If the Redskins Rule is any indication, today's election won't even be close.

For those of you unfamiliar with the prophetic power of the Washington Redskins, I offer the following evidence:

Since 1937, when the Redskins win their final home game before an election, the incumbent's party remains in office. A Redskin loss spells victory for the party out-of-power.

Granted, he couldn't take sides during his half-time interview with Monday Night Football's Chris Berman, but I wonder if Obama had a Terrible Towel hidden in the breast pocket of his suit...

Superstitions aside, both candidates had a lot to say about athletics and the value it has brought to their lives.

Obama said he learned many life lessons from his high school basketball coach who told the rebel Obama, "This is not about you, it's about the team."

McCain said sports helped him turn his life around from punk kid to productive public servant. In remembering his high school football coach, McCain said he taught him to, "Always do the honorable thing even when you think no one is looking."

During this election, we've periodically made note of the connections between politics and sports. The simple fact that these candidates chose Monday Night Football to give their final interviews says much about the profound power and influence sports has in our culture.

Interestingly, both Obama and McCain drew parallels between their run for office and the ups and downs of athletics. With his campaign behind in the polls, McCain urged supporters to not count him out until the "game" is played. Obama talked about the need to remain steady even in the face of potential victory or overwhelming odds.

Politics aside, who doesn't agree with Obama that the Final Four is the most exciting sporting event around? Senator, you have a standing invitation from the Double-A Zone. We'd be honored to have you as our guest in Detroit.

Whatever choice you make, we hope you're voting today--it's a historic moment in our shared history and we should all take advantage of our right to make our voices heard.

Will the Redskin Rule hold true? I know I'm going to stay up and watch the results, but since I'll be in the office at 7:30 tomorrow morning, I hope it doesn't go into overtime.