Hugging Harold Reynolds: Only In America

In what has become a historic week, the United States saw two historical events unfold: the swearing in of the country's first African-American president and the crowning of perennial NFL doormat, the Arizona Cardinals, as NFC Champions for the first time in the Super Bowl Era.

To commemorate, we take a look at the parallels between the two events.

Unlikely Distinction

Obama: American President Barack Hussein Obama II.
Cardinals: National Football Conference Champion Arizona Cardinals.

Experience

Obama: Least experience person to be elected President of the US.
Cardinals: Longest reigning NFL championship drought; 1st Appearance in Super Bowl.

Failure to Show

Obama: Criticized by Democratic rival Hillary Clinton for: "In the Illinois State Senate, Senator Obama voted 130 times 'present,.' "That's not 'yes.' That's not 'no.' That's 'maybe.'"
Cardinals: Criticized by NFL pundits for failing to show for late season games against the Philadelphia Eagles (L, 48-20), Minnesota Vikings (L, 35-14) and New England Patriots (L, 47-7).

Rivals

Obama: As underdog overcame primary challenges by John Edwards, Bill Richardson and Clinton. Edwards proved vulnerable and exposed; Richardson had his experience rendered irrelevant; and the Clinton's inevitability proved anything but.
Cardinals: As underdogs, overcame playoff challenges by the Falcons, Panthers and Eagles. The Falcons proved vulnerable and exposed; the Panthers had their experience rendered irrelevant; and the Eagles's inevitability proved anything but.

Unsavory Past Associates