Chris Baldwin has a new post up, requesting Tiger Woods get involved with the 2008 Presidential Election, in at least some way (“It’s time for Tiger Woods to follow Oprah into Presidential politics”).

But the simple fact is, Tiger is not going to go anywhere near politics. Neither will any other prominent professional athlete.

If you’re famous, being involved in the American political scene means that you will be taking the chance of upsetting people. Mainly, advertisers. Tiger Woods is the Golden Goose, he’s not about to do anything to harm his eggs. Maybe when he’s older and not in the limelight as much, but in 2008? Not a chance.

Because getting involved in politics means blowback. And today’s athlete - with millions in endorsements a possibility - aren’t about to risk their livelihoods on the fate of the nation. Because they know, regardless of which side they take, they will upset people and probably get slammed by folks like Baldwin.

The 1960s are over. There are no Muhammad Alis or Bill Waltons or any other athlete who takes any type of stand. They see how people who make stands are treated. They won’t take the chance. Today’s athletes don’t take stands on politics, or nearly anything else. They are one-dimensional sporting figures who want you to buy the products they pitch. And Tiger Woods is the epitome of the modern athlete in that regard.

This is a new era. An era where you don’t take risks when money is involved. An era without activist athletes.

–WKW