[...] this racist?  From CNN: But Obama also said the family wants to adopt one from a shelter.  “There are a number of breeds [...]

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In response to "Obama is shafting gays"

How did Obama "not support gays in the California marriage initiative"?

This is not meant as an attack, i would just like an explanation

Nothing wrong with being a "mutt", especially if one is referring to oneself. As a Asian/African-American mix, I totally understood what he met. Some people need to lose their racial hypersensitivity.

I love a sense of humor in a president. That one-liner is better than anything I've ever heard out of Dubya's mouth. Let me take that back. The "latte sipping lefty" line from the movie was pretty funny.

Oh poor Barack, a mutt. Now one of the most powerful people on earth, I don't even want to hear about his beleaguered life……………………………

I have heard over and over, he is the real thing. Picking a rescue dog is great! Getting one from a breader is selfish, as there are so many dogs out there that are boing destroyed daily. Good job! Love the "mutt" comment. And I ask who here is not a mutt? Most people, if their famillies have been in the USA for at least 2 generations are mutts.
For those who think only liberals hate..just look at crue!

Mutt does not mean bi-racial. I'm a mutt and I'm caucasion. Or should I call myself bi-racial because I am norwegian, english, irish, dutch?

For those of you taking this too seriously…

I AM A MUTT AND PROUD OF IT!

1/2 Irish, 1/4 Indian, 1/4 Arab and All-American.

I call myself a mutt all the time and I think it's great he said it.

Am I the only 1 who realizes almost all Americans are mutts? My heritage is Italian, Irish, a little English, a little American Indian, and a whole lot of Texan. Now tht's a mutt!

Are all the rest of you guys pure breeds?

Dear Obama is Shafting Gays,

I understand your position. I agree that it is very sad that America took one step forward (electing Obama) and one step back (banning gay marriage in 4 states). What you have to understand though is that WINNING this election was of TREMENDOUS importance. If he had taken a stance supporting gay marriage there is a very good chance that would have lost him the election.

In this case I believe Winning the election was More important than matters of principal. You have to choose your battles wisely.

So, yes, it was a political decision, but I believe it was the right decision. There is far greater chance of changing things (for gays and everyone else) with Obama in office than with McCain.

To Joe in NJ
As you can see many of us care what type of dog Obama is getting.
I think you are the one not getting it – how important dogs are to us humans, how warm hearting it is in these difficult times to be looking at adopting dogs – our best friends and how delightful it is to have a president that is showing his soft side and shares the discussions held in the Obama household about which dog to adopt. It is a very telling anecdote that satisfies on many levels. Your response, on the other hand, is sour, petty and not in touch. Get over it, Obama won!!!!!!!

I have always wished a President would adopt a mixed-breed shelter dog to help expose their plight to our Country. God bless Mr. Obama for considering this . Larry

And some people were saying there's nothing about Obama to make fun of. Comedians need full employment too, he's just helping the economy!

Seriously, it's good to see him just be himself.

Come on people. I've been calling myself a mutt for years and I am so proud of my heritage. I am a little of everything and I am proud of it!! Mutts make better dogs and better people! Don't look at it as being something negative. It's absolutely wonderful!

The only people pointing out that "mutt" is bad are most likely those that aren't mutts themselves. Let it go. You're insulting the rest of us.

Hmm. I like the notion of getting a pit bull and putting a lipstick on it. He can call her "Hockey Mom". The second option of getting a Labrador and calling it "Joe the Labraman".

Seriously, I hope he will find a mutt that would have best of both races, like Obama has the cool of a white man and the fire of a black man.

I think I like this version of Obama better.

The body language was different, the style of delivery was different. He even iced Jake Tapper!

I was worried a bit, that he might take awhile to adjust to the position, but my goodness, I have total confidence in this guy to handle anything.

I'm a "mutt" too, so all I said when I heard that comment was "OH SNAP!" Which was pretty much what I said when he made that "Seance" crack too.

I *like* this guy.

