This was from the USO opening, sent to us by an MP, who claims the General quadruple bogeyed the hole. It happens.

We're not going to get too much into politics here, swear, but honestly, has a guy ever looked more sick of being President than Bush does? Ordinarily, when the President throws out the first pitch on Opening Day, he'll pop by the booth to chat with the broadcasters for half an inning before being shuffled off to handle, you know, matters of the national interest. Bush talked to Jon Miller and Joe Morgan for an inning-and-a-half last night. And he didn't look like he was in any particular hurry to leave after that either.

It kind of creeped us out, actually, that Dubya was so well-versed in the world of baseball; he even knew that Jeff Francoeur had been hit in the face with a pitch in spring training. As cool as we might think it is for our President to love the great game so much, we're still not sure we feel comfortable with the commander-in-chief having that much free time.

The saddest part, really, was when Miller asked President Bush about steroids. The Prez sighed deeply. He knew this question was coming, but dammit, why does everyone have to be so negative all the time? I'm at the ballgame, people. Leave me be. President Bush didn't want to talk about policy, or being President; he wanted to talk about baseball. This makes him a pretty cool guy ... and it makes us extremely happy we only have 10 months until he's no longer President.

We thought we'd take a moment and find some prominent sports figures who contributed money to each of the major candidates. This is unscientific, but just what we could dig up. So ... for fun ...

REPUBLICANS

• Rudy Giuliani: George Steinbrenner, Brian France, Jeff Gordon, Kiki Van De Weghe, John Elway, Alex Rodriguez, Fran Tarkenton.
• John McCain: Roger Goodell, Jerry Reinsdorf, Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft, George Bodenheimer, Lute Olson.
• Ron Paul: Wrestling "superstar" Kane.
• Mitt Romney: Robert Kraft, Vin Scully.
• Fred Thompson: Peyton Manning.

DEMOCRATS

• Hillary Clinton: David Stern, Bob Bowman, Rodney Peete, Maloof Brothers, James Dolan, Jeffrey Lurie.
• Chris Dodd: Bud Selig, Dick Ebersol, Robert DuPuy, George Bodenheimer, Jim Calhoun.
• John Edwards: Scott Boras.
• Barack Obama: Juanita Jordan, Jerry Reinsdorf, John Papenek, Desmond Howard, Scoop Jackson, Billy King, Stephon Marbury, Emmitt Smith, Phil Jackson.

We will certainly enjoy this more than we will the Orange Bowl tonight.

(Thanks to Rick Chandler for his help with this.)

We felt that we had to involve ourselves somehow, bring a little bit of the sports world to the laborious process of choosing the leader of the free world. So today, we bring back Deadspin's Guide To The Candidates, a series of interviews with the men (and woman, hopefully) who want to be the person in charge of the Big Button for the next four years. (Previously, we talked to Gov. Tommy Thompson.) We are not interested in this being a partisan exercise; we'll be interviewing candidates from both sides of the aisle, and heck, maybe we'll even track down one of the guys from the Legalize Pot party, if that still exists. The idea is to see how sports have shaped the lives of the candidates, what their take on sports-related issues are, how much they care about the games we all spend too much time obsessing over. We feel you can learn a lot about a person by their sports allegiances.

Some campaigns have been more eager to be a part of this than others, but we've got a few people committed and few people eying us warily. We do hope that our commenters will be welcoming to everyone who decides to take part.

Today's candidate is Sen. Chris Dodd, a Democrat from Connecticut. He has been a U.S. Senator since 1981. And he is a Red Sox fan. Our interview with him is after the jump.

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You were in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic for two years. How prevalent was baseball there?

Baseball in the Dominican Republic is incredibly popular, especially when I was there. Like African Americans, Latin American players weren't allowed to play in the Major Leagues until the 1950s, but when given the chance, they flourished. When I was in the Dominican Republic, the Alou brothers - Felipe, Jesus and Matty - were in the middle of their very successful careers with three National League teams, and Juan Marichal was one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. Their success helped inspire multiple generations of Dominican and Latin American players make their way to the Majors.

You're known for being strongly against the U.S. embargo against Cuba. What did you think of the game the Orioles played against the Cuban national team a few years ago? Do you think this is something that should be repeated? What do you think of a player like Yuniesky Betancourt, who, to play baseball in America, had to accept that he might never see his family again?

