ABSTRACT
Researchers and journalists have long recognized the shared logic and rhetorical practices of politics and sport. More recently, these metaphorical associations have begun to transform political attitudes and even behaviors so that partisans do not identify merely with a political party; instead, they are loyal fans of a team. This chapter features the concept of the “fan” metaphorically, using it as an interpretive lens for seeing political partisanship and polarization. Grounded in rhetorical theory, the chapter draws on studies of sports fan identity and political communication to reveal the implications of partisanship on democratic culture. The analysis uses the nomination and appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court as a representative example, focusing on three factors: the similar displays of partisanship between political partisans and sports fans, the identification of a clear “winner” and “loser,” and the language of sports used during the hearings. Although the sports fan metaphor raises concerns about political hostility and a weak democratic culture, the chapter suggests an alternative vision based on agonistic political theory. Realizing that vision requires more careful attention to the notion of rivalry and a willingness to accept conflict as a productive aspect of democracy.
