Obama: "Girly Dog" Not For Our Family

[babylonsister]

:rofl:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/26/obama-no-girly-dog-for-ou_n_146679.html



Obama: "Girly Dog" Not For Our Family

The Huffington Post | November 26, 2008 12:23 PM


In his interview with ABC's Barbara Walters, Barack Obama talked to her about her dog and his own puppy preferences. Politico reports that the host actually sent the Obama's a photo of her pet, but it doesn't seem to be the President-elect's type.

Obama: "Cha Cha?"


Barbara: "It's short for Cha Cha Cha."

O: "What is a Havanese?"

B: "It's like a little terrier and they're non-allergenic and they're the sweetest dogs.."

O: {Face suddenly changes.} "It's like a little yappy dog?"

Michelle: "Don't criticize."

O: "It, like, sits in your lap and things?"

M: "It's a cute dog."

O: "It sounds kinda like a girly dog."

M: "We're girls. We have a houseful of girls."

O {with hand gestures}: "We're going to have a big rambunctious dog, of some sort."

[polichick]

1. LOL - I know how he feels...

I chose a sweet little female dog for our household of boys.

[LostinVA]

2. Victoria Stilwell would be rightly pissed off by the "girly dog" remark

She read aman the riot act for saying that about his wife's Bichon.

[Teaser]

6. well we all have our important battles to fight

.

[LostinVA]

10. ???

[roguevalley]

27. girlie dog. BWAHAHAHAHA! Too funny. :-D He's so going to lose this fight.

[MBS]

3. Good for him!

Obviously, a man of good sense :)

[goclark]

4. Go Michelle ~

I can't wait to see the dog no matter male or female.

Obama is surrounded by women and when his mother in law joins them that will make 4.

When I see those photos of him with the babies ~ especially with the little boys,it would be delightful IMO if they had a little boy.

He wouldn't love the boy any more than he loves the strong women figures in his life- I just think it would be adorable

[EFerrari]

5. LOL!

:rofl:

[Kaylee]

7. Ha!ha! Sounds like my husband. nt

[MrCoffee]

8. Barbara Walters has a rat-dog?

Eeewww.

[pnwmom]

9. This is such a classic debate. If this was closer to an election, Obama would

have gotten even more votes from the men -- without losing any from women. (We'd all be too busy laughing at this classic male-female debate.)

[MadBadger]

11. I Love this Man

And his dog choice is spot on! Gotta get a big dog.

[EFerrari]

14. He is so outgunned.

lol

[KittyWampus]

36. this is an argument that a lot of families can relate to... and I once went to a friend's house

where it was all guys except for the mother.

They clipped the toilet seats up.

Ugh.

[MoonRiver]

17. "Big Dog?"

Maybe he better rethink this! :D

[monmouth]

12. Ahhnold will be proud of Barack.....n/t

[gravity]

13. They sound like a real family

[1Hippiechick]

15. Hope it's at least two since dogs are pack animals. What about racetrack rescue greyhounds? :)

Greyhound is the only breed mentioned by name in the Bible.

I see a LOT of similarities in the plight of the greyhound and the adversities they have had to overcome with that of our President Elect.

And, what a great advertisement not just for pound adoptions, but to call attention to the plight of the racetrack greyhounds?!?!?

Praying for a grey or two.

[MadBadger]

19. Greyhounds and Obama...probably a little too skinny

[1Hippiechick]

23. Too perfect! Sleek and graceful! :)

[RollWithIt]

29. Racetrack Greyhound adoptions aren't easy... they are VERY timid & scared when first taken home...

They've never seen anything outside the track so even riding in a car, climbing stairs, etc are extremely scary for rescued greyhounds. I'm not sure taking a greyhound from a track straight to the Whitehouse would be a good idea. Also, despite their athleticism Greyhounds are notoriously lazy dogs. They sleep as much as 20-21 hrs per day.

