The First Puppy Rolled Out To An Eager Press Corps
During his speech on the economy today, President Obama criticized Washington for "an attention span that has only grown shorter with the 24-hour news cycle." Four hours later, at least 50 reporters and photographers were clamoring for a view of the president and the first family parading around the South Lawn with their new dog, Bo.
The White House intentionally left Bo's rollout off the public schedule to avoid the afternoon photo op from being more chaotic than it was. At about 4 pm, the PA system in the press briefing room carried an announcement that there would be an "event" open to all press, and to meet at 4:40. Just before 4:30, another announcement abruptly declared that if you wanted to cover said "event," to get to the meeting place now.
Outside under a dreary gray sky, still photographers and camera men weren't quite sure where to position themselves, because press aides themselves weren't sure where the dog.
And then from behind the mob, this reporter heard the president's voice, and before you could say "Bo," there was the whole family walking the new Portuguese Water Dog past our ropeline.
A few ooh and awws could be heard, with an occasional question directed at the president.
Will you walk the dog? "We all have to take turns walking the dog," he said. Can Bo come to the Oval Office? "Of course!"
Asked if he had a message about owning a dog, the president said, "We want to make sure that we're responsible dog owners, and I hope everybody is too." As he was about to continue, Malia, the eldest Obama daughter, gushed to her new pet," "Www, good puppy!" "A little positive reinforcement," the proud father said.
Sasha also went off script, telling reporters that Bo already "had a sleepover with his brother" (Ted Kennedy donated the dog from his brood). She later announced, "He doesn't know how to swim." The press corps, unsure of the protocol of talking to the president's daughter, waited for his father to engage.
"Yeah, apparently they have to be taught how to swim, which is interesting," he said. "They have webbed feet. And they herd fish for the fishermen in Portugal. This is what we've heard."
Another reporter asked if Bo would sleep in the girls' room. "No! he's got his own spot. He's got a nice little spot."
The same reporter, Connie Lawn, then invited the whole first family to come spend time at her lake house. The president responded with silence.
"It's a good looking dog, though, let's face it," he said later. "We're very pleased with Bo."
Very pleased with the photo op as well, no doubt. The reporters watched the family take a long walk around the South Lawn before heading back inside.