Forgive me if I’m preoccupied with the Packers. I hope to stay this way for at least another three weeks. However, I am aware that there’s an election to ponder and candidates to discuss. So let me try to combine these two passions by mulling the Presidential candidates that the NFL’s final four most resemble.

San Diego Chargers: Without a doubt, the Chargers are Hillary Clinton. They were expected to do well from the start of the season. Like Hillary, they floundered, cried, pointed fingers and generally acted like entitled little babies throwing a hissy fit when things went sour. It turned out well for Clinton in New England, but can San Diego really expect a similar triumph?

New York Giants: The similarities between Barack Obama and the Giants are almost endless. They both lack experience in key roles - Eli Manning has quarterbacked for the same four years that Obama’s been a U.S. Senator. Despite being seemingly overmatched by more powerful opponents they’ve fought back with passion. They’ve even had to fight against former friends and allies along the way (if you want to compare Tiki Barber to the DNC). Like Obama, New England is not their favorite place. Unlike Obama, however, the Giants understand the importance of a strong defense.

New England Patriots: The Pats are John McCain. Like McCain, there’s much to admire about New England. We know this because the media constantly tell us. Also like McCain, there’s just something under the surface of the Patriots that’s irritating. Maybe it’s just because they’re back again. Maybe it’s their whole attitude that they’re so noble and so far above the rest of us riff raff.

Green Bay Packers: It kind of pains me to say it, but the Packers are Ron Paul. Like Paul, they’re loved by their supporters with an almost religious fervor. Also like Paul, there’s a dark side to the franchise as it was long considered unfriendly to African-American players. Finally, while Paul is portrayed as the anti-establishment candidate, the Packers are the anti-everything team. They’re owned by the people instead of some greedy tycoon. They’re a small town oasis in the NFL’s urban desert. They’re gunslingers in an era of sophisticated, antiseptic offenses. Hopefully, unlike Ron Paul, they won’t be exposed as not-ready-for-prime-time players any time soon.