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Former Harris Advisor Criticizes Olympic Hockey Team’s State of the Union Appearance
Symone Sanders, a former top advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris and the 2020 Biden campaign, sparked controversy Tuesday night when she criticized the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team for “allowing themselves to be used as political props” during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
“They should not be used as political props though, and, frankly, allowed themselves to be used as political props,” said Sanders, who now co-hosts a weeknight show on MS NOW. Her comments came after the president introduced the gold medal-winning team during his address and later bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on team goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
“It is very clear why the president did this,” Sanders continued. “What is unclear, to me, is why the men’s hockey team allowed themselves to be utilized in this particular fashion.” She later added that “no one is against USA and our Olympic athletes.”
The hockey team’s appearance was one of the evening’s rare bipartisan moments. The athletes entered the House Chamber wearing their gold medals and USA sweatshirts, prompting thunderous “U-S-A” chants from both sides of the aisle. According to polling data from Maslansky + Partners, the moment received positive reactions across partisan lines, with independent voters showing the strongest response.
President Trump had invited the team to the State of the Union celebration following their 2-1 victory over Canada in the Winter Olympics finals. The president’s recognition of the team and his announcement that goalie Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom was met with broad approval in the chamber.
Sanders’ comments quickly drew backlash on social media, particularly from conservatives. Critics accused her of hypocrisy, suggesting she had herself served as a “political prop” during her time working for the Biden-Harris administration and campaign. Others pointed out that the hockey team’s introduction was among the few moments that prompted Democrats to stand and applaud during Trump’s speech.
“Miserable people. Just miserable,” wrote one prominent conservative video producer on X, while conservative media personality Bo Snerdley posted, “Shut the puck up!” Tim Graham, executive editor of NewsBusters, sarcastically commented, “Because Democrats never use people as political props.”
The polling data revealed significant differences in how viewers from different political affiliations responded to the speech overall. According to Maslansky + Partners, which tracked reactions from 29 Democratic voters, 41 Republican voters, and 30 independent voters, Republicans were generally enthusiastic throughout Trump’s address while Democrats showed the least enthusiasm. However, the hockey team’s appearance created a notable uptick across all groups, with independents showing the largest increase in positive response.
The controversy highlights the increasingly polarized nature of American politics, where even celebrations of national athletic achievement can become fodder for partisan debate. It also underscores how presidential addresses, once primarily focused on policy matters, have evolved to include more ceremonial and symbolic elements that can resonate with viewers across party lines.
This incident adds to ongoing discussions about the intersection of sports, nationalism, and politics in America, a topic that has gained increasing prominence in recent years as athletes and sports organizations have become more vocal on political and social issues.
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10 Comments
I’m curious to hear more about Sanders’ perspective. While I can see the potential for political optics, these athletes have earned the right to be recognized for their achievements. Separating sports from politics is an ongoing challenge.
That’s a fair point. There’s always a balance to strike between celebrating athletic excellence and avoiding partisan grandstanding.
I’m a bit skeptical of the ‘political prop’ criticism. These athletes represented the US with distinction, and shouldn’t have their accomplishments diminished by partisan sniping. Sports can be a unifying force if we let it.
Well said. We should celebrate the team’s success without dragging them into political debates.
It’s a shame this has become a partisan issue. The hockey team should be commended for their athletic accomplishments, not criticized for being ‘political props’. We should be able to appreciate their success without it being a partisan spectacle.
Well said. Sports should bring people together, not divide them along political lines.
Interesting perspective on the hockey team’s appearance. While I can see the political angle, these athletes have worked hard to represent the US on the world stage – their achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by partisan politics.
I agree. The team’s success is something all Americans can celebrate, regardless of political affiliation.
The hockey team’s appearance was a rare moment of bipartisanship, which we could use more of these days. Let’s focus on appreciating their hard work and Olympic triumph rather than getting caught up in political debates.
Agreed. Moments like this should bring people together, not drive them further apart.