Obama passes up chance to predict Finals winner

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Politically speaking, you'd think President Barack Obama would have a free pass to pick a winner in the NBA championship. The game pits the Oklahoma City Thunder from solidly Republican Oklahoma against the Miami Heat, in the crucial swing state of Florida.

Asked by a television reporter from Reno, Nev., to predict a winner on Monday Obama demurred.

Obama, an avid basketball fan, said, quoting: "Both teams look terrific and I am looking forward to a good series. Hopefully, it will go to seven games. But I can't make a prediction right now. They both look pretty tough."

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