[1Hippiechick]

62. LOL - we have shared our home with greyhounds for 11-12 years & currently have three.

And, it depends on the grey. The very first one we adopted had had a very successful career, so after she retired from racing they bred her. She was tame as a kitten and very loving and like a mother hen. All of our greys have been gentle and loving. If one follows the book written specifically for adopting racetrack rescue greyhounds, one shouldn't have a problem. We have been so blessed, and I cannot imagine life without a greyhound in it. They come leash trained and crate trained. The biggest mistake people make after adopting a grey, in my opinion, is NOT wanting to put them in a crate. Their crate represents security to them and is quite necessary when orienting a grey, imo. Our greys sleep 20 hours per day and, during the day when we are at work, they sleep in their crates--all three lined up in front of the windows. These are the 4 x 4 x 4 wire crates (or thereabouts). Hubby comes home at lunch, lets them out for romping and a midday treat, and then back to the crates for 2-3 hours until I arrive home. At night, the greys sleep on the floor or on the sofas--wherever they choose--and sometimes they choose to go back into their crates. Greys seems to know that you have rescued them and are totally devoted, as I imagine all rescue pets are. I think greys in the White House would be wondeful, from a pet standpoint and from an aesthetic standpoint. I think they are absolutely beautiful, graceful creatures.

[hileeopnyn8d]

16. LOL

In memory of my father, I'm doing the resigned headshake that comes from knowing, in a house full of girls, sometimes that's all you can do.

Of course, we outnumbered my dad 5 to 1.

I predict huge ratings for Barbara Walters tonight.

[madaboutharry]

18. Our friends have a Havanese.

It is a wonderful little yappy girly dog. And it is very sweet and lovable.

[BattyDem]

20. They showed this clip on The View today

I was LMAO! :rofl:

It was just so natural ... so real ... so adorable. :D The poor guy wants a "guy's dog" and with three ladies in the WH (four, if you count Michelle's Mom), he is sooo not getting one! :rofl:

[StrongBad]

21. O: "It, like, sits in your lap and things?"

I don't know why, but this quote made me LOL.

[LibDemAlways]

65. My sister-in-law's very big lab/golden retriever mix

thinks he's a lap dog and jumps right up on whoever happens to be seated nearby. I have a feeling Obama hasn't spent much time around dogs. Size sometimes doesn't have much to do with temperament.

[Median Democrat]

22. What About A Welsh Corgi As A Compromise

Torso up it looks like a German Shepard, but legs down it looks like a girly dog. ;)

<>

[babylonsister]

25. LOL! No offense to anyone, but that dog is funny lookin'! nt

[Median Democrat]

26. They Are Extremely Smart Dogs and Cute In A Unique Way

[Tumbulu]

30. All my life I have wanted a Welsh Corgi!

I have had 5 border collies and a Samoyed, but not yet my dream Corgi. Some day, someone will give one to me or I will find one who needs a forever home. I love them and one would make a great Whitehouse dog. Great suggestion!

I do not recommend a border collie unless the Obama's go back to keeping merino sheep on the lawn as Thomas Jefferson did. They need lots of work.

[IndianaGreen]

33. That's a very cute dog!

How adorable! What's their temperament?

[Bluenorthwest]

61. Queen Liz

has the head of state exclusive on Corgis.

[bigbrother05]

80. We have a black/tan/white Pembroke

That's a Cardigan, just like the Queen's. Also have a Westie. neither would be allergy free.

[SuperTrouper]

84. I also have a Corgi: His name is Willie and he is a very masculine dog

my other two dogs are a Rat Terrier (Paco) tough as nails and my female dog is a Brittany Spaniel (Bonita) and she also takes no prisoners.

[Captain Hilts]

24. Bad choice of words. "Yappy" would do. Go Michelle! You tell him girl! nt

[Hepburn]

28. Well, they are really cute, IMO:

[KittyWampus]

37. OMG! the one on the left

[blue_onyx]

31. I prefer girly dogs

I'm actually more of a cat person. If I had to get a dog, it would be a cute, little one that I could kind of treat like a cat.

[IndianaGreen]

32. Obama gets a pitbull

One of Michael Vick's rescued dogs.

[Madam Mossfern]

68. We have a pit bull

Very sweet, but is extremely protective of me.
I don't mind that at all.

