7 questions for George Karl

Growing up in a blue-collar household in Pennsylvania, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has always leaned to the left when it comes to politics -- though he admits to writing checks to Republican friends in the past.With the election showdown between GOP presidential nominee John McCain and Democratic hopeful Barack Obama looming in one week, Karl took time out to discuss politics and basketball.-- 1. When did you first start following politics?"I was a big John F. Kennedy guy. I was only 10 years old. My dad was a very democratic person, a very labor-union guy. I think because of that, I've always been tilted (left)."-- 2. What's more exciting, Election Day or NBA opening night?"Opening night. But Election Day this year will probably be more exciting. This is a different election. I think there are a lot of people like me who are feeling the juice and the importance of this decision."-- 3. When's the last time you remember being this juiced for an election?"Probably never. Maybe back in college when the Vietnam War was going on. That was the most animated I was from the standpoint of I was a protester and that choice in 1972 was a difficult one for me to swallow."-- 4. If you could run for office, what position would you seek?"(Karl laughs.) I don't know if I'd want to be in the limelight. I'd like to be chief of staff. I like to be kind of the liaison that adds guidance and thought. I don't know if I'd want to be in that hot seat. My hot seat's hot enough."-- 5. How is the NBA like politics?"Hmmmm. What comes to mind is, the team of power seems to bully the other teams."-- 6. Sarah Palin played high school basketball in Alaska. What do you think the scouting report on her would have been?"I think Obama would light her up. I hear Obama's pretty good. Women's basketball in Alaska? That would be interesting. I don't know if that's that advanced yet."-- 7. If Obama is available in January, would you consider him for a 10-day contract?"No. Unless it would help us with our roster. If he could make an executive decision to help us add more players."(Contact Aaron J. Lopez of the Rocky Mountain News at lopezj(at)RockyMountainNews.com.)