Barack Obama took a break from campaigning on Monday night - but still managed to stir up a crowd at an exhibition game for the U.S. basketball team.
The President raised a cheer when he kissed his wife Michelle while the couple was being filmed on the Kiss Cam during an interval in the match-up between the American Olympic team and Brazil's players.
But for Mr Obama, a keen basketball fan, the highlight of the night was presumably to get a close look at superstars of the sport, such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, working together for an 80-69 win.
The President and Joe Biden took their seats to chants of 'U-S-A' as the loudspeakers blared Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA.
'Obviously the talent that we've got at this point is unbelievable,' Mr Obama said during a halftime interview on ESPN2. 'So there's no reason that we shouldn't bring home the gold. We just have to stay focused.'
Mr Obama clearly relished the opportunity to wrap himself in the Olympic spirit four months before Election Day. His Republican rival, Mitt Romney, is expected to use the Olympics to highlight his leadership role during the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
Mr Romney, who helped turn around the Salt Lake City Games after they became caught up in a bribery scandal, plans to be in London for the opening ceremonies next week. Mrs Obama will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies.
Monday night gave Mr Obama a chance to soak in his favorite sport.
After a quick ride to the Verizon Center from the White House, Mr Obama greeted members of the U.S. women's basketball team on a practice court after their win over Brazil in the first game.
'We could not be prouder,' the President said after hugging Tamika Catchings, Diana Taurasi and other members of the women's team. The team presented Mr Obama with a red USA jersey and a signed basketball.
Mr Obama, dressed in a blue jacket and jeans, then walked out before a roaring crowd, shook hands with fans and sat down next to former aide Reggie Love, who played basketball for Duke University.
The President and Michelle even appeared on 'Kiss Cam,' the in-house video that spotlights kissing couples during a game break. The Obamas would not oblige during the first half, despite roars and some boos from the crowd.
But in the fourth quarter, Kiss Cam peered back on the first couple and the President was ready: he put his arm around his wife and planted a big kiss on the First Lady as the crowd roared.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2174662/The-First-Kiss-President-Michelle-Kiss-Cam-Team-USA-basketball-game.html
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