Obama, McCain join the campaign to let Teddy win

White House spokesman Jay Carney reached across the aisle Thursday morning, echoing the sentiments of Arizona Senator John McCain on one of America's most pressing policy issues: The Nationals Presidents Race.

In an ESPN E:60 segment that aired earlier this week, McCain called Teddy Roosevelt's failure to emerge victorious in any of the 500-plus races held since 2006 a "heartbreaking experience."

"It's one of the more traumatic experiences I've had, as I watch my hero, my childhood idol being treated in such a cavalier fashion," McCain said.

The 2008 Republican presidential nominee went on to promise that he won't stand idle as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson continue to outwit and outrun No. 26.

"I'm outraged. That's why im calling for congressional hearings to right this horrible wrong."

Carney threw the White House's support behind Roosevelt during a Thursday morning press briefing aboard Air Force One.

"This is an outrage," he said. "I agree with Senator McCain, I'm comfortable saying my boss agrees with Senator McCain."

With both the president and one of the Senate's most visible leaders speaking out, the Rough Rider's case has never looked stronger. But whether Obama or McCain is willing to wield a big stick -- or bat -- for the cause less than two months before Election Day remains to be seen.

-- Ian Kay/MLB.com