Even though I didn't vote for Obama, I can appreciate his love for his daughters. I have a GOLDENDOODLE (1/2 Golden Retriever, 1/2 standard poodle). He is hypo-allergenic and does NOT SHED. Unfortunately, it will be quite difficult to find a hypoallergenic dog in a shelter. Get a Goldendoodle or labradoodle (plus, they look like Boyds Bears)

All of us are mutts. As soon as everyone realizes that simple fact, this country will actually take that last ultimate step foward.

[...] CNN offers this perspective: “There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic, but on the other hand our preference is to get a shelter dog, but obviously, a lot of the shelter dogs are mutts like me,” Obama said. “So, whether we are going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household.” [...]

for Leah "we're all mutts" That's VERY true. There are no true 100% Americans. There were at one time. When our ancestors came here from England, Europe, Italy, France, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, etc we confiscated the land of the True Americans. They were called "Indians" because Christopher Columbus mistakenly thought he had landed in the West Indies when he landed here in 1492.

So we're all mixtures of the various nationalities of our ancestors from countries like France, Ireland, England, Portugal, Spain etc.

Just a note on the rescue/shelter dog. I hope someone tells him that there are also all kinds of resuces for purebred dogs if that is his concern. I, for example have a beautiful shar pei from a shar pei rescue and almost all other breeds have a rescue devoted to their specific breed. I volunteer for a dog resuce and if there is such a thing as a hypo allergic dog then it can be found in a rescue or shelter and does not have to be purchased from a breeder.

He should call his dog "Joe".

A mutt? If a white person said this, they would be in deep trouble. Very Presidential…

Will be interesting to see how he does now that he can't rely on his campaign script when giving "official" responses.

I got my Dog at a shelter (wayside waifs in Kansas City) With this economy he will have no problem finding the perfect dog(s). Mutts are the way to go.

God love this man!!!!! Now he's going to encourage Americans to adopt shelter-dogs!!! Is there any civil issue he is on the wrong side of? I can't think of one!!!!!

I'm excited to what's going on next for the country.
But I have to say I'm a little worried about CNN's Ticker.
First the current First Dog kind of fighting with a reporter, and now this discussion about the future First Dog-elect.
And wasn't the "mutt" thing a joke? Weren't there more important things in the press conference?
I want to know what's going to happen with the real issues.
Although I have to admit that adopting a dog from a shelter is a very elocuent gesture.

Waiting for Inauguration Day…

Dogs that come from shelters ARE NOT all mutts. There are many purebred dogs that end up in shelters and there are many rescue organizations for purebred dogs. SAVE A LIFE ADOBT PLEASE!!!!
Someone please inform President Elect Obama that his perception of shelter dogs is wrong….

I miss all the People Under McCain's Authority on these boards. They were always cause for great amusement.

No Like: Fine. Don't tell your daughter she's a mutt. Noone said that you needed to. She defines herself. If he wants to make jokes about himself, he has every right to do so. Some people are waaaay too sensitive.

To the person who said "I can't believe he did not support gay marriage". Obama has been clear on his position when it comes to gay marriage from the beginning. Beside where is the outrage at Arnold Swartzenegger, this amendment is a state issue just like Arkansas and the others. Please place the blame where it is due.

he was joking about being a mutt

Not all dogs that need new homes are placed in shelters. We rescued a shnoodle that was nine months old and had been in two homes that didn't want him. He is hypo allergenic as well.

get a goldendoodle – best dog ever – they sometimes end up at a shelter – that's how we got ours.

I think it would be honorable for them to get a dog from the shelter. It sounds like a very nice idea.

I will stand in line to support my new President.

America 08

the "pitbull named sarah joke" was old like late Tuesday nite.

AND AREN'TMOST OF US 'MUTTS' OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER !!!!!

We are all mutts some of our blood lines were not willingly compromised. Lets not forget. The First Family should name their new pet dog MAVERICK!!!!!

Mutt

You said it first!!!

Newsflash: This is America. Name me someone you know who is NOT a "mixed breed."

