Nothing like breathless commentary on an otherwise meaningless story... (VIDEO)

Let's face facts. The image of Barack Obama picking his Presidential Bracket is meant as a fun, cute little story. The President is a B-Ball fan, he knows the Sport, so his expertise isn't coming from a staff member. Filling out a bracket is something he seems to genuinely enjoy. It's not without some political benefit, as "Mr. Arugala" is shown doing something that millions of Americans are doing themselves. More power to him.

Needless to say, that hasn't stopped folks in the press (this year and last year) from overanalyzing this sucker.

This is a story that belongs on the front page of ESPN...and that's about it.

Don't get me wrong, if an analyst wants to crush the President by saying something along the lines of "Picking Georgetown over Ohio State, he's lost his mind" is fine by me. That's the coverage I expect. But "Picking Georgetown over Ohio State, he's going to alienate Ohio votes" is the very reason why I hate reporters sometimes.

Update (March 18, 2010: 5:29pm) : Extended Cut: