In a recently released video, former President Barack Obama sat down with Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek to shoot baskets and swap stories about the game's all‑time greats.
Turek, a state representative from Council Bluffs and a Paralympic wheelchair‑basketball veteran, brought his own competitive edge to the playful I‑OWA shooting game, a twist on the classic horse.
Both men quickly found common ground, agreeing that Michael Jordan and LeBron James belong at the pinnacle of any basketball pantheon.
But the conversation took an interesting turn when they each unveiled their own personal Mount Rushmore of legends. Obama’s list featured Jordan, James, Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar and Magic Johnson, while Turek swapped Johnson for Bill Russell and placed Abdul‑Jabbar fourth.
A Shared Love of the Game
Obama has previously cited a broader set of favorites that also included Stephen Curry, Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Durant, showing how his rankings have evolved over the years.
The meeting also gave the former president a chance to connect with rising WNBA star Caitlin Clark, whom he met during a practice session at the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Clark described the exchange as a moment she will likely remember for the rest of her life, underscoring the cultural crossover that the video sparked.
The dialogue highlights how sports can bridge generations and political divides, turning a simple shooting drill into a platform for mutual respect and shared admiration.
As the video circulates, it serves as a reminder that even in the realm of politics, the language of competition and teamwork can find common ground.