Steve Webb
POTUS, VEEP welcome Dodgers for visit and photo op
WASHINGTON, DC — In a happy and loose event, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the Los Angeles Dodgers to the White House in the first such visit by a championship team since the Covid-19 pandemic began. The President started his remarks with a bold prediction. “I have a feeling we may be doing this again by the end of the year,” he said, although he admitted that he was a Phillies fan and said that if he cheered for anyone else, he “would be sleeping in the Lincoln bedroom alone.”
It was interesting to see how the Dodgers dressed for the occasion. Some were very formal, wearing suits and ties (Clayton Kershaw looking particularly sharp). Others went tie-less and just wore a jacket. Mookie Betts was styling in a slick hat. Kenley Jansen was rocking a bow tie. But the topper had to be Joe Kelly (who else?) who showed up at the White House in the mariachi jacket that he swapped with one of the musicians who came to Dodger Stadium last week on Viva los Dodgers Day.
Everyone seemed to be in good spirits during the event, which was not attended by Trevor Bauer, but the rest of the squad seemed to be having a grand old time. “We still don’t have complete finality, but I know that I’m personally excited if the opportunity presents itself,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when asked about it last week. “I think our coaches and players are as well. I hope Vice President Kamala is there. I’d love to meet her, as well as the president. But it’s an honor. … It’s something that I’ve always dreamt about.” Harris was indeed at the event. Perhaps Dave can convince the VEEP, a noted Giants fan, of the error of her ways.
“Last season was a special one for us, but it was also a challenging one for our country,” Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw said, looking very presidential behind the podium. “And our hope was we were able to provide just a little bit of joy and comfort and relief to our fans who were going through some tough times.”
Amen, Clayton. Amen.
