Por Renan Filho · 2026-11-05**Lead**
Seattle Times sports columnist Matt Calkins published a widely circulated piece on November 9, 2022, analyzing the public responses of two prominent WNBA players to the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections. Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham urged unity and bridge-building, while Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud openly taunted the Republican Party after Democrats outperformed expectations in key races. Calkins’ column, which appeared in the Seattle Times and was shared across social media, quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the role of athletes in political discourse.
**Context**
The 2022 midterm elections, held on November 8, saw Democrats retain control of the Senate and limit Republican gains in the House, defying historical trends and pre-election polling that had predicted a “red wave.” In the aftermath, public figures from various fields weighed in. Among the most vocal were athletes, many of whom have used their platforms to address social and political issues in recent years. The WNBA, in particular, has a long history of activism on matters of racial justice, gender equality, and political representation.
Natasha Cloud, known for her outspoken advocacy, took to Twitter shortly after the election results became clear. Her posts were widely interpreted as a direct taunt at the GOP, celebrating the party’s underperformance and criticizing its policies. Cloud’s comments drew sharp reactions from both supporters and detractors, with some praising her honesty and others accusing her of deepening political divisions. Sophie Cunningham, also a guard for the Phoenix Mercury, responded with a message of unity, urging Americans to come together regardless of party affiliation. Cunningham’s call for harmony stood in contrast to Cloud’s confrontational tone, sparking a broader conversation about the most effective way for athletes to engage politically.
Matt Calkins, a seasoned sports columnist for the Seattle Times, covered the exchange in his November 9 column. Calkins has written extensively on the intersection of sports and society, often focusing on how athletes navigate public expression in a polarized environment. In his column, he presented both players’ statements without endorsing either, instead using the moment to examine the challenges and responsibilities of public figures when commenting on election outcomes. Calkins noted that while both women are passionate about social change, their approaches reflect a deeper generational and tactical divide within the activist community.
**Analysis**
Calkins’ column matters because it encapsulates a ongoing tension in American sports: whether athletes should prioritize unity or confrontation when addressing political issues. Cloud’s taunting of the GOP is emblematic of a more aggressive style of activism that has become common since the 2016 election, particularly among younger athletes who feel urgency in the face of perceived threats to democracy. Cunningham’s plea for unity, meanwhile, echoes a more traditional emphasis on bipartisanship and national healing, though critics argue that such calls can inadvertently minimize legitimate grievances.
The column also highlights the evolving role of sports journalism. By covering a social media exchange between two WNBA players in a major newspaper, Calkins demonstrates that athlete commentary on politics is no longer a niche topic but a mainstream news event. This shift has been accelerated by the increasing visibility of leagues like the WNBA, where players frequently speak out on issues from voting rights to police brutality. The coverage itself becomes part of the story, amplifying the reach of the athletes’ messages and generating further discussion.
For the United States, the episode underscores the deep partisan divide that extends even into the world of professional sports. While some fans applaud athletes for taking stands, others believe sports should remain apolitical. Calkins’ non-judgmental framing allowed readers to consider both perspectives without feeling lectured. The column’s popularity—trending on social media and spurring dozens of follow-up pieces—suggests that the public is hungry for nuanced takes on the intersection of athletics and politics.
**Fontes**
The information in this article is based on Matt Calkins’ column published in the Seattle Times on November 9, 2022, titled “WNBA stars Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Cloud show two sides of post-midterm politics.” Additional context comes from verified social media posts by Natasha Cloud (@NatashaCloud) and Sophie Cunningham (@sophie_cunningham) from November 8–9, 2022. Election results data is from the Associated Press and the New York Times election coverage, November 2022.