Media goes berserk over Obama’s dog
posted at 6:05 pm on April 14, 2009 by Allahpundit
Live on the scene, Jake Tapper tweets in horror:
when u see the shots of the media scrum filming this pooch u will be embarrassed for us. And the ghost Edward R Murrow will rise to haunt
Think he’s kidding? Watch the short CNN clip below and see for yourself how far the line of media stretched. Or, for extra gushiness, go with the MSNBC vid replete with anchor “commentary.” I’m also giving you a photo that I screencapped from WaPo’s live feed of the unveiling. It was at this exact moment that The One finally took the reins from one of his daughters and a patiently waiting photographer in the scrum could be heard exclaiming, “There, now he’s got the leash!”
Newt Gingrich thinks the whole story’s “fairly stupid.” Meanie.
Update: Ed sends this reminder of another great moment in presidential pet-owning history.
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Cmon, think back to when you were “quite the punk rock girl”. Do you really think that sitting like a moron and continue to read a book about a goat was the right thing to do?
capitulus on April 14, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a little “feel good” news story about the First Dog, especially when all we seem to hear is doom and gloom. Like them or not, the Obama’s are the worlds most famous and iconic family in the world right now, and a cute dog in the picture is the icing on top.
dcwvu on April 14, 2009 at 6:50 PM
“Pay no attention to that socialist behind the curtain! I am the great and powerful showman!”
PastorJon on April 14, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Yeah, that was completely unforgivable given the completely unprecendented nature of the attack and the conflicting intial reports. He should have immediately resigned/surrendered/cried like a little girl.
Glad to see those outpatient programs are working.
landshark on April 14, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Leave it to the Obamas to make a huge production of the otherwise normal everyday family practice of acquiring a pet. Like the Clintons getting poor, doomed Buddy, the political calculation using the pooch is nauseating and the press responds like trained seals.
Also, check out the current WH Website featuring “First Pets“. It’s scant and omits Barney. How thin-skinned and petty is Obama? You can’t even exaggerate how much. BTW, the whole site is short on facts, info, videos and photos. Compare to the charming Bush WH area for children that was fairly brimming over with games, history, visuals, etc. I am hoping the Obamas carry on the tradition of featuring a Christmas video for children but doubt they will.
KittyLowrey on April 14, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Go to hell, you stupid bitch.
HornetSting on April 14, 2009 at 6:55 PM
O Creator of Worlds……I don’t get why you think Tapper is yer boi.
He doesn’t dig teh Palin a’tal.
And he NEVER did.
Not evah.
evah evah.
strangelet on April 14, 2009 at 6:56 PM
I’m pretty sure Jake isn’t oblivious…he’s a rare reporter who is doing his job and sees what a mess the MSM has become.
AUINSC on April 14, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Can’t wait till Bo takes a leak on Secretary Teleprompter and chews on the nuclear football that Obama will leave casually lying around.
William Teach on April 14, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Yes, he did!
KittyLowrey on April 14, 2009 at 6:58 PM
I have it on good authority that Michelle Obama renamed the pup “BO” because he reminded her of Barack…….he is so “snore-y and stinky” when he wakes up in the morning.
Puddleglum on April 14, 2009 at 6:59 PM
O Creator of Worlds……I don’t get why you think Tapper is yer boi.
He doesn’t dig teh Palin a’tal.
Not evah.
evah evah.
strangelet on April 14, 2009 at 6:59 PM
God Bless Jake Tapper, he as the sense to look upon this scene an say OMFG, what ARE we doing?
JeffWeimer on April 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM
We have an English Setter who ate a large rock.2500.00 dollars later and a week in the doggie hospital he was back. Didn’t eat another rock, but he did eat a plate of jalepeno poppers. 500.00 dollars and a prescription for priloset…..
sandee on April 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Okay right thread:
AP, you should have superimposed Leslie Nielsen on the frontpage photo.
Dusty on April 14, 2009 at 7:01 PM
I hope you’re not insulting the dog. Portuguese water dogs are working dogs, and amazing critters. They can also be pretty rambunctious. I hope somebody in the first family learns how to deal with a dog. Bo is 6 months old and doesn’t look leash trained yet. If they don’t learn how to train him, he’ll be one of those dogs with serious behavioral problems that a rescue group has to try to find a home for. And wouldn’t that be ironic. Sad for the dog, too.