Wooo Hooo, won't Fox News twist this one and run with it : "Obama joked that this is a “major issue”.
The way Fox has been acting. I wouldn't be surprised to hear them announce that he cares more about dogs than America.

Mutts are the healthiest dogs. In-bred dogs are the least healthy actually. For instance, the bull dog's under bite is an in-bred defect. The little Dachshund with the stubby legs and long body is an inbred defect. Just as in humans when you constantly mix the same chromosomes, you also keep all of the genetic mutations thereby reducing the chances of that species to exist. It's funny how mixing breeds greatly reduces those genetic mutations just as it does in humans.

Definitely a Labradoodle! Best dog we've ever had!

I am very impressed with "President Elect" Obama. He appears to be a really down to earth kind of person. Someone whom I feel I can relate to.

there is a lot more important issues than the proposition 8. Besides, it's california's problem.

Even a "mutt" can have an impressive linage!

And I fully approve of a Pound Puppy!

He should get a pitbull named Sarah

Everything this guy said of substance in his response to the economy. What you have in lights is ".. a mutt like me" is what makes the news.

Come on folks.

Leah: so true. A country of mutts.

In Hawaii, the *mutt* would be called a *poi dog*
He needs to introduce a little island-speak to the nation.

Those girls are darling. It will be such fun to watch them blossom and grow. Cute and smart. Elegant things.

RESCUE A GREYHOUND!!!!

Barry why are you not in Hawaii for your Grandmas funeral?

Guess she is to "typical" to care about now.

Put a lipstick on that pit bull

Most Americans are also Mutts. We come from multi ethnicities. I am native American, Dutch, Irish, French, and who knows what else.

Hey, he's got a sense of humor. Awesome. In these tough times (my own boyfriend just got laid off from his job this week), anything that makes people smile is cool by me.

Hope the Obamas find the right dog for their family.

Pray for our nation.

Pray for the President-elect.

Who cares? Get to governing.

'No Like', do you really believe President-Elect Obama thinks himself as well as his beautiful daughters to be mutts? It's ok. Lighten up and laugh it off. Very few, if any, in this coutry and/or world can say they are "pure blood" anything. Self-ribbing is good for the soul…others who will use this term in a derogatory manner is sick in the head anyway…

I am not offended by the "mutt" comment.

Nobody should be as we are all mixed; whether it be with African, Mexican, Spanish, French, Danish, English, Italian, etc.

And for another thing, Obama is only half black. Hello, what happened to the other half? Oh wait, I forgot… as long as you are the majority, you are not allowed to be proud of your race.

All in all, the media will of course focus on just the "mutt" comment. In reality, everything Obama says and does the next four years will determine the initial perception of all mixed people everywhere.

I am also of mixed race, caucasian and african and have been called

every name imaginable including "mutt". I think that it is great that we

are able to make fun of ourselves and laugh at the things and names

that ignorant people say and call us. Obama is truly a great uniter

and a wonderful politician!

I thought it was funny.

Ok, I thought it was pretty funny how he was making the selection of the dog seem so serious. Little things like this I feel make you see these people are not just politicians but humans.

Michael Sneed of the Chicago Sun Times points out that Obama is insisting his replacement in the Senate be black. Not the best candidate, but the blackest. Is this the way to start

He didnt tell her she was a mutt, he said he was. this is how stupid rumors spread.

i love this guy i mean that one.

Hi comment and the term he used, mutt, clearly points to his inner angst over being bi-racial. There is always a bit a Freudian truth in our jokes.

He should not be hung up on the fact he is bi-racial, but in reviewing his past, he clearly was….maybe is.

Wow very impressive, and the guy can speak in complete sentences unlike W!
I am also impressed with Rick Sanchez move over Wolf!

I have a labradoodle! Best dog I've ever owned. I second the motion, Karen.

This story is an example of the brain-dead stupidity of the media, picking up on a trivial comment like this instead of reporting the substantive content of the news conference.

justwow: As you probably noticed by now, CNN does have a front-page story on the actual content of the press conference, and for that matter they have a full transcript of the entire statement and Q&A. So since that's there, there's nothing wrong with also putting a light-hearted piece on the Ticker.

