In the months after leading the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title in 108 years, president of baseball operations has been deemed both the greatest leader in the world (yes, ahead of the Pope and all the leaders of countries) and one of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Epstein had an all-timer of a response:
In a text to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Epstein said, “Um, I can’t even get my dog to stop peeing in the house. That is ridiculous. The whole thing is patently ridiculous. It’s baseball — a pastime involving a lot of chance. If [Ben] Zobrist’s ball is three inches farther off the line, I’m on the hot seat for a failed five-year plan. And I’m not even the best leader in our organization; our players are.”
Epstein is correct, and the whole notion of ranking leaders from different industries is insane. Plus, Epstein is a baseball executive, which isn’t exactly the most meaningful role on the planet.
However, could Epstein one day be the leader of the free world? Ben Strauss has an outstanding look in Politico at Epstein’s potential to run for political office, whether that’s as a senator, governor or President.
Strauss interviewed former Obama campaign manager and adviser David Axelrod, who compared Epstein to Barack Obama.
I’m sort of done with campaigns, but I would be an avid supporter of his … He would find the whole thing amusing that we’re even discussing it, but he seems like a really, really good guy to work with. One of the reasons I retired from politics is after Barack Obama I didn’t think I would find a better candidate. I think Theo would be that kind of client.
Axelrod goes on to say that he’s not sure Epstein would want a job in politics, and also notes that celebrity candidates could take a hit if Donald Trump fails. But if there’s anyone in sports who could win a national election, it’s Epstein, who is wildly successful and widely admired and has a history in politics.
[Politico]
