A Dog in the Hand is Worth Bush in the Whitehouse

Wednesday, June 27, 2001 - USA

WASHINGTON, DC — No sooner had President George W. Bush saluted the Scottish Terrier's ear than did a squad of cameras flash, a troupe of TV cameras whir and a rack full of tabloids splay the image across their front pages in newsstands across America.

But as it turns out, what may have seemed like an awkward Quaylism at the time may turn out to be the greatest presidential photo-op since Bedtime for Bonzo.

As President Bush descended from Air Force One on Monday holding his beloved pup "Barney", he apparently got a bit tangled up, and rather than executing a stately salute, he did something more like a hi-five to the dog's right ear.  (Photo: Susan Walsh / AP)

At a time when presidential advisors were fearing low ratings in opinion polls due to a feeling of detachment from the general public, Barney's intervening photogenics seem to have bolstered the President's image considerably, showing him to be just like any other red-blooded, American dog-lover: a little bit silly.

Barney, now eight months old, had been presented to President Bush a few weeks after election day, a gift from Environment Secretary Christine Todd Whitman.  But even before Barney's appearance, George W. made clear his fondness for pets, just as his father did before him.

"Millie", the Springer Spaniel, who occupied the Whitehouse during the presidency of the senior George Bush, has been the subject of a book which has sold more copies than the autobiography of the former President himself.

As President Harry S. Truman once said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

Barney the Scottish Terrier helps the President with his public image ...and apparently (judging by this photo) making that 7-10 split.
(AP Photo/Doug Mills)

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