[and-justice-for-all]

34. Barack, your out numbered man, 3 girls....

one fight you will never win.

[wellstone dem]

35. I call those dogs, "cat dogs" you might as well get a cat

except now I've started to like cats.

[Vektor]

41. I'd put my money on my cat, hands down.

She's about 8 pounds, and my dog weighs more than 90, and she will whoop him in a second, no two ways about it.

He gives her a WIDE berth, and she has earned herself the name "Ginsu."

[Raineyb]

60. That's an insult to cats.

Better to refer to them properly as barking rats. At least that's what I call the yappy dogs. :P

Regards

[Vektor]

38. While I do love Obama, that was kinda jerky.

Excluding any breed of dog from potential adoption because of gender based stereotypes that are rather unflattering to females isn't real cool. I'm surprised to hear Obama talk like this, actually.

Girl = little yappy thing that sits in your lap? Hmmm.

Not to mention that dogs can't help what breeds they are, they are just animals, any gender based hang-ups and associations come from humans, and have nothing to do with the animal at all.

[adoraz]

39. ugh... its not that serious

It's just a funny statement, take it for that and nothing more.

[Vektor]

40. In the grand scheme of life, it's perhaps not the most serious comment ever made.

But I can disagree with it if I want to, and I do. That said, opinion stated, life goes on.

But I'd venture to say that if the president elect had gone so far as to imply that certain breeds of dog were "ghetto" or associated with certain ethnicities, or sexual preferences, it would become serious to a lot of people pretty quickly. It seems it's still acceptable to marginalize things that are "girly", but that wouldn't fly if someone put down most other groups.


And, yes, I have heard people say that only "f@gs" own certain types of dogs or only "ghetto ni$$ers" own pit-bulls, and I've spoken up against that too, simply because it's rude.

:shrug:

[adoraz]

43. are you seriously comparing this to..

ghetto n*****s? WTF?

It's a playful comment... I mean really, just look at the interview. He is with his wife and another woman and clearly the interview isn't too serious.

Totally insignificant and nothing more than a funny joke.

And btw, he is right. You don't see men with those type of dogs, usually only girly girls. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's true. :p

I love animals just as much as anyone, I'm a vegan, but I wouldn't ever want a "Cha Cha" dog. Luckily there are many others who do.

[Vektor]

44. Oh, geez.

I am comparing this to any undeserved stereotype. They're all pretty much the same.

No need to read me the WTF?!!?!?!?! riot act.

I realize it wasn't that huge a deal, and I simply said that I thought he was wrong in what he said. I love Barack, yet I disagree with ONE comment he made. BFD. Life goes on. I still wholly support the guy.

My only objections are as follows: Animals are not "girly" or "manly". They are animals. Any bizarre gender based stereotypes associated with certain types/breeds of dogs came about by human ignorance, the animals aren't at fault.

If someone had referred to a dog as "manly" that would have been deemed cool; a compliment. Yet "girly" is associated with "yappy, little lapdog." It doesn't take a mental giant to realize that this is an unflattering portrayal of things associated with the female gender, or "girliness."

Also, look around. It's a very popular trend nowadays for big, tough biker type guys and "tough" guys to be carting designer little dogs around. I see it all the time. Ceasar Millan just had an episode on NatGeo about it, actually and it was cute. When one, big, bearded, tattooed, Harley riding guy was asked what was with the tiny dog, and why didn't he have a bigger, tougher dog, he said "Only phony tough guys NEED a big dog, a real man isn't afraid to carry around a Chihuahua." I tend to agree. You don't prove your worth as a man by the size of your dog.

That said, I'm a girl and have owned pit bulls, shepherds, dobermans, great danes, huskies, etc. my whole life. Why? Because I run, hike, bike, etc, and want a large, high energy, athletic dog that can do these things with me, and keep up. So, the gender based stereotypes just don't wash. Some people simply have a tiny dog because they live in a tiny apartment, or their landlord only allows small pets. Many elderly folks of either gender own small dogs because they are less likely to be knocked down by them. It's not "girly", it's just practical for these folks.

