Obama campaign puts Bo on the trail

Washington Post ^ | 4/30/2012 | Dan Eggen

[Qbert]

President Obama has unleashed a particularly unusual fundraiser for his 2012 campaign.

One Internet ad starts with a two-toned blue background, like dozens of other pro-Obama spots. Then the furry star pops into the frame, tongue out and ready to frolic. “Join Pet Lovers for Obama,” the ad implores.

The unlikely pitchman is Bo, the White House family pet, who may well be the first “first dog” to emerge as a central player in a presidential reelection campaign.

Political pets have long attracted inordinate attention, from then-Sen. Richard M. Nixon’s dog, Checkers — the focus of an early 1950s scandal that slowed his political ascent — to Bill Clinton’s adopted stray cat, Socks. In 2004, George W. Bush’s campaign put together a tongue-in-cheek video for the Republican National Convention seeking advice from Barney, Bush’s Scottish terrier, on how to attract the “canine vote.”

But Obama appears to be breaking ground by featuring his Portuguese water dog so prominently in official campaign advertisements and fundraising efforts...[Snip]

The strategy is also an attempt to capitalize on the persistent controversy over canines that has dogged the 2012 race. Obama’s presumed GOP rival, Mitt Romney, has come under fire from Democrats and animal-rights activists for transporting his now-deceased Irish setter, Seamus, in a crate tied atop the family station wagon for a 12-hour trip to Canada in the 1980s. Republicans, in turn, have highlighted Obama’s recollection in his 2004 autobiography that he had eaten dog meat as a child in Indonesia.

[Snip]

The campaign also offers nearly a dozen Bo- or pet-themed products on its Web site, including a $12 “Cats for Obama” collar and a $35 red, white and blue “Obama Dog” sweater. “This adorable Obama dog sweater will keep your furry friend feeling cozy and looking stylish,”...

[Pollster1]

I wish they’d put Bo on the ballot instead of on the campaign trail or on the menu. I would very happily take Bo as president over either Obama or Romney, if Bo was the actual decider.

[sunny48]

Barak’s mirror pictures. http://www.freakingnews.com/Obama-s-Mirror-Pictures—2756-0.asp
There’s one with bo in the safe, but you’ll like most of these

[Gay State Conservative]

“Join Pet Lovers for Obama”

Sometimes the jokes just write themselves....

[tm61]

unlike the secret service, Bo doesnt have to get liquored up to act like he wants to be there

[DeaconRed]

Oh Shit.
He is taking the dog and the BBQ grill.
Bye Bye BO.
You ain't a pit bull, but with enough "Southern" BBQ sauce you would probably taste pretty good.