People take their picks and then stay loyal to the bracket and many even bet on it.  The President has an understanding of the mind set of Americans who have already made bets on the picks he will choose to place in the brackets and he thinks it is important for his image to keep their attention.

The other part is the continual effort to divert the attention of the masses from the real issues at hand.  It would appear that he thinks we Americans do not have the intellect or desire to pay attention to the world stage and how situations play out and have an effect on our economy and our national security.  As he diverts peoples attention he can keep most from scrutinizing his lack of leadership and lack of standing among world leaders.

Russia taking Crimea is an earthquake in political upheavel.  Russia is led by a cruel master and a thief.  He has used his power to thumb the bears nose at the Western world.  He believes he cannot be stopped.