LOS ANGELES - Three-time Super Bowl champion Emmitt Smith was declared the winner of ABC's Dancing With The Stars last night, and immediately announced that he was forming a committee to explore a possible run for President in 2008. "It just seems to be the next logical step," a beaming Smith told reporters, moments after capturing the coveted trophy. The voting was unusually close, but challenger and runner-up Mario Lopez, citing a desire to spare viewers the agony of enduring weeks, if not months, without a clear-cut victor, refused to request a recount.
Former President Jimmy Carter, who served as a Dancing With The Stars election observer, said he was satisfied the process was fair. "I am pleased to say I witnessed no acts of voter intimidation during the contest between Emmitt and Mario," Carter said. He added, "I believe the best man won."
Smith said the committee would be chaired by his dancing partner, Cheryl Burke. "Cheryl and I have such a tremendous rapport," he said. "I trust her instincts." Smith brushed off questions about whether or not he could win in Iowa or New Hampshire . "Nobody thought I could win this election, either," he said. "But I believe America is ready for a change." When asked whether or not he believed America was ready to elect a made-for-television ballroom dancing champion president, Smith grew reflective. "I'd like to think so," he said, softly. "After all, this is the 21st century. But that's what we're going to find out."
