2012 Presidential Election: Which Bay Area Athlete Would Make the Best President?

May 6, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife Ann Romney in attendance before game four in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

July 16, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; President Barack Obama (l) talks with Vice President Joe Biden (r) during the first half of the game between team USA and team Brazil at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Every four years, on the Tuesday that follows the first Monday in November, Americans everywhere utilize their most important freedom of all, the right to vote for who will occupy the most powerful office in the free world; President of the United States. As we decide who will be the best man for the job this year, amidst calls for write-in celebrity candidates, one can’t help but wonder which Bay Area athlete would make the best President?

Hunter Pence

Oct 28, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence hits a double against the Detroit Tigers in the second inning during game four of the 2012 World Series at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

There are a number of San Francisco Giants fans calling for Buster Posey to be written-in on this year’s Presidential ballot. As much as I agree with the sentiment about the likely NL MVP, and NL Comeback Player of the Year, let’s think objectively. Hunter Pence became a solid contributor from the day that he first shrugged on a Giants jersey. His on field performance down the stretch and into the playoffs was a major reason that the Giants are the 2012 World Champions. However, it is his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates that is truly special. His motivational speeches in the dugout before playoff games have become the stuff of legend in the Giants’ clubhouse, and the basis for his candidacy for President.

Patrick Willis

Oct. 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker (52) Patrick Willis following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Patrick Willis’ abilities on the field cannot be overstated. He is arguably the best inside linebacker in the NFL. With 5 years in the league that led to five straight Pro-Bowl selections, he is obviously a candidate who knows how to tackle the tough issues. Patrick is also a great member of the Bay Area community, contributing time and resources to many local organizations. In addition his motivational abilities are second to none in the football world, as he has become the heart and soul of the San Francisco 49ers defense.

Coco Crisp

Oct 9, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Coco Crisp (4) scores a run on the single by left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of game three of the 2012 ALDS at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Coco Crisp has been a consistent, if not extraordinary, player for the Oakland A’s for the last three seasons. His offensive skill is his ability to get on base and cross the plate, something he did 86 times last season. His real strength however is his amazing ability to cover every square inch of center field. Crisp is an extremely solid defensive player who knows what it takes to get the job done, and has no issues with putting body on the line to do it.

Darren McFadden

October 14, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Darren McFadden has been a consistent producer for the Oakland Raiders since 2008, and is just as dangerous through the air, on short slants and screens, as he is on the ground. On a Raiders team that has had some serious question marks at the quarterback position, McFadden has become the heart of the Raider offense. His career high three fumbles lost in the 2009 season came on 104 attempts from scrimmage, proving that he knows how to take care of the important issues, namely the football.

Stephen Curry

October 2, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) addresses the media after practice during training camp at the Golden State Warriors Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Drafted with the seventh pick of the first round in the 2009 NBA draft, Stephen Curry has been the on court leader for the Golden State Warriors for three seasons. His average of 17.5 points per game over his career is good, while his 5 assists per game belie his ability to move the ball around the court and spread defenses. With the exception of the 2011-2012 season, Curry has played nearly every game for the Warriors since his rookie year. A strong player who knows the need for a bi-partisan approach, meaning solid offense and defense, Stephen Curry is a team player and fearless leader.

Please take the time to vote both on the Golden Gate Sports website, for your favorite Bay Area candidate, and at your local polling location. Voting may be the most important thing you can do as an American. Remember, it doesn’t matter who you vote for, only that you exercise your right to do so.

September 11, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; An American flag stands in the ground behind the goal post during the second quarter between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

September 11, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; An American flag stands in the ground next to an NFL football during the second quarter between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 33-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE