Memo to President-elect Obama:
You are the consummate politician. You ran the perfect campaign–not a misstep for two years. Your historic win electrified the entire planet. Your speech was presidential and pitch-perfect. The world swooned over you and your family. Magic was in the air and there seemed to be nothing anyone could find to criticize. Except—the dress.
Maybe you were blind-sided by the obscene amount of attention sucked up by something so silly. As the rock star president, the world will surely scrutinize the most insignificant personal choices made by you and your family. So beware as you enter territory far more dangerous than Dress-gate.
The big story currently dominating post-election news would be a potential minefield for any president, even one as masterful as you. You tread the political tightrope with perfect balance; you survived the steelworkers and Reverend Wright and Bill Ayers; you swam through shark-infested waters to avoid being eaten by the Clintons or the Republicans.
But now, I think you have just stepped into the same stuff you are going to be cleaning up as soon as you get your new puppy.
Yes, a dog is a required accessory in any White House. And they are known to be man's best friend. But I wish you and your family had quietly gone to a shelter somewhere and found a hypo-allergenic mutt without any fuss.
Because every TV personality, every reporter, and every dog owner in America is invested in this decision over the First Dog. Canine conversations are flying around all over the world and probably on your new website, change.gov. There are so many choices even for those like Malia, allergic to dogs. A Wheaten? Bichon? Goldendoodle or another designer breed? A hairless?
I have a feeling your ultimate decision will be judged more critically than your choice of Joe Biden. And no matter what kind of dog you pick, other dog lovers (i.e. voters) are going to be doggone disappointed. Being as analytical as you are, I know you will listen and carefully consider all sides before you make a decision. But I think you will need all of your intellectual and diplomatic skills to finesse your way out of this.
I don't have any stake in what breed you get. But I do have a bone to pick. Considering the flap over Michelle's dress, I'm sure you appreciate the enormous consequences that can result from offending the fashion police. So I urge you to please consider America's image in the eyes of the world–and never allow your dog to wear any article of clothing. Even if it's red, white and blue.
I read that his kids really wanted a goldendoddle or a labradoodle because one of them is allergic but of course he has to get a mutt, or the press will be all over him for not getting a shelter dog.
Goldendoodles rule! Of course I am very biased because of Alfie! Remember cats, are not dogs, even though you sometimes think your cat acts like a dog.
As someone who has rescued many dogs i can’t believe the Obama’s haven’t thought of calling a Rescue group for the breed they want. They could certainly find a fabulous young, already trained dog that even a breeder may need to get rid of because of some imperfection as simple as straight hair on a poodle. Please pass this on to the Obama people. This is an important. Everyone knows your pet is a reflection of who you are.
I can’t even imagine how many shelters and rescue groups are competing for the honor of providing the First Dog. I’m sure Obama will make a great decision in the same way he’s managed to handle everything else so far-with grace.
Well, the Brits are quite sensitive on this subject, since there is an element here who keeps claiming we have been Bush’s poodle for 8 years. Questions have been muttered about whether Her Britannic Majesty might even now be in the running for the new White House dog. But these questions are muttered discreetly. We’ve just celebrated Guy Fawkes Day, and talk of how we treat treason is in the air.
OK, even my Mother called to say that she was distracted by Michelle’s Obama’s dress.
I liked it.
Sue me.
The Dress and the Dog: the big post-election stories. Feels like the country is returning to normal. I’d rather read about dogs than moose–and Michelle Obama’s clothes rather than Sarah Palin’s.