It was a major point in human history earlier this week when former Illinois State Senator Barack Obama was officially sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America
.
Hundreds of thousands, at least, showed up in Washington, DC to take in the powerful proceedings. Millions, if not billions, watched around the globe. No doubt, during a time of global need, it was one of the most powerful broadcasts to hit the airwaves in years. Although, according to some loyal patrons in an Illinois off track betting location, there was some more important must-see-TV which took precedent at the time. Horse racing aficionados are a serious bunch.
According to a report on nilesheraldspectator.com, a few patrons inside Lucky Magee's Racino Grill and Sports Lounge in Niles, Illinois were instead transfixed on their true passion: horse racing. Simulcasting reigned supreme for them on this day.
Lee Brummitt, one of the individuals cited in the story, admitted that he didn't care much for the proceedings, but did have some kind words for Obama. According to the report, Brummitt stated Obama struck him as an intelligent man who understood everything that was riding on the race he had just begun.
Another man, who opted to remain anonymous in the piece, said that he recommended Obama follow his method at the track: Know when to stop pressing your luck, because there are no guarantees.
"When you double your money, leave," the anonymous man was quoted as saying. "Nobody's got it figured out."
To read the nilesheraldspectator.com article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from nilesheraldspectator.com)
What racing should do is
What racing should do is hire the spin machine that has the world convinced that Obama is everything important in the world. The same people who can convince the states to goto war on a lie and then pull out at this stage could do wonders for harness racing.
"The state of the economy
"The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift"
- President Barack Obama, from the Inaugural address.
And if that means trying to hit the super on a field of $7,500 maiden claimers in the first at Tampa, so be it.