In this world in which frontrunners tend to dominate the news flow, one non-frontrunner stands out to me. It’s not one that I can vote for; if I could, I would. But there’s something about not being the frontrunner — and arguably, possibly never expecting to be there — that’s attractive. It’s humbling and sweet, precious and dear. Watching them, you just know they aren’t taking anything for granted. They’re not sitting there thinking any of the below:
“I was born for this.”
“It’s about time!”
“I deserve this.”
“It’s mine.”
“I’m so brilliant — such a gift to the world!”
There is an arrogance that permeates all of the above, it seems… a very unattractive arrogance, I would suggest.
But yes… this one… this is one I can get totally, wholeheartedly behind.
This one isn’t talking so much about self.
This one isn’t demonizing any opponent.
This one isn’t making promises he/she can’t keep.
This one isn’t advancing ideas that are economically unsound.
This one doesn’t just look good because he/she is being compared to another who looks a little wacko.
And this one doesn’t feel like they’re taking the opportunity for granted… like they should have been in this position long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away (…although some of us may wish they were in a galaxy fairly far away…).
I speak of one…
… one who perhaps never expected to be here. Something about that is refreshing this primary day.
On Saturday, with time running out and no polling data predicting a victory, the playing field looked even at best. Top-seeded New Mexico State was facing the California State Bakersfield Roadrunners in the Western Athletic Conference tournament final. It’s not the most formidable, talked-about conference or primary. 🙂
And Bakersfield… well, in the history of CSU Bakersfield, they have never before even qualified for the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. The small school has a little over eight thousand enrolled.
The game was tied in the closing seconds, and while it had been a battle, Bakersfield had never led. And then, in an instant, with less than a second remaining, Roadrunners guard Dedrick Basile “got his team dancing — both figuratively and literally,” as said by Bleacher Report — by shockingly draining a three point shot, right before the buzzer… for their first and only lead of the game.
The Roadrunners win!
Said Basile thereafter, “It’s one of the greatest feelings in the world right here. I mean, this is what I’ve always dreamed of.”
How good and pure and right and fun… How seemingly humble.
Way to go, Bakersfield! May you do well in the days ahead… may your attitude remain as contagiously sweet, regardless of outcome. May you always find victory in the journey — as opposed to measuring success only via victory for self.
Note: have I mentioned yet, how much more fun it is to root for “Roadrunners”? — as opposed to frontrunners?
Just sayin’…
Respectfully…
AR