PLEASE take a break from the poll watching for a just a minute of comic relief. You won't be sorry. ALL OF US can use some fun on this night. And I'm doing what I can to help.
BE PREPARED TO ENJOY YOURSELF:
Embedded video is in the comments below - and can be reached instantly by clicking HERE. THANKS, Julian Domain!)
http://www.youtube.com/...
Of, course, credit where credit is due. And Gilbert & Sullivan must get kudos.
But, for our presidents, I think we can all agree that scooping stinky doggie poo just comes with the job, now. Ever since George H.W. Bush started the trend with First Dog Millie, it's become a tradition that each president has been tasked with.
But the practice was not without controversy. When first sworn in 1993 - and in an effort to clearly distinguish himself as the anti-H.W. - Bill Clinton caused a public stir First Cat, Socks. Though resisting public pressure throughout his first term to bring in a First Dog, Clinton finally offered a compromise with the adoption of Budweiser or "Buddy" in 1997, on the condition that Socks retain its own title.
George W. Bush entered the White House with Barney in tow in 2001; Bush is also rumored to have had another pooch on the premises named Who-Gives-A-Flying-F*¢k, but that has not yet been confirmed.
Finally, our modern U.S. President, Barack Obama, in April of 2009, picked up the mantle (and then some) with Bo, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog named by the president's daughters, Sasha & Malia.
Washington punditry now calls appointment of a First Dog a tradition. And most people are likely to agree that's true, in that Beltway pundits have never shown to be wrong about anything.
For those of you who might wish to make recommendations for any future First Dogs - or, in honor of Bill Clinton, First Cats - please do so in the comments.
As for me, I'll be in and out. But I hope I can trust you all with this very important task in my absence. Good luck.