Joe in NJ joked about a llama, but take a look at some of the other White House pets over the years. There's been snakes, a hippo, an alligator, and plenty of other pretty weird stuff.

How about a miniature poodle with a puppy cut? No girlie haircuts, have a REAL dog. Thats what we have and she is wonderful! We found her, so she is like a poung dog…but in no way is our Sadie a "girlie dog." She is a regular, low maintenance, happy dog who loves kids, doesnt shed, and is a joy to be around. Perfect for allergic folks. She weighs only 9lbs. but can be a lap dog or a runner….She has been hunting, fishing, boating, camping…she has had a better life than alot of Americans. \
I totally recommend a dog like ours!

Uh, still waiting for that "Conservative hate incoming". The funny thing is that since there is no "McSame" or "Caribou Barbie" to slam about anymore these boards have gone amazingly silent.

Most every voice I have heard coming from the Conservative side since the election has been, "I did not vote for or agree with everything Obama ran on, but he is now our president and I will be behind him." I have also heard most conservatives saying that they hope Obama does well and is successful. At the end a majority want America to do well no matter who is in charge.

Of course I still tune into MSNBC and HBO and see Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, Bill Maher, et al ripping into Palin (really? still?), McCain, etc. The problem with those liberal talking heads is they were created and built around a hatred for Bush and everything Republican. Now it seems they won't know what to fill a full hour with after January 20th.

It is outrageous that Obama did not support gays in the California marriage initiative.

Does he not believe in equal rights for all people? Or are equal rights only for blacks?

He showed us that he is a true politician, not a great leader in the mold of Jefferson, Lincoln and FDR.

I LOVE this man, he's awesome!

Love this guy. He will be a GREAT President.

People if you dont like what CNN Post than don't read it and comment. If the Post was so stupid or irrelvant then you wouldn't have cared to read it.

"Obama is of mixed racial heritage: His mother was Caucasian and his father was African."

When are people going to realize that most "black" people (probably like 99%) are of mixed racial heritage! That's why we should do away with the term African American–a term made up by radical, elitist black academics. It totally ignores that black people are just a multi-racial racial group! I've been calling myself a mutt for years because that's what I am!

Dont get a barker or a biter,or you will have to name him Rush.

Just don't let the dog anywhere near any lipstick

They'll find the right dog and fall in love. It won't matter if it's a mutt or hypoallergenic or whatever.

I recommend a Havanese breed (hypoallergenic) and name it "Change".

Seems the news cycle has gone to the dogs.

I heard he was going to "TAP" Michael Vick to do the "vetting" of local dogs in the DC/Virginia area.

You mean the dog will have a racist minister too? Maybe a minister dog that hates shelties or labradors (yellow and gold that is).

They should get a Yorkshire Terrier! My father is allergic to dogs and has no problems with Yorkies, a breed which has hair rather than fur.

hmmmm, calling yourself a mutt as a joke as presidency?

and this is your first press conference?

I think he should get a Chineese Pug and name it Hillary . . .

Most Americans are Mutts . . . me, personally, I have a French, German, English, Irish, Cherokee heritage that goes back to colonial America. I'm a Mutt and darned proud of it.

He's such a breathe of fresh air – he's so intelligent and thoughtful. I adore him and his darling family.

With all of the speculation concerning the new "first dog", I am not surprised that Mr. Obama would choose to adopt a currently homeless baby from a shelter. Kudos to Mr. & Mrs. Obama. My "best of all breeds" has my heart forever.

LOL

I cringed at the "mutt" reference when I first heard it out of his mouth, but you can't fault the guy for trying to polk fun at himself in such a tight situation. He stayed on point even though he came off a little nervous.

One critiscim beyond the substance; He needs a week of improv speech training. Those vocal pauses kills his flow from time to time..um, ah, yes we can!

She's an illegal immigrant and living off taxpayer money in Public Housing.

