Barack Obama Is Going to Make Sure Game Six of the World Series Starts Late

In a somewhat surprising move, FOX has agreed to bump the time for the start of Game 6 of the World Series to let Barack Obama address America on television.

It's somewhat surprising mainly because FOX is generally considered to be "fair and balanced" and most likely of all the networks to support Obama in the Presidential election. Actually, I'm just kidding. FOX would do it regardless of who is speaking, just because they pull in ad revenue. They had to get MLB's permission first.

"Fox will accommodate Senator Obama's desire to communicate with voters in this longform format," Fox Sports said in a statement. "We are pleased that Major League Baseball has agreed to delay the first pitch of World Series Game 6 for a few minutes in order for Fox to carry his program on Oct. 29. If requested, the network would be willing to make similar time available to Senator McCain's campaign."

The blessing from MLB clears the way for Fox to air the promo and collect upward of $1 million in ad revenue for the half hour, more than what either CBS or NBC was charging.

Yeah, for that kind of cheddar, no one cares who gets to speak on the moving picture screen. The interesting thing though, is that this will probably end up benefiting FOX more than anyone.

In all likelihood, we're going to have a Rays - Phillies World Series matchup, and, no offense to either team, but the ratings are not going to be through the roof. (The baseball will be good, but it lacks the national firepower to bring in bandwagon viewers.) However, Game 6 -- assuming it's necessary, of course -- will probably be pretty heavily trafficked, now that it comes on the heels of a speech by a presidential candidate to America.

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox throws out the first pitch of game five of the American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2008 MLB playoffs at Fenway Park on October 16, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Curt Schilling

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BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: Dioner Navarro #30 of the Tampa Bay Rays warms up before game five of the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox during the 2008 MLB playoffs at Fenway Park on October 16, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dioner Navarro

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