MyDD :: Woof!

Woof!

by Josh Orton, Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 06:58:15 PM EST

The AP breaks some huge news:

From George Washington's foxhound "Drunkard" to George W. Bush's terriers "Barney" and "Miss Beazley," pets are a longtime presidential tradition for which the presumed Republican nominee seems well prepared, with more than a dozen.

The apparent Democratic nominee Barack Obama, on the other hand, doesn't have a pet at home.

The pet-owning public seems to have noticed the difference.

An AP-Yahoo! News poll found that pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner.

"I think a person who owns a pet is a more compassionate person -- caring, giving, trustworthy. I like pet owners," said Janet Taylor of Plymouth, Mass.

Bleeding Heartland goes to the trouble of actually breaking down this ridiculousness.

Onlyfourmoremonthsonlyfourmoremonths...

Tags: Election 08 (all tags)

Permalink :: 53 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

This is the worst story I have read all year.

There is silliness in the media, and now this.

I wonder which MSM tv-outlet will carry this as a story of substance first?

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:11:39 PM EST

usually I don't even bother (none / 0)

writing about crappy MSM analysis of polling, because I figure the professionals like Mark Blumenthal do enough of that on their blogs.

But I couldn't let this one pass. It truly was one of the worst articles I have read in a long time.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:49:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: usually I don't even bother (none / 0)

One of the diarists at my site wrote about it. The two biggest newspapers in our state used it on their website.

If it appears in the paper tomorrow...

New Mexico politics from the local perspective.

by fbihop on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:54:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I want a beer with my dog (none / 0)

American dumb press and dumber voters: participating in the process since the first election of George Washington.

What you do about it? Might as well sit back and have a beer

by dcrolg on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 10:03:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Zogby polled ALL 50 STATES, with GREAT results for Obama. Check out the details here.

by LeftistAddiction on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:14:27 PM EST

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

It's Zogby.
See 1

New Mexico politics from the local perspective.

by fbihop on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:54:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Utter sickitudeness. What tripe the MSM serves in the place of real news.

"And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:16:08 PM EST

Re: Woof! (2.00 / 1)

Thank god the AP is on top of this issue!

(Don't worry, Josh, you know it will get a lot worse before it's all over!)

by skohayes on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:17:58 PM EST

come on, MyDD readers (none / 0)

I know you can think of more things wrong with the AP "analysis" than I did in my post at Bleeding Heartland.

I only wrote down five potential confounding variables, and there must be a lot more than that.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:32:56 PM EST

Re: come on, MyDD readers (2.00 / 1)

The AP article itself brought up confounding variables such as marriage status and race...

The population breakdown of who has pets and who doesn't also may be a factor.

For example, the poll found 47 percent of whites own dogs, compared with just 24 percent of blacks. Whites tend to favor McCain, while blacks overwhelmingly favor Obama.

The article doesn't mention that due to the size of the margin of error (2.9) for the subgroup of pet owners, the McCain/Obama contest for this group is actually in heat - er, I mean, in a dead heat.

Keep it short. DemocraticShortList.com

by Rob in Vermont on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 09:13:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I saw the point on race (none / 0)

so didn't include that as one of the five potential confounding variables not mentioned by AP.

However, my eye skipped over the point on marital status. I have corrected my original post.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 10:05:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I would agree with you (none / 0)

if Obama actively mistreated dogs. I know that Romney story went viral in the animal-loving world.

However, I don't know any animal lovers who would vote against someone because he does not own a pet. That is very different from being cruel to a dog.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 08:38:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (2.00 / 1)

And Border Collies didn't even make the short list!

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:36:11 PM EST

supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (none / 0)

a dog after the election.

So I'm sure we'll hear a bunch of armchair psychologists probe the deeper meaning of whatever breed he selects.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:43:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (2.00 / 1)

No doubt. The beauty of the Border Collie breed is that they are so idiosyncratic and active that the owner gets a pass and the dog gets the analysis. My Border Collie thinks my pick-up truck is an animal that requires herding, for example, and has insisted on this point for so long that she's almost got me convinced. She escorts me up and down the driveway every time, dancing around the truck and bluffing it into stopping at the bottom of the road by running around in front and staring into the headlights. It's hilarious.

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:51:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (none / 0)

I have a rescue Blue Heeler and your description fits her perfectly. I they may be even a tad more obsessive though; as small dogs bred to herd cows I suppose need to be.

by mady on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:49:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (none / 0)

Lucky you. They are extremely popular dogs here in Australia. And absolutely focussed on whatever mayhem they are engaged in at the moment.

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:53:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (2.00 / 1)

Well, lacking large animals to herd she has made her life's work trying to get my 4 cats into one place at one time. Keeps her busy. Keeps them pissed.

by mady on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:57:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (none / 0)

Herding cats, eh? You may be on to something there.

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 09:24:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: supposedly Obama has promised his daughters (none / 0)

or that he is pandering to the pet vote by getting a dog. That dog-gone flip flopper.

"And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:14:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

VIVA EL IBUPROFEN.
Oy vey

Just because the Quarterback throws an interception, you dont stop blocking for him.

by tellinya on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:43:16 PM EST

how about Meow.... (none / 0)

I want a president who respects Felines, after 8 years of the cat hating bush, I want a President to restore the legacy of the White House feline.

Maybe Bill and Chelsea can run the vetting committee?

On a somewhat serious note, I am suprised the AP for being as good as they are didn't quote Obama's ultimatum that win or lose, he promised his daughters a dog.

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:43:32 PM EST

Re: how about Meow.... (none / 0)

Ewww cats! Me no likey!

by TimO on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 09:25:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (2.00 / 2)

Well, chalk up "Pet owners" as another key demographic overlooked in the exit polling throughout the Primary season. Also included in that list are "Riding-lawn-mower users," "Men who wear mismatched socks," and "1%-milk drinkers."

