CHICAGO — President Barack Obama, perhaps secure that he'll never have to run again, ventured to Florida Friday and needled fans about the Chicago Bulls victory over the Miami Heat earlier this week.
Appearing at the Port of Miami terminal to press for federal infrastructure spending, Obama began his remarks with a reference to Wednesday's upset win by the Bulls over the Heat, 101-97, in Chicago.
That victory snapped a 27-game winning streak by Miami.
"Now, before we get started, I've got to get into a sticky subject right off the bat. I know you guys aren’t happy with my Chicago Bulls," Obama said.
To which the audience booed, according to a White House transcript of the speech.
"But I just want you to know the Heat are going to be just fine. They’re going to be OK," Obama said. "They are playing basketball the right way."
Obama then went on to mention the loss of another Florida team, the University of Miami Hurricanes, who were defeated by the Marquette Golden Eagles Thursday night during the NCAA tournament.
"The Hurricanes — they had a great season — no, no, they deserve a big round of applause," said Obama, and then mentioned how teams from the University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast are still competing.
"So, let’s face it, Florida is the center of basketball right now," Obama said.
Last year, the president was asked by Grantland.com "How many times have you envisioned welcoming the world championship Chicago Bulls to the White House?"
"Every year. And it hasn't happened yet, but it will happen," Obama said. "Somewhere along the line my Bulls are going to come through here. Absolutely."
