by Bob Larock

Created on: October 24, 2008

The psychological reasons for America's love of the underdog are beyond the scope of this political post. If you've made up your mind to vote for Sen. Obama then you may want to skip this post. If Sen. McCain is your choice, then you might enjoy this piece.

Some instances, by all means not a comprehensive list, of examples where Americans displayed their love of the underdog:

1. The American revolution: where the less organized patriots defeated the British forces to gain independence for the thirteen colonies.
2. Afghanistan defeated the USSR's army in the 1980's.
3. U.S. President Harry Truman in the 1948 presidential election.
4. Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura's election in 1998.
5. Super Bowl III; NY Jets, Joe Namath defeat the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.
6. 1964: Mohammad Ali defeats Sonny Liston.
7. In 1980, the United States hockey team consisting of amateurs and college players defeated the Olympic hockey superpower, the Soviet Union. The amazing upset was called the "Miracle on Ice".
8. Super Bowl XXXII: 1998 wild card Denver Broncos beat Greenbay Packers.
9. 2004: Boston Red Sox defeat NY Yankees for baseball's World Series.
10. Well, you get the idea.

In an Oct., 16th interview with CBS' news reporter, Maggie Rodriquez, Michelle Obama claimed that her husband Sen. Obama was still the underdog. Inspite of the fact that the night before, CNN had done away with the need for the Nov. 4th election at all, by declaring the polls closed , and proclaiming Obama the victor and new president of the United States. His lead in every poll is expanding, it's projected that he'll win by a record landslide, and still she wants the designation of underdog? It should not be a surprise since being the underdog invokes America's desire to see the underdog win.

I have a hard time seeing Sen. Obama as the underdog: His popularity and meteoric climb to front runner position was launched by TV's billionaire diva, Oprah, on CNN's Larry King Live (May 1st, 2007). Just like Dr. Phil, who got his own TV show, and any author honored by Oprah, success is all but assured. The financial support of 3 of Chicago's wealthiest women, aside from Oprah, easily enabled his campaign to attract additional support (reminds me of the NY Yankees and George Steinbrenner). He has the sleek and smooth gift of gab that personified in the presidency of Slick Willie Clinton. Questions of associations with Dark clouds like Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, and Chicago characters of less than moral credentials,

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