What America's politicians could learn from American sports

I've written about foreign policy issues a lot over the past few days. I think it's time for something a little lighter. So, with the start of the 2014 NFL less than a month away, I thought I'd pose a few thoughts on how our politicians could learn from America's top four sports!

Football

As the NFL season begins, politicians should take note of the strategy that underpins the most successful teams. They should, for example, bear focus to the unified defensive power of Pittsburgh (creating a sane, steady message base - no more Akins...) and the forensic creativity of New England (pursuing a reliable, successful brand built upon intelligent policies).

Baseball

As the Red Sox continue their ordained drive towards October glory, politicians (especially on the GOP side regarding infighting) could watch and learn the importance of team dynamics - individuals acting in concert to man bases and score runs. Watching more MLB would also teach the art of patience - sculpting a foundation for success over the long term, rather than risking a collapse born of short term emotion. Finally, A-Rod could teach some lessons on the risks of an unchecked ego.

Hockey

Here, political leaders could learn a lot from the application of focused power in pursuit of fixed objectives. On this point, just as Speaker Boehner must grapple with a tense and divided base (see Obamacare), the President must also reevaluate his position on the national debt. A task that will require standing firm against the Democratic left (who oppose compromise with Republicans).

Basketball

Via the proxy of basketball, party leaders and primary supporters alike could learn an important lesson - the importance of asserting the most impressive politicians at the center of their party brand. Just as Miami have flourished by pivoting LeBron James at the core of their game plan, party supporters must also realize that narrow populists (Ted Cruz, Rand Paul etc.) carry limited long term viability - they're the political equivalent of Dennis Rodman - fun to watch, but inconceivable as potential coaches.

Just a few thoughts!