[InterceptPoint]

Look, I'm glad he asked everyone to vote Bush. We need all the help we can get.

But someone needs to explain why the "Shut Up and Sing" rule doesn't apply here. Laura, where are you when we need you to help resolve an important philosophical issue that is central to the campaign for the Presidency in 2004?

[TXBubba]

But someone needs to explain why the "Shut Up and Sing" rule doesn't apply here.

Maybe because this was done during an interview and not in the middle of a game? No one was paying to see this interview.

[Buck W.]

"But someone needs to explain why the "Shut Up and Sing" rule doesn't apply here. "

This was an interview on a politicially-oriented program. He did not insert his politics into his baseball performance.

[Avenger]

Because he's not a pretentious hollywood twit and also he doesn't sing. Oh, and he's supporting W. :-)

[FreeRadical]

InterceptPt, Looks like others have already got it covered, but here's the bit I spit out:

I see the angle you are working, but I think TXBubba's point is probably a good item number 1 in an answer. A couple of other thoughts:

• he doesn't stump routinely and incessantly like so many leftist celebs
• he has a certain gravity and discipline about him.

(yes, it is athletic and quite petty in the whole scheme of things. A hard core cynic could arguably say he is no more than a freak show, a gladiater, a circus attraction in terms of historical import. I don't quite believe that. I think there is a certain bit to MLB pitching that is worthy of consideration... )

Anyway, to summarize why shut up and sing might be momentarily suspended:

1. unpaid, spontaneous interview/news event vice paid performance
2. Schilling's not a "professional amateur" political hack
3. Schilling possesses a certain level of exceptional mental, vice solely raw physical, qualities.