Americans needn’t feel guilty for having taken a break from work on Thursday to watch the U.S. take on Germany in the World Cup — so did their elected officials.
The game, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for the American team, proved a distraction even for prominent politicians, President Obama included.
President Obama watches the USA vs Germany World Cup game aboard Air Force One enroute to Minneapolis. #worldcup pic.twitter.com/wfuJvb6hoI
— Doug Mills (@dougmillsnyt) June 26, 2014
1. President Obama
The President watched a part of the game as he flew to Minnesota on Air Force One, and at one point even groaned after the U.S. team missed a goal, The Hill reports. On Twitter, the picture of the presidential viewing party prompted comments like “so does Obama have DIRECTVsports?” and “hope those chips are Michelle approved.”
Earlier in the week, Josh Earnest, who participated in the presidential viewing party, hinted that Obama might tune in to the game on Thursday.
“So for most Americans, you’re on an airplane, you’re disappointed that you’re not going to have a chance to watch television,” he said. “[But] when you’re the president of the United States, it’s one of the rare opportunities that you actually have to be around the television.
2. Congress
Excitement over the soccer game even penetrated the halls of Congress. As Senate and House Democrats met on Thursday for a news conference on immigration reform, a TV in the conference room broadcasted the World Cup game. The TV is often kept off during press conferences, but an exception was apparently made for the U.S. vs. Germany match-up.
“As you can see, we’re watching the House floor,” said Karl Britton, scheduler for Rep. William Enyart (D-Ill.), as the TVs in the congressman’s office were turned on to the World Cup game.
3. Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo
Cuomo kicked off the day by tweeting a signed permission slip allowing New Yorkers to take an extended lunch break to watch the game.
Cuomo then took his own advice and tuned in to watch.
Watching the #WorldCup: Team #USA, all the way! Congrats @USSoccer on advancing to the knockout round. #WeBelieve pic.twitter.com/PsyhOhimqL
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 26, 2014
