Coach Obama's corner and Hope Dreams

Hopefully hoop star Barack Obama has on his reading list along with "Team of Rivals" ex-Chicagoan and Bulls coach Phil Jackson's  book "Sacred Hoops."

It chronicles the difficulties and challenges of forging a team and winning championships with a team of stars and egos including Jordan, Pippen and Rodman.   Jackson gives lots of credit to their ability to inspire and elevate the performance of average players.

Obama will need all those skills and then some.

If Obama manages to get a winning season out of the Hillary to Richardson to Emanual to Daschel to Pelosi and Reid line-up he deserves a trophy.

Denver fans who have suffered through the Iverson/Anthony lesson in non-leadership do not need coaching on the difficulty of winning with the stars.

If the Obama cabinet gels he may have the title for his first post presidency book — "Team of Egos."

Calm confidence is catching

I have new hope on this election day eve for the first candidate, Barack Obama, that I have allowed myself care about in a long, long time.

Yet disappointed as I would be should he fail I have a perspective, perhaps brought on by age, that we will move on.

Someone at the office pointed out I seemed much calmer than during the Kerry/Bush race. Upon reflection it is because I respect both candidates and believe neither would make the terrible mistakes Bush has. I really believe W will be seen as a bad,  maybe negligent if not evil commander in chief. 

Being right that he would be a bad "decider" is little solace.

That said whether it is war, healthcare or the economy there is no doubt we need Obama now and I don't even want to think what a Palin presidency might mean.

I know any president will be tested like none since FDR.

Is a young visionary president with his best years before him too much to hope for?

I trust not.