Times are tough, friends, and our nation sits at a mighty crossroads. The economy is falling apart, partisanship has turned us against each other, and the future looks bleaker with each passing day. What this country needs is a leader. A uniter. A carrier and a motivator. A visionary.<\/p>\n
What this country needs is Paul Konerko for president. We could speak incessantly about Paulie’s Plan for America, but instead let the man’s career speak for itself:<\/p>\n
PAUL KONERKO HAS EXPERIENCE AND LEADERSHIP<\/strong> PAUL KONERKO KNOWS HOW TO CHOOSE HIS BATTLES<\/strong> PAUL KONERKO PUTS THE TEAM FIRST<\/strong> PAUL KONERKO HAS VISION<\/strong> PAUL KONERKO RESPECTS THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OTHERS<\/strong> PAUL KONERKO IS RESPECTED BY THOSE WHOSE JOB IT IS TO RESPECT<\/strong>
\nOne of five formal captains in all of baseball. No-trade protection not granted but earned through unwavering service to the team he rose up with. His World Series effort shows Paul Konerko is feared; his three All-Star appearances show Paul Konerko is loved.<\/p>\n
\nKonerko came up as a catching prospect in the Dodgers system. The Dodgers at the time had one of the game’s superior catchers in Mike Piazza. A lesser individual would throw a fit; the Next American President seized the opportunity to become a super-sub. <\/p>\n
\nHow super? Try four defensive positions in 1998 super. By way of comparison, John McCain and Barack Obama played zero that year – combined<\/em>. “I’d play outfield, anything, if it would get me to the big leagues,” he told SI<\/a> in 1997.<\/p>\n
\n“It was a fastball. I knew it was coming.” – following a first pitch that became his grand slam in game four of the 2005 World Series.<\/p>\n
\n“He plays the game so easily, it doesn’t look like he’s putting in the same effort as everybody else. It’s frustrating when you’re a hack like me and you have to watch him every day.” – on teammate Magglio Ordonez, 2003<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n“Paul Konerko has become a tremendous hitter. He handles every pitch in every location and hits for power and average.” – anonymous MLB scout, 2002<\/a>.<\/p>\n