Politicians aren’t just average sports fans
They may face criticism, ridicule when celebrating the Raptors’ victory
OTTAWA— After the Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series in 1992, Bob Rae was booed by thousands of rowdy fans during the team’s championship celebration. So when the Jays clinched the title again the following year, Ontario’s NDP premier went back with a plan.
“I was reflecting on what to do, because I’d been invited by the team to come, like all the politicians,” Rae said. “I have a very good friend ... He says, ‘Get your kids to make a sign.’ ”
Rae brought it with him to the SkyDome that October day in 1993, and when the time came for him to stand and wave as an attending dignitary, he heard those boos bubbling up from the crowd. Then he held up the sign and the boos morphed into hoots and hollers of approval.
The sign read: “No speech today. Hooray for the Jays.”
The country is once again gripped in the collective exuberance of a momentous victory. The Toronto Raptors won the NBA championship for the first time in franchise history Thursday night.
During the playoffs, politicians have made shows of support for the Raptors. Some have worn jerseys on Parliament Hill, while Mayor John Tory can’t seem to take off his gold and black Raptor claw blazer.
Even more climbed aboard the bandwagon online. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer have posted photos of themselves watching games with their families. After Thursday’s win, dozens of MPs posted messages of congratulations.
But while many would expect their political leaders to champion the champions in the public arena, there’s also a risk that they open themselves up to ridicule or criticism that they’re trying to latch onto the euphoria for their own gain.
“It’s littered with foolishness and embarrassment,” said Moshe Lander, a professor at Concordia University. “They want to be of the people, with the people, and the fact is they’re just not.”
Mélanie Richer, the federal NDP’s director of communications, said there are risks when sending a party leader to a sporting event or celebration. But NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh plans to watch Monday’s parade after receiving an invitation from the team. Premier Doug Ford told Citytv he wants to join the celebration, and Scheer also plans to watch the parade.