ProfessorMiao on April 14, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Perhaps they got a Portuguese water dog in honor of Ted Kennedy.
Dhuka on April 14, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Please stop addressing me. I don’t give a damn about you.
HornetSting on April 14, 2009 at 7:05 PM
The First one a reporter shouts out is he neutered who is she asking about the President or the family dog ;)
It’s about time they got those kids a dog.
Dr Evil on April 14, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Best part of this?
He said he would get a dog from a Rescue facility during the election…
But that election promise expired.
Romeo13 on April 14, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Awww, isn’t it cute. I hope it’s as trained as Obama’s pets in the msm. Much ado about nothing, as usual. Yea, Cronkite would be amused.
scalleywag on April 14, 2009 at 7:09 PM
The Second one the President is stiff but if Michelle Obama is a dog lover then she can’t be all that bad.
Dr Evil on April 14, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Actually, it is a gift from Ted Kennedy, one he made several weeks ago (it’s related to one of his) and there’s a bit of a brouhaha over it. Part of the big “production” I referenced upthread, what with the coy knowing but not telling, pretending they were considering a shelter dog and so on.
KittyLowrey on April 14, 2009 at 7:10 PM
The Last Photo I Think All Children Should have a canine companion. I am Glad the Obama girls have some what looks like a sweet dog for company.
Dr Evil on April 14, 2009 at 7:12 PM
He should have gotten a shelter/rescue dog. Shame on him.
Blake on April 14, 2009 at 7:12 PM
michelle and Bo obama are both beautiful animals.
Ghoul aid on April 14, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Wanna hear a funny story? When Obama’s canine choices were “leaked” (by guess who) that they had it narrowed down to this breed or a Labradoodle, my neighbor went out and bought two doodles. Yes, two. His gleefully told me they were “the kind of dog Obama’s going to get”. hahahahaha. Fooled you.
scalleywag on April 14, 2009 at 7:13 PM
BardMan on April 14, 2009 at 7:16 PM
I wonder if even the president gets a little embarrassed about this attention. I’m waiting for the day he’ll say to them, ok, is this all you guys have to report on, seriously?
scalleywag on April 14, 2009 at 7:18 PM
What I meant was, the time to be embarrassed for so-called journalists had passed.
Rae on April 14, 2009 at 7:22 PM
I assume the second dog is scheduled to be bought when Obama’s next blunder happens.
Speedwagon82 on April 14, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Agreed, but always glad to find one that actually covers news.
AUINSC on April 14, 2009 at 7:25 PM
The contrast between GWB, who always acted tastefully, classy, and respectful (regardless of his political views), and BO, who never seems to miss a chance to slight his predecessor or anyone else he has a political beef against, is incredibly striking.
The archived kids page looks like the work of Laura Bush: gently patriotic, morally upright, and infused with a love of learning, history, and country.
Meanwhile the MSM is so far up BO’s posterior that I wouldn’t be a bit surprised that when “Bo” first attempts to defecate on the White House lawn, to see Chrissy Matthews waiting there to catch every dropping before it touches the grass, with his bare hands…smiling just to be in the presence of the man who keeps giving him leg thrills every day.
/sigh
Wanderlust on April 14, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I know this is off subject but Micheal Savage is on a roll about DHS report. It is hillarious!!
Dire Straits on April 14, 2009 at 7:30 PM
meh.
One of the girls is allergic to dog dander, so that means a poodle, a labradoodle or a waterdog, some dog that doesnt shed.
That also means not-a-shelter-dog in general, since labradoodles command a hefty price tag.
Working dogs like labs and porties are much more genetically robust, and less susceptible to disorders like hip displasia and bad temperments from inbreeding.
It is obvious that the Creator of Worlds is a catperson.
strangelet on April 14, 2009 at 7:31 PM
“There, now he’s got the leash!”
Whose leash, the dog’s or the media’s?
RedRedRice on April 14, 2009 at 7:32 PM
It’s like the media never imagined a black family…with a father and everything!…having a pet.
