’Da Coach’ believes that he could have stopped the president from taking office — and he regrets not doing it.
Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka balked at a 2004 Illinois Senate run against Barack Obama, a decision he said indirectly led to Mr. Obama winning the White House four years later.
During a recent speech in North Dakota at an oil company, the legendary coach and Hall of Fame tight end lamented his decision not to face Mr. Obama on the political gridiron.
“Biggest mistake I’ve ever made,” he told the Dickinson Press. “Not that I would have won, but I probably would have and he wouldn’t be in the White House.”
Jack Ryan, the Republican nominee for the seat in 2004, exited the race after a sex club scandal was revealed, which some believe opened the door to victory for the popular Mr. Ditka had he run.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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