The federal debt crisis has pitted President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner as archenemies, but they have a lot in common.
Surname-challenged
Obama: Many people, including TV commentators, have accidentally referred to him as “Osama” instead of Obama.
Boehner: Many people mispronounce his last name, which is properly stated as “BAY-ner.”
Sports
Obama: Former high school athlete (basketball) who likes golf.
Boehner: Former high school athlete (football) who likes golf.
Descent
Obama: Part Irish.
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Boehner: Part Irish.
Person of color
Obama: First African-American president.
Boehner: Known for deep tan. Obama once joked of Boehner: “He is a person of color, although not a color that appears in the natural world.”
Route to Congress
Obama: Elected to Senate after Republican opponent was involved in sex scandal (the Jack Ryan divorce files).
Boehner: Elected to House after Republican opponent was involved in sex scandal (the Donald “Buz” Lukens affair).
Parenting
Obama: Father of two daughters.
Boehner: Father of two daughters.
Smokers
Obama: Former. (He quit last year, his wife said in February.)
Boehner: Current. (He was spotted smoking last month but says he might quit someday.)