The Iron Bowl is more than a football game for fans in Alabama. It's a deep-rooted tradition that never fails to entertain and where the outcome is never certain.
Although Auburn lost 27-24 to Alabama Saturday, conservative political commentator Dan Bongino felt a winning spirit throughout the game on the Plains.
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Bongino, born and raised in New York, said he woke up experiencing a positive feeling the morning after.
"Between Georgia, Maryland, Florida and Alabama, we've been around," Bongino posted on Facebook. "And I've really grown attached to Southerners, and here's why …
"-God matters. Their faith is central to their lives, and they're proud of it," the post stated. "Nothing comes before God. Nothing.
"-Manners and structure matter. They're not vestigial structures from a bygone era. They're links to the past and bridges to the future that instill order and discipline in a chaotic world.
"-They're proud, but not arrogant. I once offered to buy a friend of a friend a pair of new boots because his were beat up, and he flatly refused to take the offer. I saw it in his eyes, and I instantly regretted it. I knew I had misjudged the situation, and although my intentions were pure, I was angry at myself for not reading the room better.
"-They absolutely love college football. But the love is pure, not contaminated. I sat with 80,000 plus people in Auburn watching a game that had zero chance of the home team producing a championship. I watched them scream, I watched them hug their wives and kids with a joy I've never seen before as each insane play of an amazing game unfolded. I also watched them cry at an ending they didn't expect. And, despite the ending, I watched them treat the Roll Tide fans with absolute respect on the way out. No fights. No evil. Just a pure, innocent, love of the game."
Bongino ended the post by giving thanks to Southerners he has met, which includes U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), who posted a photo with Bongino at the game saying, "Great seeing this patriot at the game this weekend!"
RELATED: 5 takeaways from Alabama in 27-24 Iron Bowl win
"I often joke on my podcast and radio show how I'd like you all (y'all?) to adopt me, but I'm happy just being an observer," he stated. "To the people I have met down South, thank you for so deeply enriching my life. And to those I haven't, God bless y'all."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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