The key to the election is contained within the Protocol.

by The Breach on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 07:48:10 PM EST

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

people drink 1% milk? really?

by DawnG on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:12:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Yeah. Centrists, Moderates, they love its' inherent compromise.

The key to the election is contained within the Protocol.

by The Breach on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 10:37:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (2.00 / 1)

This "story" barks.

by InigoMontoya on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:03:02 PM EST

another reason to pick Schweitzer (2.00 / 1)

schweitzer2

Our Moment Is Now

by mboehm on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:11:01 PM EST

Re: another reason to pick Schweitzer (none / 0)

Now that's a dog.

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:13:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

but he really needs a working dog (none / 0)

in Montana. That dog would go crazy in a Washington, DC townhome.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:20:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: but he really needs a working dog (none / 0)

You're not wrong. My dog is a good excuse for keeping away from the 'big smoke.' She needs a two kilometre run ever day or goes nuts.

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:41:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I remember people... (none / 0)

...in the news mocking Clinton for having a cat. Like that was the most unpatriotic thing EVER.

by DawnG on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:12:02 PM EST

not unpatriotic (none / 0)

just not "masculine" enough.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:21:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not unpatriotic (none / 0)

And cats always seem to be operating in deep cover.

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:43:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not unpatriotic (2.00 / 1)

Cats just always seemed so "Soviet" to me.

by DemsLandslide2008 on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:57:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: not unpatriotic (none / 0)

and they have that misogynistic nick-name.

by QTG on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:58:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You want HUGE NEWS??? (none / 0)

Iraq insists on withdrawal timetable

Could we possibly stop rehashing GOP talking points against Obama and silly polls and have a front page diary about THIS, which amounts to Obama winning the Iraq issue?

by Beren on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:13:50 PM EST

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

I think this is a valid issue. As a pet owner, I am kind of disappointed that Obama doesn't have an animal.

Tell him to get a cat - they are easy to take care of and are completely awesome.

by agpc on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:21:50 PM EST

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

His oldest daughter is allergic to them I think.

by dead goat on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:35:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Yes I heard the same thing. Finally an issue we can all get behind. Obama is antidog.

by Politicalslave on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 08:44:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Hey I just saw an interview with Obama, Michelle and his daughters. They said after the campaign is over, the daughters have been promised a dog. Looks like the story is completely off base.

Would have preferred a cat, but I am glad they will be bringing an animal into the White House.

by agpc on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 09:02:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (2.00 / 1)

Remember, Rupert Murdoch is on the Associated Press board of directors. That should tell you all you need to know.

by calwoman on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 09:10:19 PM EST

I happen to be a pet owner but . . . (2.00 / 1)

why would I care if someone else decides to own a pet or not? I see it as responsible to not own a pet if you know you are unable to care for it properly.

I think too many people feel the need to have a pet to somehow "complete" them and have no concept of the responsibility.

Same with kids.

In short, what a stupid fucking poll!

by TimO on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 09:24:27 PM EST

Re: Woof! (2.00 / 1)

If people are voting based whether or not a candidate has a dog or not, we are in serious trouble.

by chewie5656 on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 10:24:31 PM EST

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

"I think a person who owns a pet is a more compassionate person -- caring, giving, trustworthy. I like pet owners," said Janet Taylor of Plymouth, Mass.

This might be the dumbest quote I have ever read in one of the dumbest political articles ever. George Bush has 2 dogs and clearly does not have a compassionate bone in his body.

Meanwhile Obama, who has no pets, has spent his career trying to help people going back to his days as a community organizer.

Maybe someone should point that out to Janet Taylor.

by jmnyc on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 11:06:28 PM EST

Michael Vick (none / 0)

He owned quite a few dogs, and I don't think anyone would consider him to be compassionate.

It is really disgusting how our media is doing anything and everything in its power to avoid talking about real issues.

by monkeyga on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 11:13:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Michael Vick (none / 0)

Very true.

by jmnyc on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 11:39:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.

H L Mencken

by Shaun Appleby on Tue Jul 08, 2008 at 11:41:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

After the election (2.00 / 2)

when Pres. Obama goes to get his daughters their dog, I hope he will adopt one from a shelter.

No Way, No How, No McCain!

by GFORD on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 01:08:42 AM EST

even better, an adult dog (2.00 / 1)

We adopted a nice, adult dog four years ago. He is so good with kids, and we didn't have to worry about house-training or chewing up everything.

We knew we wouldn't have time to train a puppy properly, and if we don't have time, the Obamas sure aren't going to have the time.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 08:42:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Selection Bias (none / 0)

Pet owners have been more Republican than the general public at large. This is because married couple with childrens tend to have more pets than the general public and also tend to vote more Republican than the general public, too.

This is an example where correlation does not equal causation.

Dizzy Zzyzzy

by Zzyzzy on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 01:24:59 AM EST

Mark Blumenthal's piece (none / 0)

on the poll goes over this problem as well:

http://www.pollster.com/blogs/a_dog_of_a _poll_story.php

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 08:47:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Woof! (none / 0)

Pet ownership is a very serious responsibility. John McCain has no business owning 12 pets. There is no way he and his family can give them the kind of quality time that each of them needs. Why don't people point out the irresponsible aspect of being a high-powered senator with 12 pets?

I don't own a pet. If I did, I suppose I'd be more likeable to those other pet owners out there, but I wonder how they'd feel if they found out that I was leaving my pet home alone for 10-12 hours a day because of my schedule?

The universe is a casual place, not a suit-and-tie affair.

by mtnspirit on Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 12:06:59 PM EST

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