifications for these offices beyond that they are popular enough with the public to win an election?

[efhmc]

6. Your reply says it so much better than mine. Thanks.

[dutchdemocrat]

9. well

I think, personally, that a man as committed and as focussed as Lance would far better in a political position than a man like Bush, who floated through Yale and Harvard and had all the 'right' qualifications. If he can manage government anywhere neer his own self management, then what more does he need?

SNIP

When I arrive at the flat at the scheduled time, it is Sheryl Crow, his new pop-star girlfriend, who greets me at the door, very warm and welcoming. She comments favourably on the haircut, then Armstrong appears at the end of the hallway, smaller and slighter than he looked on the bike in Paris, big Texan smile, T-shirt, blue jeans, brown boots. A long, firm handshake and we go into the kitchen for coffee and curly little chocolate biscuits he says he got from a store down the street.

He lives, close to several of his US Postal Service team colleagues, in a first-floor, four-bedroom apartment at the heart of Girona's old town. Although a confirmed atheist, he takes me almost immediately to the tiny chapel, lovingly describes its features, and, above all, the 15th-century painting of the Crucifixion that takes pride of place.

A married man with three young children, he bought the flat as a wreck and, with the help of a young Texan architect, transformed it into a beautiful family home. Huge photos of his children cover the wall of the study, but the marriage to Kristin is over, so Armstrong's four-year-old son, Luke, and his two-year-old twin daughters, Grace and Isabelle, are in Texas. As he's showing off the 12th-century stonework in the tiny cloistered garden, he says this is where he used to play with them and he misses his children so much that it hurts.

Once we settle down to talk at a long wooden table, we are swapping stories about George W. Bush, his fellow Texan. We agree that our politics are different to Bush's, but that the President is smarter, funnier and more likeable than the caricature. Even Sheryl, whose politics Armstrong describes as "way out Left", says that it's hard to meet Bush and not like him. I had assumed, because he and Bush were Texans and I'd seen pictures of them laughing and joking in the Oval Office, that Armstrong was a Republican. But he says his politics are "middle to Left". He is "against mixing up State and Church, not keen on guns, pro women's right to choose". And very anti war in Iraq.

SNIP

http://www.lancearmstrongfanclub.com/uktimesonline.html

[stray cat]

10. Like W?

I'll give any respectable candidate a fair chance. A career in politics doesn't make someone a good leader neither does fame. I'll judge each candidate on their own merits and if we are lucky others will as well. However, it is clear that money, looks and name recognition all help as well was family pedigree.

[keith the dem]

11. It's not about the bike

I had a front row seat for much of the developing person that is Lance Armstrong. At the same time he has competed in the toughest of physical sport, he has started a cancer foundation that has raised millions, (not to mention the silicon wristband craze.)
I remember when Lance was only about Lance--the big Texas ego. Since then he has developed into an articulate, compassionate human being. His inspiration for the incredible achievement of 7 TDF's is his fellow cancer victims.
That said, I do hope he does not enter politics, we know how modern politics can chew up and neutralize even the finest people. I hope he remains a leader and advocate for those suffering from the ravages of cancer.

[efhmc]

5. PLEEEEEEESE NO!!!. Enough with the wrestlers and movie stars and

play boys. We need a real person who understands real people. Not someone who is famous and abandons his wife to go hollywood. I really do not respect this person but besides that he is UNQUALIFIED!!!

[ThJ]

17. Totally agree with you efhmc

What he did to his wife was nothing other than sh!tty and shows Lance still has an ego, despite the things he has done for cancer research, which is admirable, but he loses a lot of respect from me for abandoning the person who did not abandon him.

As far him actually running for governor, how credible is that? I know I've heard it bandied about, but is there any seriousness to the rumours?

[AuntieM1957]

7. don't know for certain

but if Sheryl Crow is still in the picture, I'm guessing he's leaning to the left.

[AuntieM1957]

8. Here's a thought

Kinky Friedman for governor, Lance Armstrong for Lt. Gov ( a powerful position in Texas government)

bumper sticker - Kinky/Lance

[NoPasaran]

14. Oh, a clown and a jock

Just what we don't need---more people who don't have a clue how to govern trying to run the state.

