What The Puck?
Hockey season is finally upon us, and the John McCain-Sarah Palin camp is taking full advantage. Hockey mom Palin has accepted an invitation to "drop the puck at the ceremonial opening face-off" at the Philadelphia Flyers home opener Saturday night against the New York Rangers.
Palin will be joined at center ice by the winner of the "Ultimate Hockey Mom" contest, which the Flyers started shortly after the GOP convention ended last month. (The lucky winner was chosen after submitting a poster showing her "hockey mom pride.")
Ike Richman, a spokesman for the Flyers, said Palin "inspired" the contest -- every contestant who entered received a free lipstick. The "celebration" is not a political event or endorsement, Richman said. But not everyone agrees.
New York Post's Brooks writes that Flyers CEO Ed Snider is using his team and the league "as stage props to advance his own political agenda." Two weeks ago, Snider hosted a debate watch party for Palin, and in June he reportedly donated $50,000 to the GOP.
Sports writers in Philly are also trying to blow the whistle on Palin's appearance. Philadelphia Daily News' Bunch writes: "I do think that anyone who's as offended by this as I am should stand up Saturday night and turn their back on Sarah Palin, and especially turn their back on Ed Snider."
The Palin camp insists this isn't a stunt, just an appearance by a hockey fan. "She's not going out there to deliver a political message," said Ben Porritt, a Palin spokesperson.
The league agrees with Team Palin. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly issued this statement: "We do not view the Flyers' invitation to Governor Palin to be politically motivated. Governor Palin is a supporter of the sport, which she has proclaimed publicly. As a public figure who has a very public connection with hockey, her recent associations with the Flyers and other NHL franchises is not surprising and, in our view, not inappropriate. Participation of national politicians in team ceremonies in professional sports is far from unprecedented in our sport and occurs routinely in other sports, as well."
Still, Flyers fans aren't exactly known for being the most welcoming bunch. WHYY's Alan Tu blogs: "I suspect Flyers fans, will believe its there [sic] civic duty, to let her know thanks, but no thanks."
FlyerFly, another fan blogger, writes: "At least in this case, they would be giving the big boo-hiss for something that matters instead of Santa Claus at the Vet or Destiny's Child at the NBA Finals. ... I say, let the boos rain down."
If Philly fans do heckle Palin, it might make for an awkward scene. According to her campaign, she plans to stay for at least part of the game.
(SEAN J. MILLER)
I saw that she got a really enthusiastic booing, er, greeting, from Flyers fans.