A new survey released today shows that a majority of Americans view China as an economic threat, and possibly a military threat.  Respondents also believe that China will be the US’ chief competitor for economic and political strength in the near future.

The survey also points out that a majority of Americans disagree with how China handles Tibet.  This follows a long history of Americans demonstrating their displeasure for China’s human rights violations.  However, sports have the power to make Americans rethink China.

Olympics in Bejing are slated to draw more viewers than ever before in the United States.  Americans also pass on their predisposed attitudes regarding Chinese competition to say that President Bush should attend the Olympics’ opening ceremony.

This is not unique data.  Americans have shown an emotional attachment to sporting events for decades.  These connections surpass their ideological and political opinions and are often the central focus of their life outside of work.  The bottom-line: Sports will, for the forseeable future, draw attention away from the political process and political candidates.  This should worry Democrats who will be holding their convention during Olympic coverage.  They shouldn’t expect John and Jane Doe to turn the channel from Olympic Gymnastics to the Democratic Convention.  It just won’t happen.