I am a legal Mexican immigrant and cannot get Public Housing.

This is wrong, wrong, wrong and we legal Mexican immigrants are getting no support on this. The case of Obama's aunt is being swept under the rug and it's wrong.

Saving one from a shelter would be awesome.

I would be honored to let them adopt my poodle/mutt….

Wow, very down to earth. I'm more impressed by him every day. I think they should get a Bishon (non-allegery) and name him "Maverick"

C'mon, Barack, that's a stupid comment…I still love you, but that was stupid. You don't want to imply that anyone that is bi-racial, is a "mutt," and therefore, not a "purebred," which is always seen as being of more worth. You usually think before you speak…what happened here?

CNN covered other parts of the press conference. The president elect can joke about things. He's human, chill out.

President elect Obama needs to know that there are rescue groups out there for all types of dogs. Bichons and schnauzers would be a good choice for their family and there are rescue groups that can help him make the right choice, just like the voters did. Please, DO NOT buy a dog. There is no reason to with so many homeless ones out there just waiting for a happy home. Thanks.

Barack and family, please consider adoption from a breed rescue like Small Paws Rescue, Inc. They rescue Bichon Frise dogs. I have two of them from SPR and they are angels!

yeah..i read this on another "news" site…and saw the headline coming before I could type cnn.com……i tell you. now that there isn't an election there isn't much to report..LOL…but yeah….lets now see who else takes this and runs with it

A very humble, yet firm start. We can only hope that the sense of humor continues as we all need it. He has set a very "every man/woman" tone, something we can all identify with. I appreciate his not trying to gloss over the hurdles we face as a country, and also appreciate the respect he gives to the current President of the United States. We need to remind ourselves that as we go forward, if we do not treat each other with respect while we debate the subjects, then we can hardly be surprised when the rest of the world chooses to treat us the same way. We need to to stop being the "ugly American" to our fellow citizens as well as to the world citizens. Let's act like the kind of people we would want our children to emulate. I give thanks every day that I was fortunate to be born a US citizen that to live in the greatest country in the world. We must take care of each other.

Absolutely thrilled that he is who he is I am sleeping better knowing that he is our President Elec I feel much better! I want to see that family in the White House as soon as possible!!! Day 1 I will bake a cake and eat it in my safer house because of our new team of leadership!

I love his self-deprecating humor. It's going to be so great having him as president.

I am an Obama fan but I dont think I will tell my bi-racial daughter that she is a mutt

BO,

Here's an option – why don't you get two little pups – one pure bred and one mutt. Name then 'Radiance' and 'Rosebud' after Sasha's and Malia's secret service names. Works all ways and will be a nice reminder of the wonderful campaign memories!

He looks so presidential. I am so proud that he is our leader. America made a great choice. I look forward to great things from this president. This comment just reiterates his personal side. He is a true family man without stuffiness.

Man, I gotta say that that is SO refreshing to see this man be able to speak light-heartedly about his racial heritage. I think the less defensive people are about "terms" the less strife there will be between people. Maybe he can really set an example for all Americans to be confident and relaxed about their heritage.

cnn always looking for controversy shhhhh

Best. President. Ever.

Mutts make the best dogs! I have one ans she's the smartest dog I have ever had!

Way to go Mr. President -elect (till January) get a "mutt" from a shelter – anybody who is thinking of adopting an animal should get one from their local shelter – everyone who has ever gotten an animal from a shelter knows that Mutts make the best pets….please dont buy a purebred yap yap dog or buy from a pet store where the dogs are bred at puppy mills – we need to stop buying into those inhumane breeding farms – LEAD by example please adopt a dog from the shelter….

They need a golden-doodle like ours, black father, gold mother, hypoallergenic — and a mutt according to the AKC.

Whatever breed the Obamas choose will instantly become a loving member of their wonderful family. Good Luck.

Chris November 7th, 2008 3:48 pm ET
——————————

omg! You made my day! Thanks for a great laugh!