I supported the exchange of teams, because baseball is not only the national pastime, it's the pastime of the entire Western Hemisphere. Cuba is a nation with a long and rich baseball tradition — they made it to the finals of the World Baseball Classic a few years ago — and whether it's Betancourt, Livan Hernandez or Danys Baez, none of these players should have to choose between their family and their livelihood.

What are you listening to on your Dodd Pod, right now?

I use my iPod to listen to everything - newscasts, books on tape, my favorite music. Visitors to my website can suggest songs for me to listen to. Some recent suggestions include Bruce Springsteen's "Eye on the Prize," Tom Petty's "Saving Grace" and Maroon 5's "Wake Up Call."

Now, though, I'm in the mood to listen to John Fogarty's "Centerfield."

You really dated Princess Leia?

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

We know politicians don't want to offend any potential voters, but who's your favorite team?

Leading is often about making the tough choices. In a state that's dominated by Yankee fans, I'm proud to say I'm an unabashed Red Sox fan. You can't root for both.

What's your favorite sports memory, either in person or otherwise?

The Red Sox have a long and very painful history. I still remember Bucky Dent's home run in 1978. But then came 2004.

I finally got to see my team win a World Series. But I think coming back from three games down in a best-of-seven series against the Yankees will remain my best memory. In game four, down by one in the ninth with Mariano Rivera pitching, Bill Mueller singled to center and scored Dave Roberts to tie the game. Then David Ortiz smashed a homer in the bottom of the 12th to win. After the Sox won in game seven, we were at Yankee Stadium until two in the morning celebrating.

What's your view on the prevalence of steroids in sports? Are people making too big a deal out of it, or not? If you were offered tickets to the game in which Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's record, would you go?

Steroids in sports is an issue that needs to be addressed. We have to do a better job of educating our high school athletes about the dangers of steroid use. Steroids also threaten the integrity of competition, and isn't the point of youth sports to teach kids excellence through personal achievement? If we get that lesson right, you would hope that steroid use and cheating become synonymous and unacceptable.

As for the Giants game, I doubt my schedule would allow it now. If I'm not voting in the Senate or campaigning, I like to spend all the free time I can with my family.

Do you believe baseball should keep its anti-trust exemption?

Yes.

If all the presidential candidates were to take part in a decathlon, who would win? Could you beat Joe Lieberman in arm wrestling?

I have two young daughters, and the way they run me around, I'm sure I'd have the endurance it takes to outlast the other candidates at any sport they want to play. I've often compared running for President to a marathon, but a marathon is nothing compared with the challenge of keeping up with an energetic five year old.

Who's going to win the World Series this year?

I know it's still early, but with a big lead in the AL East, I'm feeling good about the Red Sox's chances of taking home another trophy. I think they're going to have to watch out for the San Diego Padres' pitching and the entire New York Mets' team, but I'm confident that, with Beckett staying healthy and Manny picking it up, the Sox have the talent to get another ring.

(Previously: Gov. Tommy Thompson.)

We felt that we had to involve ourselves somehow, bring a little bit of the sports world to the laborious process of choosing the leader of the free world. So today, we proudly introduce Deadspin's Guide To The Candidates, a series of interviews with the men (and woman, hopefully) who want to be the person in charge of the Big Button for the next four years. We are not interested in this being a partisan exercise; we'll be interviewing candidates from both sides of the aisle, and heck, maybe we'll even track down one of the guys from the Legalize Pot party, if that still exists. The idea is to see how sports have shaped the lives of the candidates, what their take on sports-related issues are, how much they care about the games we all spend too much time obsessing over. We feel you can learn a lot about a person by their sports allegiances.

Some campaigns have been more eager to be a part of this than others, but we've got a few people committed and few people eying us warily. We do hope that our commenters will be welcoming to everyone who decides to take part.

Our first candidate is Gov. Tommy Thompson, a Republican from Wisconsin. He served as Wisconsin's governor from 1987 to 2001 and was the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2001 to 2005. And he is a Packers fan. Our interview with him is after the jump.

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First off, we know politicians don't want to offend any potential voters, but who's your favorite team? Are you a Packers guy?

Definitely. You can't change your loyalties — especially those that are ingrained in you — just because you're running for public office.

What's your favorite sports memory, either in person or otherwise?

Attending the Super Bowl in New Orleans to watch the Packers beat the Patriots.

Are you glad Brett Favre is coming back for one more year? Are the Packers going to be any good this year?

