Fair weather fan Donald Trump, suffering from yet another case of FOMO, decided to insert himself into the joy and frenzy of a Super Bowl game, the first president ever to muck up what should be pure fun and entertainment. This president, so intent upon cutting government spending, especially for anyone poor, hungry or helpless, had no qualms costing the American people $20 million for this self-serving whim. It was no surprise Trump favored the Chiefs (after all, they wear red) noting, “the quarterback really knows his stuff.” Let’s not forget that Trump congratulated Kansas City on their AFC championship win. When the Eagles trounced the Commanders for the NFC championship? Crickets. Equally unsurprising was Trump’s hasty departure, dipping at half-time as the Eagles enjoyed a 24-0 lead. As we all know, it was clear early on that KC didn’t have a chance. Trump doesn’t like to hang with losers so Trump bailed.
This Super Bowl game should have been purely sports joy and celebration, but Trump tarnished it by showing up, and then high tailing it out at the half, not even bothering to support his team when the chips were down. Since Trump made this political, this is a good metaphor for Democrats reeling from Trump’s Musk-ovite onslaught of dismissals and dismantlings. With all due respect to MVP Jalen Hurts, what won this game for Philly was Vic Fangio’s defense - up against an undefeated team, betting odds favoring KC - Fangio prepared his players, building a quiet conviction, focusing on fundamentals and discipline. And tore the Chief’s offense apart, sack after sack, forcing punt after punt. Republican politicians, cravenly following Trump as he blows by guardrails that they swore an oath to protect and uphold, are on offense. They hold a slim majority. It’s time for Dems to channel Vic Fangio. This is the Big Game for our Constitution. It’s time to come to the center. It’s time to play defense. Trump’s presidential possession is only weeks old. Channel the determination, focus, discipline and conviction we saw in the Eagles in order to stop Trump’s forward (in reality backward) progress. This is for the Democracy Trophy. As every coach and athlete knows, offense may win games. Defense wins championships. Go Birds. C’mon Dems. We got this.