He is the real thing! Even under all the pressure he is facing due to the multiple concerns facing our nation President elect Obama is able to be a real person and be show his real self to all during his first press conference. It is a breath of fresh air and continues to foster hope to Americans.

Whether or not the Obama girls get a shelter dog or one that Malia is not allergic to, it is quite obvious that all issues are considered within the Obama household. The way he spoke today indicates to me that he will give the same serious consideration to issues facing all Americans.

mutts rule!

Two things: 1) There are plenty of hypoallergenic mutts at shelters and rescues all around the country, so the Obamas should be able to reconcile both preferences for their new White House mate; 2) I was adopted at a young age, know next to nothing about my biological data and have often described myself as a mutt. And so I was thrilled to hear Barack declare himself one as well. Mutts Unite!

He should call his dog "Liebermann".

I guess this guy needs some PR coaching.

I too am a mutt.Most mutts are smarter than pure breeds.

Shows he not as full of himself as some people try to make out.
Enough said!

You can't go wrong with a dachshund. They're like having another child.

Shows he's like most of us. Good start and I am not proleft.

It sends a very good message that the President would adopt a dog from a shelter. More people should adopt dogs from shelters instead of spending thousands of dollards on purebreeds that have been inbred to the point of cruelty. Kudos to the new first family.

I suggest a Basenji. It has very short hair and is supposed to hypoallergenic. The breed also has it's roots in the Congo so they share an African heritage.

Please don't take that as racist in any way. I think it would be cool.

It's a joke! What is wrong with CNN???

Mutts are healthier, have better dispositions, and are all around better – dogs and people! Our two rescued mutts are loved to no end and make us happy every day. Great choice! I'm sure the Obamas will get to the front of the line pretty easily with some Labradoodle rescue group. Problem solved!

Author – I just knew that you were going to comment on President Elect Obama's "mutt" remarks. L. I. G. = Let It Go!!!! Everything is not worth commenting on…

Obama said he is the "unity" president who brings everyone together?

If he is, why did he not support gay marriage in California? Does he believe gays are not equal? Should minorities like blacks have rights but not gays?

Did Obama shun gays because he needed votes? If so, it's sad.
Had Abraham Lincoln taken the easy road, where would we be?

Wow!!! This guy gets better by the minute.

Its going to be interesting to see a REAL american family in the white house and not some creepy stepford plastic ensemble born with silver spoons in their mouths coupled with a lifetime of privilege.

I hope people don't take it out of context and realize he was only telling the truth. He is bi-racial and dogs that are bi-breed are called muts

I knew this statement Obama made was gonna be a story. Just think, all of the news orgs are gonna be talking about that statement for a long time.

Good to see that Obama has a personality and not a robot! He made the dog choosing look so serious, it was quite hilarious. Watch someone take that mutt comment and spin it into a huge issue…. glad to see CNN choose to take the higher path and not go down that road. The logic and sensibility of CNN is what keeps me coming back here for news!

Mutt or Mixed Breed (more PC) is what I am too and my family…. I think the majority of Americans are of mix breeds due to our history…. hey mix breeds make the best dog and some great looking humans too…. and both dogs & humans of mixed breeds tend to be a healthier and stonger then pure breeds… so there no worries …. I can accept the fact that Mr. P is a mutt hehehehehe so is the majority of Americans (smile).

There are shelters that have many purebred dogs, particularly in affluent suburbs, for instance, Westchester County in New York State. Having a pedigree doesn't necessarily protect a dog from being dumped. I suggest the Obama family start their search in animal shelters in a well-to-do area.

I second the "Pitbull named Sarah" notion

We're all mutts!

Good choice Mr. President to adopt a shelter dog. If I had a bigger yard and didn't live in the city, I'd do the same thing. Your simple gesture could have positive effects for countless animals in shelters across the nation that just need a loving family. Thank you.