SouthernGent on April 14, 2009 at 7:36 PM
did you guys see the news story praising obama for selecting a pure bred dog instead of selecting a dog from the pound?
me neither
gatorboy on April 14, 2009 at 7:43 PM
We know all that. We’ve been inundated with that information for months. It turns out Ted Kennedy gave them the puppy weeks ago but they all coyly kept it secret while they stretched it out for maximum effect. Also apparently there was an attempt to orchestrate a purchase (from another buyer) and return of the puppy in order to pretend it was a rescue, after all, but that was foiled and the truth came out.
KittyLowrey on April 14, 2009 at 7:44 PM
No, it’s like the media loves Democratic presidents and will ask how high when told to jump.
KittyLowrey on April 14, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Darling little girls.
Cute dog, but needs tail snipped.
Obama always seems to be lecturing.
Michelle needs to learn to bend at the knees, desperately.
The media is gross at their fawning over a stupid dog.
sheesh on April 14, 2009 at 7:47 PM
I remember when the Labradoodle was being considered thinking that he would never go with that dog. Most dog organizations are opposed to these “designer dogs.” He would really be seen as encouraging a trend that is very controversial.
I realize that the family said they’d go with a shelter dog, but I really don’t fault them for going with a breeder. As someone else pointed out, this is not really the ideal breed in terms of temperament and energy level, but they were somewhat limited in their choices because of the allergy thing.
A six month old puppy is a lot of work, though, so I hope they have a plan on how to train it.
Y-not on April 14, 2009 at 7:47 PM
No, something awful will probably happen to the dog involving a rubber squeaky toy and Michelle’s big arms and the world will weep, ignoring the bigger political f-up. I hate seeing animals exploited by celebrities and politicians. Chase one of your stupid kids around with the leash and leave the dog alone.
austinnelly on April 14, 2009 at 7:49 PM
This is so incredibly stupid — a new MSM low.
Richard Romano on April 14, 2009 at 7:55 PM
I’ll have to remember to invite the media next time I bring home a starved or abused rescue animal to foster; Maybe I can get a little publicity for their cause….
anniekc on April 14, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Do not think, for one moment, that your tax dollars are not going to pay for, if not a full time, then a part time, trainer and puppy sitter.
anniekc on April 14, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Yeah, but they are economizing. Bo and the first lady are sharing stylists.
Y-not on April 14, 2009 at 8:02 PM
The White House already is a zoo, so…
Loxodonta on April 14, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Is the dog male? Bo? I heard our President call out Bo? Isn’t that what Michelle used to call him before they were married?
Someone said the dog was named after Bo Didley? But that can’t be. Bo Didley is Bow. The dog Bo is Boo.
He named the dang dog after himself, fo sho.
Sultry Beauty on April 14, 2009 at 8:04 PM
I have no doubt that “Bo” will have her own security detail assigned to her. We wouldn’t want anything happening to the dog.
CynicalOptimist on April 14, 2009 at 8:09 PM
First of all, if you didn’t already see that this country is doomed, you certainly must now. BTW, makes me long for the days of Barney biting reporters.
And hey, what’s with the comment “I finally have a friend”… Somewhere Bill Ayers is crying. As is that former Hamas spokesman who’s name I’m forgetting at the moment.
Also, you KNOW Bush have been mocked for being a hick idiot if he’d said “we got no treats”. Obama says it? The English language is changed to make it correct.
Anyway, despite what the family says, I’m not dropping my theory that it may be Obama’s never ending arrogance that lead them to name the dog “Bo”. What a coincidence that those are Barry’s initials.
RightWinged on April 14, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Skilled in English and Ebonics… or Obonics….
CynicalOptimist on April 14, 2009 at 8:16 PM
I got a laugh at the second video. About thirty seconds in, MO turns around, bends over, and apparently BLOTS OUT THE SUN.
Rhinoboy on April 14, 2009 at 8:19 PM
As long as the mutt didn’t cost the tax payers 14 billion dollars, who cares?
Other than the adoring media that is…..
Hog Wild on April 14, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Well, I’ll be nice this time around..say what you will about Barack and Michelle, but the daughters are nice and I think they’re gonna have a lot of fun with that dog.
vcferlita on April 14, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Media=plural for medium.