I am without a doubt happy Brett is coming back. He's good for the Packers, good for Wisconsin and good for football.

The Packers have a real opportunity. The primary competition in NFC Central is the Bears, of course, and all they have to do is make the playoffs. After that, anything can happen.

You're a Harley guy. What do you think of Ben Roethlisberger's insistence that he not wear his helmet?

I always tell people they should wear helmets, but I don't believe government should mandate it.

As Secretary of Health and Human Services, you've done plenty on physical fitness initiatives. Are kids still too out of shape? When you consider how awful Little League parents often are, are youth sports worth it?

Yes, kids — and adults — are too darn fat today. And that is primarily because they are not active enough any more. When I was growing up, and when my kids were growing up, we played baseball all day in the spring and summer and football all day in the fall. Now, too many kids play football and baseball only on video games. While there is a place for video games, we need to make sure kids are getting out and getting some exercise — whether in the neighborhoods or by bringing back physical education classes in school.

As for youth sports, they are absolutely worth it. They teach kids teamwork, cooperation and the rules of the game.

When you were governor, you surely made plenty of those friendly governor wagers with governors of other states over a certain game. (We think you made one for the Super Bowl.) What was your favorite one? Did everybody always pay up?

My favorite was with Governor Weld of Massachusetts. We laid out products from Wisconsin and Massachusetts. I won. Yes, everyone always paid up. You don't want to be the politician that doesn't make good on a bet. Deadspin (and others) would have a field day with that.

What's your view on the prevalence of steroids in sports? Are people making too big a deal out of it, or not? If you were offered tickets to the game in which Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's record, would you go?

It is sad that steroids have become widespread in sports, since so many young people look up to these athletes as role models. And no, I would not go watch Barry Bonds break Hank Aaron's record.

What did you think of the testimony that Pat Tillman's family gave before Congress?

It was difficult to see and read about. Your heart goes out to anyone who loses a loved one on the battlefield, and we need to make sure we are doing all we can for our veterans, their families and the families of those left behind. We need to be as open and accommodating with them as possible and give them the resources and information they need to move forward with their lives.

Do you believe baseball should keep its anti-trust exemption?

No.

If all the presidential candidates were to take part in a decathlon, who would win?

Me! But can I pick some of the events?

Who's going to win the Super Bowl this year?

The Packers, of course. I pick them every year.

"We are being treated like criminals, and this is something to take into account because I don't see politicians undergoing anti-doping controls or anything like it," the Spanish player told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa at his hometown Manacor.

We are fascinated by the idea; surely, Mark Foley had some clenbuterol in his system somewhere, right? This, frankly, could pretty much explain everything foreign policy related over the last three years.

Tennis Star Rafeal Nadal Turns the Table: Calls For Steroid Testing For Politicians [Steroid Nation]

Well, maybe a little bit of a secret. Turns out that Gates has been posting on the TexAgs forum as "ranger65" over the last four years, tuning in and piping up on all matters Aggie football. Last night he came out of the message board closet.

Folks, as I just posted on another thread, it is time for true confessions as I prepare to depart Aggieland. Ranger 65 is Dr. Gates ('65 because that is my college class and Ranger because he's buried in my front yard). I have enjoyed reading you all for the past four and a half years — well, at least most of you. You are all hard core Aggies, and I have listened and paid more attention to you than you might imagine. Good luck to all of you in the future. Bob Gates

The administrators of the site did confirm it was Gates, who will no longer be posting on the site, considering, well, he has an unmitigated global disaster to deal with. Fun while it lasted, though!

Dr. Gates Breaks Cover [TexAgs.com]

Well, with just five days until Election Day, the kids over there are realizing that they can only do much. Shuler is way ahead in the polls, and he has such a good sense of humor about himself that he actually sat down for an interview with the site.

(Sample excerpt: "Stop Shuler: Okay, November 26, 1995. RFK stadium — a 14-7 loss to the Eagles. Did you hear me boo?

Heath Shuler: What? Did I hear you boo? I mean, I obviously couldn't pick one person out —
You know, was that you guys that got a beach ball taken away? I heard some boos when that happened, I'm sure it wasn't because of an interception or anything...)

Anyway, once Norv Turner turned down an interview request, the site knew it didn't have much steam left. So now, accepting a Shuler return to DC, they're aiming lower: Simply requesting the media to stop referring to Shuler as a "former NFL quarterback." That sounds completely reasonable to us.

Heath Shuler Speaks! [StopShuler]