Mutts make the best dogs.

we used to have a dog when i was a kid named Muttley he was a mix of everything, but he was a very good dog…i remember crying my eyes out when Muttley died. I never had a dog since…i became a cat person.

i really hope Obama gets a shelter dog that is non hypo-allergenic….Full breeds are too high maintenance.

we're all americans…we're all mutts in some way; so i understand Obama.

my two kids are bi-racial and they are Obama Fans they always say that he is just like them. I know that they are proud of it.

between Bushs' dog biting a reporter and the 6 or 7 stories on the Obama's now getting a dog, I think there have been a few too many stories about dogs on the clicker in the last 3 days. (this coming from an owner of 2 boxers and avid dog lover)

I think he should get a Pit Bull– and name it Sarah!

Conservative hate incoming…

Okay, I guess there is ONE good thing about Obama. My mutt is the best! I will never forget the day we went to the shelter "just to look" and came home with our new family member!

day 3 and Obama Leads. Good Job.

I love him. That's all.

shows his human side and consideration

Wow CNN, so of the whole press conference THIS is what you chose to post?

Just wow

Umm I believe he was joking. Let's not take everything so serious.

Mutts are always the best anyway. They are usually smarter, wiser, more gentle and have a bigger heart then those "uptown" breeds. I'm sure any shelter in the USA would be proud to have one of their mutts go to the White House.

or it could be incompetent like you also.

Smart leader bad comedian.

I have one word:
LABRADOODLE!

I'm so glad to hear that Obama and his family want to adopt a homeless dog from a shelter rather than buy one from a breeder. This sets a great example for the rest of us that could mean the difference between life and death for millions of homeless pets in this country.

I'm sure he can find a breed-specific rescue group so he can adopt a hypoallergenic breed, and a pet that's a good personality match for him and his family. Petfinder.com is a great way to do that.

What a great real down to Earth Person he is, Im so happy he will be our President! The ability to make fun of yourself is great we dont need stuffy uptight people

Oh for Heaven's sake, who cares what type of dog Obama is going to get? Who was the last president that didn't have a dog? Now maybe if he got a pet llama or something, that would be more interesting.

I'm a conservative. I voted for McCain. I am very dubious about Barack Obama's ability to deliver on his many promises (without making things much worse). However, I think he honestly is trying to accomplish some good things. And, as my next President, I support him and hope for the best for our country. There is certainly a lot at stake nowadays.

I am so proud of the example the Obamas are setting to ADOPT a dog!! There are plenty of breed-specific rescues that rescue from the pounds, so the Obamas will have no problem finding a homeless dog that is considered hypo-allergenic to enjoy the White House.

I hope lots of Americans follow suit and NEVER BREED OR BUY WHILE BEAUTIFUL LIFE-LOVING ANIMALS IN THE SHELTER DIE!

Thank you.

I hope that they Obama's will get a shelter dog even though I sympathize with their health concern's of their daughter. It would be great if everyone would adopt shelter pets. Also, think of all the "elitist" name calling should they get a designer breed. It's sad that even the choosing of the family dog will probably be politicized.

How can anyone not love this guy!?

Save one from the pound.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, under fire at home for describing U.S. President-elect Barack Obama as "suntanned," said on Friday he saw no need to apologize.

That's okay. I think it was a complimentary to Obama to state that he doesnt have to tan himself. I thought it was very cute when he said it. He's just saying that look, he even has a tan.

Obama does have a nice appealing tan. When I look at McCain, I just see a ghost. He's just too white…

The reason the "dog issue" has generated so much response is people are feeling down right now and they are glad to hear something other than fighting going on.

Good luck to the Obama's on the dog search. I hope Malia and Natasha are happy with their choice.

I hope it will show the right way to people ready to buy a dog for Christmas. DON'T BUY, ADOPT FROM A SHELTER. There are so many sad animals waiting for a family.
The Obama family is SUPER!

Nicely done, Barrack! I like the way you think!

rick,why wasn't the aera of congres address during the debates and how low ratings tthey were having. also things (ie partisom) when the dem. took over in both houses, but nobody refered to that action.

A labradoodle

Obama 08!!!!!

That mutt comment had me rolling off my couch and my wife too!!!
A great sense of humor with a sarcastic wink to all the racist bigots!!!

