Pups and Presidential Politics

Gender on the Ballot Team | Aug 26, 2019

 

Pet ownership has been a long-standing tradition among presidents; in fact, Donald Trump, who has admitted to not being a dog person, is the first president not to have a pet in the White House since Andrew Johnson in the 1860s. Andrew Hager, a historian at the Presidential Pet Museum, says that the popularity of presidential pet ownership comes from a belief that “someone who has a good relationship with a dog, must be a good person, because…animals can judge character.” In other words, a dog may affect a candidate’s likeability (which we know is a higher hurdle for women).

The 2020 presidential candidates have broken the mold in many ways, but one thing remains the same: they love their dogs. Even the candidates that don’t own dogs have canine connections. As Mayor of Newark, Cory Booker helped rescue a freezing dog in 2013, and has promised that should he enter the White House, he plans on getting one.

And so, on #InternationalDogDay, here’s a view of some potential presidential pups:

Elizabeth Warren and Bailey:

 

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This is what happens to doggies who get in mud puddles—heavy-duty dog washing (and then a nap).

A post shared by Elizabeth Warren (@elizabethwarren) on

 

Pete Buttigieg and Truman and Buddy:

 

Beto O’Rourke and Artemis:

 

Kirsten Gillibrand and Maple:

 

Joe Biden and Major:

 

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Everything is better when you’re around, Jilly. Welcome back to Instagram @drbiden

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Tim Ryan and Bear and Buckeye:

 

Michael Bennet and Pepper:

 

John Delaney and Mimi:

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