Do I think Obama is actually a sexist asshole? Of course not. Do I disagree with one remark he made? Yeah. But you really shouldn't let that bother you. I gave my opinion, as I am entitled to do, and was about ready to surf another thread and forget about it, but you have criticized me twice now for registering my opinion on the matter.

It seems like you are taking the whole thing more seriously than I am. I wasn't angry, I just didn't agree with his comment, was all.

[adoraz]

45. really, you need to chill out

don't take it too seriously, that's all I'm saying.

you are reading wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much into something completely irrelevant. It seems unhealthy to make this an issue of any sort, no matter how small.

If you care so much, watch the interview on ABC right now and see how he says it. I'm sure he said it in a joking manner...

[Vektor]

47. Eh, I'm about as chill as it gets. But this is the third time you have come at me.

It looks like I am not the one who needs to chill out. If this is so irrelevant, why must you continue to try to talk me out of my viewpoint? It seems unhealthy to pay that much attention to what I think, or to let it bother you in this way.

I did see the interview. I voiced my opinion as I am entitled to do. That would have been the end of it, but you have come back at me three times now, clearly more up in arms about the whole thing than I am.

I am not reading anything into the comment that isn't there. I never stated it was more relevant than simply a differing opinion, and I'm not sure why you even had to criticize me (three times) for just stating an opinion. You say I'm the one that "needs to chill" yet it was you that simply could not let me just voice my take on the interview, (the same as the fifty other people that weighed in here) just because you have a different opinion than I do.

Why don't you just graciously allow me to have my viewpoint while you have yours?

[tbyg52]

66. Thank you for sticking up for your viewpoint, with which I agree. nt

[Vektor]

74. Thank you!

For not being an asshole, and graciously allowing me to have an opinion, even if it does speak out against stereotypes. (Which oddly, seems to be a problem for some folks here.)

Thanks for the support, but be careful. Stating you agree with me might earn you a bunch of F-bombs and out of left field attacks from people who have a problem with differing opinions. :shrug:

[tbyg52]

81. Well, not yet, anyhow.

And if it happens, I can use it as practice for developing a thicker skin.... ;)

[acmavm]

59. Wow! This has gotta be the most knee-jerk, over-reactional, hysterical

post of the four day weekend, hands down.

Racial epithets and anti-gay remarks and all. How the fuck could someone get all that out of that innocent conversation?

[Vektor]

73. Uh, no. That would be yours. Hands down.

Not only is it knee-jerk, overreactive, containing f-bombs and sanctimonious intolerance of a different opinion, but it's ignorant. If you cannot see the similarity between any and every type of undeserved and inaccurate stereotype then you need to open your eyes. That said, I'm not that interested in this issue AT all, and merely made a statement about how I didn't agree with him, and that should have been it.

Yesterday.

Newsflash: I have a right to disagree with a statement without your ridiculous accusations. If you seriously think I am accusing anyone of actually MAKING anti-gay or racist remarks, you need to reread the post to which you are overreacting. I merely pointed out the obvious similarity between all stereotypes - that they are foolish.

I gently disagreed with one statement, and was ready to move on yesterday. You clearly have a huge problem with me having an opinion, though. Maybe you ought to quit over-reacting, get over yourself, and have a little tolerance.
It seems I hit a nerve with you by exercising my right to post here too. I'm sorry you felt so up in arms over it that you couldn't move past this thread to enjoy your holiday without stopping to twist my viewpoint and swear at me.

I hope you feel better now that you've exercised your right to attack those with a differing opinion on a relatively trivial issue. Good job! Now enjoy your day. :hi:

[acmavm]

82. The only nerve you hit was the one that always reacts when someone

goes totally off the deep end and gets starts to over react to the point of being ludicrous.

You did it twice. Good job.

[Vektor]

83. Nice try. Pot, meet kettle.

I think the actual "nerve" I hit was the one that is triggered by your inability to handle an alternate viewpoint. That will come with mental maturity, don't worry.