[AuntieM1957]

19. Do you think we have a prayer of having a decent governor next

we've had the Bush team for so long now - I've forgotten what a real guv and lt gov could be.

when Bob Bullock decided to "get along" with Bushie - I felt the coffin close.

we don't even have a good constitution - still living with the reconstruction era mess.

at least Texas politics are entertaining - not effective - but definitely entertaining.

[NoPasaran]

20. If the planets align themselves just right

I think we can elect Chris Bell.

[hobbit709]

28. From what I've seen

In the 30 odd years I've been in Texas-not having a clue seems to be a prerequisite. Remember Dolph Briscoe?

[crispini]

12. Good lord, why?

Would you promote someone to be CEO of a company before he'd learned one thing about the company? Before he'd even, say, gotten a business degree? Let him run for State Representative and learn some stuff first.

[babylonsister]

13. Hey, I'm just the messenger. I didn't suggest it was a good

or bad idea, though it's interesting to read other peoples' thoughts.

[Nomad559]

15. I don't think It will happen

Most people In this Country will NOT vote for an Atheist.

Lance Armstrong Is an Atheist.
http://www.celebatheists.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lance_Armstrong

:)

[wellstone dem]

16. But lots of politicians we like haven't done much

John Edwards was a lawyer, that was all he'd done before he ran for senate. Then he ran for president without even completing the term, and lots of us supported him.

Lance has also accomplished many things that may translate into helping him be a successful politician. I think what is difficult for people who are outside the traditional springboards to politics-business and law--is the campaign. Firt campaigns for folks who are just starting like Wes Clark or Patty Wetterling out of Minnesota can be very difficult.

I think Lance's career and life experience has given him many skills that would help him serve the public well. I'd like to hear his politics and his plans before saying whether I'd support him. But I'd certainly not deep six the nomination because he is an athlete. First because that's not all he brings to the table, and second because then we should deep six other candidates because they are just a lawyer, or as in the case of Paul Wellstone, just a teacher.

[crispini]

18. Law is a very useful training ground for political life, IMO.

The government is MADE of laws; the government is ABOUT laws. A lawyer, be that person civil or criminal, has had a ton of interaction with the government in one guise or another before he or she runs for office and is perhaps beginning to understand what is already there. Teaching, ditto.

I just feel like there is a system and a history already there and in order to be an effective legislator or governor that person should have a grounding in the past -- what's worked, what's hasn't, -- as well as the present -- what's working NOW and what is not working.

Lance may understand leadership and strategy but he's going to have to learn a LOT about the government. If he wants to run for something, let him show some humility and run for State Representative and LEARN something first. IMO, starting off with the governorship's a sign of hubris with all of these celebrity types -- they feel they've gotta start at the top because they're already famous. That attitude gets no respect from me. What's the zen proverb -- you've got to know how much you don't know before you can learn anything? (paraphrase, of course).

[lastliberalintexas]

26. That's a pretty common misperception

The actual practice of law (ie, advocacy for one particular client) vs. the creation and implementation of laws (ie, public policy as a whole) are wholly different careers. While being an attorney may help one understand the language of governance better than, say, a medical provider, it is certainly no guarantee of political acumen. I've worked both sides of that bar, so I know a little of what I speak. Attorneys are not the intellectual giants they're made out to be- they just have a good marketing department. :)

Having said that, in these days of rule by party committee, almost anyone could go into politics and actually have a fairly respectable career since they are usually only talking heads spitting out the latest talking points. There are a few exceptions to that, such as Sanders and Paul (though I disagree vehemently with the latter). Though I certainly agree with you that it is often much better to start out with a "smaller" office such as county commissioner, state rep or state senator, even if only to prove your sincerity to the public.

[crispini]

27. Well, but wouldn't you agree that

at least understanding some of the basic language in which laws are created would help? I mean, although I am not a lawyer (and am therefore talking outta my ass) it's my understanding that "law" is sort of a language in and of itself and that a legislator who is also a lawyer has a sort of head start on actually reading and understanding the laws they're working on.

[bluestateguy]

21. He might be the only Texas Democrat who could win

though I am not even certain that he is a Democrat. If he's a tTexas Republican, he may be to liberal for the wackjobs who run the state party.

[PDittie]

22. No, he's not....

*sigh*

http://www.chrisbell.com

[bluestateguy]

23. Who?

Oh, yeah him.

Maybe he'll outpoll Gary Mauro's performance of 1998. Then again, he had actually been elected to statewide office before.

[PDittie]

24. Dude.

Don't be a jackass.