Tilting at Lance Every once in a while, someone of outstanding prominence in his or her chosen field will unwisely branch out and endeavor to do other things. Whether that person is pushed into this by the persistence of others or by some personal inner conflict, it usually doesn't work out too well. Remember when Patrick Swayze attempted pop music? How about Michael Jordan picking up baseball, or Mario Cuomo in his turn as a radio personality? That said, cyclist Lance Armstrong deserves a round of applause for what he has just accomplished, and not just in France. After weeks of teasing and temptation, the world's best thing on two wheels has decided against starting a career in politics. To be sure, he would have been a natural, a regular Roy Hobbs. He's got the looks, and he's obviously in shape for a run at public office. There's no doubt Armstrong will always put in the prerequisite effort, no matter what the next venture might be. He's got great name-recognition, and has already met everybody out there, so the fund-raising part would be a piece of cake. In short, Lance is a great story - a born winner, able to defeat even cancer. But is he any more qualified for a high-ranking leadership position than, say, Arnold Schwarzenegger? One needs much, much more than a solid physique and a marquee name to succeed in leading millions of people to the promised land. On the other hand, this is America, where actors and professional wrestlers wind up with black ties and bodyguards all the time. No matter where you go, the people would be much better served by politicians with a better view of the mainstream's lot in life. A world-class athlete, especially such an indefatigable one, enjoys a somewhat insulated existence. Lance might bristle at that, too, but it's so. And we already have plenty of people in power who are disconnected from reality. I'm not saying the guy would coast on the job, just that he'd be learning on it. Lance is probably like anyone else. He has his opinions and ideas about the way things ought to be. With that miles-wide competitive streak, he would no doubt take issue with anyone questioning his credentials, and good for him. He's an amazing human being, and if he were to run in any election, he would most likely emerge victorious. It's the story of his life. He still wouldn't be qualified for the job. He seems to understand this. Even as he prepared to go mountain biking with George W. Bush on the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas, Armstrong wanted to spike the political-aspirations story as quickly as possible. "The biggest problem with politics or running for the governor ... here in Austin or in Texas is that it would mimic exactly what I've done: a ton of stress and a ton of time away from my kids," he told reporters. "Why would I want to go from pro cycling, which is stressful and a lot of time away, straight into politics?" It would be no mystery if he were to do so. The answer would be obvious. It's that fire in his belly, that hunger for victory that athletes never lose. So what about his post-Tour de France statement to Outside magazine, indicating an upcoming ride through the Pyrenees of politics, presumably as a Republican candidate? He now says that was "more or less a joke." So at least he understands the nature of the game. After spending the front end of his life being an inspiration for us all, he has chosen the right path, as he always does. He probably pondered the question a little more carefully, and must have noticed all the bugs that went skittering out every time he turned over a Tom DeLay. He might enjoy rock-hopping with the Commander in Chief and several dozen Secret Service members, but he realized that job isn't for him. By deciding to spare himself and his family the rigors of contemporary campaigning (and potentially governing), Lance Armstrong wins again, and continues to make us all proud of him. Paul Heller 8/15/05 << back to the archives
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