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Rallying supporters in the battleground state of Nevada, President Donald Trump mocked almost every one of his Democratic opponents and rejected a new intelligence community assessment that Russia is again seeking to interfere in the 2020 race. (Feb. 21)

AP Domestic

On the 40th anniversary of their shocking victory over the Soviet Union in one of the greatest upsets in sports history, the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team was back in the spotlight this weekend — but in the eyes of some observers, it was more for political than patriotic reasons.

Members of the gold medal-winning “Miracle on Ice” squad, including team captain Mike Eruzione, appeared on stage at a Las Vegas rally Friday night for President Donald Trump wearing red hats emblazoned with Trump’s “Keep America Great” slogan.

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That didn’t sit well with Trump opponents, who criticized a team that once unified a nation. The backlash was enough to prompt the 1980 team’s official Twitter account to issue a response.

“To us, this is not about politics or choosing sides,” @1980MiracleTeam tweeted. “This is about proudly representing the United States of America. Whether your beliefs are Democratic, Republican or Independent, etc. we support that and are proud to represent the USA.”

To us, this is not about politics or choosing sides. This is about proudly representing the United States of America. Whether your beliefs are Democratic, Republican, Independent, etc. we support that and are proud to represent the USA. It is an honor and privilege! ????????????????

— 1980 Miracle Hockey Team (@1980MiracleTeam) February 22, 2020

While in Las Vegas for the anniversary of their stunning victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the Olympians also dropped the ceremonial puck before Saturday’s NHL game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers.

40 years later, they’re dropping the puck at an NHL game between Vegas and Florida ???????? ???????? ???????? pic.twitter.com/NWj81IRLGl

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) February 23, 2020