It should read Media go berserk.
jgapinoy on April 14, 2009 at 8:46 PM
“It’s hard to overstate” how important this event is, but he will go on to overstate it anyway.
PattyJ on April 14, 2009 at 9:23 PM
The first time old Bo dry humps the Presidential leg, there’ll be a nutering in his future…
Wyznowski on April 14, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Damn it! Barney had to bite a reporter to get this kind of attention.
carbon_footprint on April 14, 2009 at 9:31 PM
The MSNBC video:
Surreal watching the fawning press so excited about the big even while seeing the DOW -137.63 off to the side.
carbon_footprint on April 14, 2009 at 9:33 PM
S/B big event
carbon_footprint on April 14, 2009 at 9:34 PM
As silly as this might be the smile on the faces of those girls is worth it.
Cindy Munford on April 14, 2009 at 9:40 PM
What a bunch of disgusting sycophants!
Sam Adams on April 14, 2009 at 9:47 PM
True.
As much as I am really, really uncomfortable with BO and MO, I have nothing but the best wishes for those two girls.
carbon_footprint on April 14, 2009 at 9:54 PM
When the Obamas said they’d decided on a Portuguese water dog and that they also wanted a rescue dog, I recall some commenters predicting there’d need to be some sleight of hand in order to pull this thing off. Those dogs just don’t show up in shelters.
Why didn’t they just get the breed they wanted and shut up about it needing to be a rescue dog? It’s the same with the smoking. He can’t just quit smoking like folks, he’s got to put “Quit Smoking With Barack!” on his campaign website. It’s always got to be a Big Production with the narcissist-in-chief.
Missy on April 14, 2009 at 10:06 PM
is it racist to mention that the dog is very big for a puppy, and very black for a post racial president?
Also i am curious if this “rescue dog” that was purchased from the brreeder that supplies these dogs to the kennedy clan by a friend of the Kennedy Clan and then imeadiately returned to the breeder for training on behest of the Kennedy clan to be given as a gift by the kennedy clan to the new President Bay of Pigs is really more of a bait and switch than a rescue.
Also, can this breed successfully swim and help pull future Mary Joes out of future over turned cars? just wondering cause it might be good insurance what with it being exposed to the Kennedy clan…
BillaryMcBush on April 14, 2009 at 10:30 PM
PUKE!!!!
Of course they have to go berserk over the dog…. after the Bush dog bit a reporter!
ToddonCapeCod on April 14, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Yeah, true. I think most of them were probably fantasizing about being on the leash themselves.
ddrintn on April 14, 2009 at 10:41 PM
How come Obama the Muslim got a dog?
Dave Rywall on April 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Oh, I know this one…because Bush is the real terrorist!
AUINSC on April 14, 2009 at 11:03 PM
best comment of the day
gatorboy on April 14, 2009 at 11:12 PM
How come Obama the Muslim got a dog?
Dave Rywall on April 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Oh, I know this one…because Bush is the real terrorist!
AUINSC on April 14, 2009 at 11:03 PM
——–
You’re not one of the Hotair bozos who keep claiming Obama’s a Muslim, so I’m going to ignore your horribly lame response.
Dave Rywall on April 14, 2009 at 11:52 PM
That dog obviously has bad trainers and handlers.
Huh? the irony
Oh ‘he has no treats.. that must be the problem.”
Yea… treats.
amend2 on April 15, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Whew!
AUINSC on April 15, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Look, a poopy.
Steve Z on April 15, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Is he talking about President TelePrompter…or the dog?
TN Mom on April 15, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Does the dog get his own teleprompter?
…telepuppter?
Mojave Mark on April 15, 2009 at 2:01 AM
I’m a dog lover and everyone loves to show off their new dog it’s like showing off a new baby and you want everyone to ohh and ahhh over it. I have plenty of things to take him to task over, this is not one of them, it’s one of the few things I’ve found redeeming about him — his daughters and now their new dog.
Rapunzel on April 15, 2009 at 3:23 AM
Is the dog’s name spelled “BHO” by any chance?