I'm really sorry that my simply disagreeing with someone's statement caused you to go off the deep end and attack and insult me. (Twice now.) Talk about being ludicrous. Can you not handle a differing opinion? Go ahead and dismiss me for pointing out how out of line you are, but that won't change things, or make you look any better. My right to voice my opinion, and my subsequent defense of my right to do so when you nastily attacked me and swore at me over it the first time was totally warranted, but your behavior was absolutely insane from the get-go, and baffling as well. Does it really mean that much to you that I don't fall in lock step and hang on his every opinion about dog breeds?

While others on this site are busy attacking Obama's every move, from his presumed cabinet picks, to calling him "a closet conservative" and hand wringing over his ability to lead (already) I merely registered a minor objection to his statement on dog breed choices, and you just couldn't cope with it. Otherwise, I am quite supportive of the guy, so calm down.

I sincerely hope you achieved whatever level of personal satisfaction you were seeking by lashing out at me for having an opinion you disagreed with. Personally, I was completely bored with this topic about five seconds after I registered my initial disagreement, and bored with you as soon as I read your first histrionic, sanctimonious, holier-than-thou post.

Are you through, yet? Because really, there are better things to do with your time than try to talk me out of an opinion that I stand by, I am justified in having, and is far less of a genuine criticism than some of the things you'll see said about Obama on this site.

Maybe you could go play "opinion police" somewhere else? Surely someone, somewhere on DU must care what you think.

[fed_up_mother]

70. In an all girl family, this kind of talk can be common and is usually funny

Along with menstrual jokes, too much estrogen, etc. :) The guy is outnumbered, and even his mother-in-law is going to be living with them! LOL

[sandnsea]

77. No that is not what it means

Women and girls usually like little dogs that they can cuddle and snuggle and have sit in their lap - and that tend to be yappy dogs. Men usually like bigger dogs that they can play frisbee with. He did not say girls are yappy. I can't believe the things people will deny around here. Little dogs tend to be yappy, and girls usually own them. Reality. That's all.

[Vektor]

78. Dogs of any size bark.

Smaller vocal cords might make a higher pitched bark, but that's an anatomical determination, not a "personality" issue based on the animal's size. Big dogs bark as much as little ones, it just has a different pitch.

I'm a girl who has never owned a dog weighing under 55-60 pounds. I hike, run, bike, and need a large dog to keep up with me. I've known many men who own small dogs, and many women who have owned large dogs. I can't honestly think of a single female whom I know who has a tiny dog. The three "tiny" dogs I know, A Schipperkee, a Chihuahua, and a Toy Cavalier are all owned by men. The size of a dog that an owner chooses is usually determined by the amount of space they have, whether or not the owner is elderly/frail and might be injured trying to manage a large dog, how much they wish to spend on food etc. Maybe they have a landlord with a "no large dogs" rule, which is quite common.

This: "Women and girls usually like little dogs that they can cuddle and snuggle and have sit in their lap - and that tend to be yappy dogs. Men usually like bigger dogs that they can play frisbee with." Is simply just a stereotype and any trip to a dog park will debunk it. All sorts of people own all sorts of dogs. The only "general rule" I have been able to observe is that elderly folks with physical limitations often choose small dogs because they can't physically handle a huge dog. Aside from that, I don't know a single man who plays frisbee, or a single woman who just sits around with tiny dogs on her lap.

It is, indeed absurd the realities that some will deny. It's also absurd that someone would pile on a person for simply stating they did not agree with something Obama said. It is, a discussion forum after all. Reality, for certain.

[question everything]

42. Is this one of those threads that will be repeated

because the OP is too lazy to search

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7930027

[babylonsister]

58. Whaa whaa whaa. The title of that OP did not lead me to

believe it had anything to do with dogs. Get a life. :eyes:

Judging from responses here, I'm not the only one who hadn't seen this posted.

[arewenotdemo]

46. Fuck the MUTT, Barack. Get the girls a CAT.

[NMDemDist2]

48. if he wants big and rambunctious AND non allergic there's only one choice

http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Standard_Poodle/>

[BrklynLiberal]

50. You are right...and they do not have to have that fancy cut.

I never saw one with this coloring before..

