It's Time to Start Treating Political Parties Like Sports Teams

 

I consider myself a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. And as a fan, I know I can complain when my team isn't performing up to my expectations without losing that fan status, whether it is complaining about an underperforming player or the style of offense/defense the team is running. In other words, even if I'm unhappy about my team, it doesn't make me a Chicago Bears fan.

As I watch the results of yesterday's midterm elections which, as of the time I am writing this, are largely still undecided, I feel this philosophy can be applied to American politics.

If you consider yourself a Republican or Democrat, you are essentially rooting for a "team." Your team even has a mascot. The primary difference is, when your team underperforms, there seems to be hesitation and reluctance to discuss what needs to be done to correct the problem out of fear of not being considered a "fan." And I'm not even going to get into the whole unfounded election fraud excuse (used by both parties at some point), which is the equivalent of blaming the refs.

If I can call for my team's quarterback to be benched or more run plays on offense and still be considered a fan, there's no reason why a Republican or Democrat shouldn't be able to do the same with their team, whether it's wanting to "cut" an underperforming or controversial politician or simply reevaluating the game plan and, like sports teams do, "borrow" successful/popular ideas from their opponents' playbook if needed.

Obviously, politics is more important than sports with bigger consequences. However, if you consider yourself a fan of or even a member of your political party, self-evaluation and change are the best way to keep that party strong.