I watched the raw video of this as it came over the AP satellite feed last night (in my time zone), it was pretty darn funny hearing all the raw gushing from the media throng. The girls seemed very happy – Malia took him for a big run up a hill grinning all the way – but Barack and Michelle seemed… awkward. Like they don’t know how to play.
And I’m thinking, a lovely family scene with a brand new puppy, the kids are excited, but the parents don’t seem to be having fun. Scenes like this happen all over the country every day, and one might expect to see balls being thrown, happy children chasing the puppy around the yard, and so on.
But they never even let him off the leash to run free. He dragged Michelle awkwardly this way and that, she seemed to get exasperated. I think of Barney and the other presidential dogs, they always got to run freely over the grounds.
Will poor BHO be tied up all the time? Will he be dragging Michelle all over the Rose Garden every time he has to outside for a pee?
Agam on April 15, 2009 at 3:52 AM
Does BO naming the dog after himself make him conceited?
Glenn Jericho on April 15, 2009 at 6:30 AM
Im sick of it also. I wonder if the press will report on every poop he leaves on the WH lawn.
becki51758 on April 15, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Well he lied about giving a tax cut to 90% of the people, but at least he kept his campaign promise to buy a dog!
At least he prioritized his campaign promises… ROFL
jeffn21 on April 15, 2009 at 9:41 AM
I heard that Teddy Kennedy gave it to him… Is this true? If so, it’s hillaious!!!! I can imagine the card:
Dear Baraka Osama… Obama… uh whatever,
I hope you enjoy this Water Dog. I’m sure he will help you out in the future. If only I had a rescue dog when I was younger, I may had been president.
Sincerely,
Teddy Kennedy
jeffn21 on April 15, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I’ll bet the dog is smarter than anybody out there, except the secret service, of course.
HornetSting on April 14, 2009 at 6:10 PM
-
I have one of these dogs. I bet you’re right. My Portuguese water dog is so smart. Politics aside, I’m glad to see the Obamas’ dog. Porties are the best! Great choice for the girls.
Cpoy2 on April 15, 2009 at 11:12 AM
This is a distraction trying to hide his gaffes.
{^_^}
herself on April 15, 2009 at 11:44 AM
MSM to Barry: I Wanna Be Your Dog
So messed up I want you here
In my room I want you here
Now we’re gonna be face-to-face
And I’ll lay right down in my favorite place
And now I wanna be your dog
Now I wanna be your dog
Now I wanna be your dog
Well c’mon
Now I’m ready to close my eyes
And now I’m ready to close my mind
And now I’m ready to feel your hand
And lose my heart on the burning sands
And now I wanna be your dog
And now I wenna be your dog
Now I wanna be your dog
Well c’mon
Christien on April 15, 2009 at 11:49 AM
So, Ted Kennedy bought Barak Obama a dog known for it’s ability to swim.
Krydor on April 15, 2009 at 12:31 PM
illiterate journos…
it should be
“Who’s walking whom?:)
max1 on April 15, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Doesn’t this count as Obama using his kids, dragging them out for photo ops?
I wonder who is going to deal with Bo’s messes? The American public is already dealing with BO’s crap.
katiejane on April 15, 2009 at 1:23 PM
I was surprised they didn’t get a rottweiler or a pit bull, didn’t Michael Vick have a few spares??
workingforpigs on April 15, 2009 at 1:29 PM
I personally think he should have gotten a WHITE dog.
This would satisfy all cultural bases.
Badger40 on April 15, 2009 at 1:29 PM
I gotta say watching Michelle kneeling on the damp ground to play with the puppy makes the whole militant meme of here seem ridiculous in hindsight
TruUSA on April 15, 2009 at 1:30 PM
The dog is half black and half white just like the owner.
workingforpigs on April 15, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Naahhh…. Just projecting a little-after all, the dog is all black and neutered.
Oh I’m such a racist!
Badger40 on April 15, 2009 at 1:31 PM
I understand that Michael Vick will be training the dog.
workingforpigs on April 15, 2009 at 1:45 PM
And suddenly, referring to the President as P.BO just got weirder.
Count to 10 on April 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM
Except that the dog hides most of its white underneath, so you can’t see it unless its rolled over on it back.
Oh, wait…
Count to 10 on April 15, 2009 at 2:02 PM
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