Nice to be able to joke about yourself. My kids are mixed BLK/Asian and they enjoy the best of both worlds. In years to come this race crap will be put to rest and there will be good and bad people and that is it. CONGRATS to you Mr. President Obama.

i like the way he's able to find sense of humor and not get carried away by such non-sense.

one can tell how serious this man is with the task at hand. glad to hear from you mr. president elect.

WE LOVE MUTTS.

WE ARE A NATION OF MUTTS.

Many of us are mutts and some of us don't even know it. United we stand – divided we fall!

just choose what the little girls want, thats the most important thing.

I saw the press conference and was amazed of the light weight questions asked by the reporters of our next President. I know it was meant to be funny but to ask what kind of dog he is going to get in the middle of a very serious press conference about our economy is stunning! If this press conference reflects how the next four years will be then I am really saddened. I wonder if the press core has ever asked Bush at a press conference how Barney was doing?

The new first family will be a refreshing change!!!!

I'm a mutt too, Barack!

That was funny…………..

We love you, anyway.

And, of course, the dog will be more thoroughly vetted by the media than Obama himself was.

How about doing some investigation into Obama, CNN? You've already helped him get a position he may not deserve, so the harm is already done.

A greyhound would be great! It would be a rescue. They are considered a hypoallergenic breed and make fantastic pets! Shedding is almost non-existent, no drolling, no dog-smell, low-energy, good with kids, etc. A greyhound would get my vote!

Shelter dogs are the best!!

Well sir, if you are a mutt, then a mutt is now the most noble of all breeds!

Obama joked that this is a “major issue” and said that since Election Day, the family’s dog choice has created more interest than any other topic.

Not to me… but I do like the shelter idea… Save a dog… and imagine going from the pound to the whitehouse lawn… lucky dog for sure.

hopefully their dog will be friendlier than the current white house mutt that just bit a reporter.

so, it's ok for Obama to use racial overtones in his speeches, but noone else can….

Obama states: Mutt like me.

but if any white person said "Mutt like Obama"…….

yea… enough said

I think the media just go to far with reporting things sometimes. I hope you CNN and the rest of the media outlet will respect Obama's kids privacy just like you did with Chelsey and the Bush twins who were older!! Don't make this out of a media circus everyday!!

I love our new President! After all, aren't most of us mutts to one degree or another (I'm Italian, Sicilian, Spanish and Irish)? His parents just happened to have different colored skin than each other. This man is going to have a fantastic presidency. I am so glad I campaigned, blogged and voted for him!
p.s. I voted for the golden retriever in some online "which dog should the Obama's pick…but that's a no-go for Malia's allergies, for sure.

Too funny! Although some may not find it so, many of us are "mutts" so we get it!

Good to have some humor.

It was cute.

Pound dogs are great, but you don't find a lot of puppies at the pound (if my area). Anyway hope the girls get to pick out an acceptable dog. I feared the Obamas would be inundated with gift dogs and that would rob the kids of finding the "right one" for them.

Well I thought that the comment was funny but some might take offense to being ref to as a mutt….especially since more and more Americans ar of mixed-race/ethnicity….someone will be offended. He was clearly being light-hearted though.

Well I am sure the girls and the nation will love the puppy. Looking forward to seeing the new family pet grow with the girls

No he didn't say "a mutt like me"..lmao

He should get a pit bull….. and maybe throw a little lipstick on it

Let's hope comments like these don't become dissected and magnified under scope. It's all in good humor.

WELCOME MR. PRESIDENT! You DESERVED THIS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEEDED YOU!!!

I too have an allergic reaction to dogs. However, two breeds that I absolutely adore and think would make a GREAT Addition to the White House are either a purebred Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler. Both breeds, if properly trained / disciplined are EXCEPTIONALLY GREAT with Children, and might I add, VERY Protective. Just a thought…

Can't wait for this to get turned around…

It's good to see someone in such an office and position that is able to make fun of himself. We all know that comics will.

Cute!