US press falls for Obama’s Love

Never mind Barack Obama, the American press is now falling over itself to heap praise on another African-American force on the campaign trail who, according to the New York Times, is “taller, fitter and cooler” than the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Reggie Love is Obama’s 26-year-old 'body man' - the individual expected to be at Obama’s side at all times, ready with briefing notes, umbrellas, protein bars, Nicorette patches and anything else the candidate might need at a moment’s notice. He describes his job simply as “taking care of stuff”.

Love, a 6ft 5in former football player, has a growing fan-base. At a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, the crowds began chanting “Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!” when they caught sight of him. Even Obama himself admits to being in the thrall of Love’s charisma: “There’s no doubt that Reggie is cooler than I am,” he said. “I am living vicariously through Reggie.”

Another of Love’s responsibilities is to play basketball with Obama on the day of a primary. “He’s quick and he’s strong,” said Love of Obama’s on-court prowess. “A lot of people still don’t know that he’s left-handed, so he can get to the basket and get his shot off, even though he’s not the most explosive or tallest player on the court.”

However, Love’s main contribution to the Obama campaign may have been to alter the Illinois senator’s music tastes: “He’s broadened my horizons in the hip-hop world,” said Obama. “So I’ve grown pretty fond of Jay-Z.”