NOT that I'm a soccer fan

All of those that know me, know that I am NOT a soccer fan.  I don't think it should be played in the American school system, I don't think it should be taught to American school children, I don't think U.S. tax dollars should be spent on it.  Blah blah blah.

But I am a huge Bill Clinton fan.

And I just read on Yahoo that Bill Clinton made a cameo appearance in the locker room after today's Team USA defeat of Algeria.  How cool was that?!? Oh, my breath was taken away.

The players knew the 1-0 victory was big, but the enormity hit home when – out of nowhere – Clinton just sort of walked in. He appeared more in awe of the players than the players of him.

Clinton wound up just hanging out for 45 minutes; some think he would’ve stayed hours longer if, you know, the guys didn’t have to actually get dressed.

This was no politician photo op. He was chatting up the players like the most excitable USA fan on the planet, a group whose numbers are growing by the moment in what may prove to be an historic run.

Somewhere in the middle Clinton cleared his throat and gave a brief speech. The room finally went silent; everyone crowded around.

He thanked them. He praised them. Then, according to the players and officials, he delivered signature lines.

“As someone who cares about our country,” he said, “you made me proud to be an American.”
“Surreal,” Jonathan Bronstein said with a shake of his head. “Just surreal. The former President is telling us we made him proud to be American?”

I notice the article does mention that the number of U.S. fans for soccer is growing.  Hmm, maybe there's hope for me yet.  But not at this moment.


Bill Clinton - oh, for the good ol' days.