LeBron James Goes All-In for O'Rourke with Political Statement Before Basketball Game
LeBron James made his statement before the game by wearing a hat promoting the candidacy of Democrat Beto O’Rourke, who is challenging incumbent Ted Cruz in a hard-fought campaign for Cruz’s seat in the U.S. Senate.
The San Antonio Spurs made their statement on the court, defeating James and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers 110-106.
On his way into the game Saturday, James wore a hat supporting O’Rourke. Not only did visiting media capture the image, but it was tweeted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
? San Antonio pic.twitter.com/gdRLyWIEje
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 27, 2018
James has previously supported O’Rourke. In a tweet this summer, he said a video of O’Rourke defending NFL players who kneel for the national anthem was a “must watch.”
“Salute @BetoORourkefor the candid thoughtful words!” he tweeted then.
A Must Watch!!! ?????‼️ Salute @BetoORourke for the candid thoughtful words! https://t.co/E1YrbqGciZ
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 23, 2018
The basketball great’s foray into Texas elections provoked reactions on Twitter.
King James wearing a Beto O’Rourke hat. Soon to be King James and Senator O’Rourke.
pic.twitter.com/6wokwKKRme— Christian Cowart (@dtxErgaOmnes) October 27, 2018
.@KingJames doesn’t live in Texas. Can’t vote here. Either doesn’t know why he supports Robert Francis #Beto O’Rourke or the following is #Truth#LeBronJames pic.twitter.com/YvrWBdFA2l
— Joe Pags Pagliarulo (@JoeTalkShow) October 28, 2018
Ahhhh yes, the late October @KingJames kiss of death ? ?, it’s been a few years but I’m glad it’s back. @tedcruz by a million #MAGA ?? pic.twitter.com/xCXfkAZItR
— Return The Map ? (@ReturnTheMap) October 28, 2018
James has been dabbling in politics ever since his 2016 appearances on behalf of failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
James and President Donald Trump have been at odds since 2017 when James called Trump a “bum,” The New York Times reported. Trump fired back on Twitter this summer after James was interviewed by CNN host Don Lemon and accused Trump of trying to use sports to divide Americans.
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
“LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do,” Trump tweeted in August.
Although O’Rouke has had the edge on Cruz in terms of raising funds, the RealCearPolitics average of polls shows Cruz with a lead of 6.8 percentage points over O’Rourke.
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