[NMDemDist2]

51. OMG, those last two!!

especially the floppy reddish tan guy

:loveya:


edit to add a description of their Character, sounds like the Obamas to me eh?

The Stadard Poodle is refined, elegant, and dignified. The breed is naturally kind, even-tempered, and sensitive. They are highly intelligent and very easy to train. This breed needs to be in the company of people, and they can’t stand to be alone for extensive periods of time. They are good with children and generally friendly towards strangers. They can make decent guard dogs and they can be trained to hunt. The larger variety of Standard Poodle tends to be calmer than the smaller varieties.

[BrklynLiberal]

53. Standard Poodle it is!!!

[fortyfeetunder]

79. Last picture -- Poodle X Dalmatian?

OMG...

[lostnotforgotten]

49. Sounds Like The Dog Issue Has Not Been Settled

They need to let the dog choose them.

[Jennicut]

52. I am a woman and hate "girlie" Paris Hilton-type dogs too

I tried to adopt a big 4 year old rescued black lab but he had some socialization issues and was most likely previously abused so we are gonna try a black lab puppy. I hope Barack, Michelle and the girls find the right dog for them. Warning about rescue dogs though, our doggie was as gentle as could be to my husband and me but he charged one of our girls (she is only 4) when she tried to get in bed with my husband one morning. Luckily, he stopped the dog from hurting her. The dog was too territorial so we had to give him back to the rescue group. :(

[JeffR]

54. Socialist, terrorist, sexist, dogist...

I can hardly believe I was duped into voting for this guy.

[jrockford]

55. This is just dumb.

I can see people being offended by this. Normally I side with the caution of respect, but I'll say this non-issue is just lame. Who gives a damn? I certainly don't. I'm way more concerned with his appointments and what he's going to do with this country rather than any damn excitement about the kind of DOG he chooses. WTF?!

:nopity:

[Frank Cannon]

69. People who get all bent out of shape about stupid shit like this...

just do not have enough heavy stuff going on in their own lives. I wish those people continued good fortune.

[MJJP21]

56. If it's not too late

let me suggest Obama get a Boxer. Just like Obama these dogs have a sense of humor and are not considered to be girly. Let me go one step further and suggest two. You are not really living unless you have two of these great dogs like I do.

[undeterred]

57. They have twice the normal energy and they slime you.

If Obama could get a boxer that would selectively slime certain White House guests that would be funny... nothng like a big slime string hanging on the back of your dress pants.

[LibDemAlways]

63. Sounds like Obama hasn't spent much

time around little "yappy" dogs. Some of them are fierce. I have a friend with a little yappy pooch that hates everybody. Last time I was at her house the dog greeted me by growling and biting my foot. Not a "girly" dog at all.

[ismnotwasm]

64. Breaking; Girlie dog bites balls

He could have used a better choice of words I suppose. Those little dogs, some of those little fuckers are aggressive as hell, and just the right size to jump up and, well you know.

[terrya]

67. I laughed out loud at that.

No offense to Ms. Walters, but...the President-elect is right. I refer to those kind of dogs as "fou-fou" dogs. :-)

[TankLV]

71. I wondered how long it would take till we got to the "girlie" discussion...

sure is a LONG time waiting for competance to return to the seat of government, isn't it?!

[Froward69]

72. I saw that too...

I stand behind Him... "A Big rambunctious dog" is fitting... after all he IS the president of the united states... then again he will most likely be out voted.x( 3to1 and accept the outcome to maintain harmony in the WH.

[comrade snarky]

75. I love it

He can be the leader the country but NOT that family :-)

I'll never forget Michelle saying "Oh no, those girls are getting a dog. You promised them a dog".

[Gman]

76. Hey! I'm with Obama on this one!

Sound's like our male sissified Cocker-Schnauzer mix girly-dog!

[texas1928]

85. I am with Obama on this one.

I want a Great Dane, but my wife won't let me get one. SO she is making a concession and talking about a French Bull Dog.