WASHINGTON (CNN) – Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich weighed in Sunday on news that the first family has finally settled on a new puppy for daughters Malia and Sasha.
“I hope that the girls love the dog,” Gingrich said on ABC’s “This Week.” “I hope the family – and all the pressure they’re going to be in – finds it useful. And I think that this whole thing is fairly stupid.”
The six-month-old puppy is a Portuguese water dog that the Obamas have decided to name Bo. The dog is a gift to the first family from Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, a longtime Obama political ally who also owns several dogs of the breed.
“It’s great that they have a dog. It’s great that the kids are adjusting,” Gingrich said. “And where they got it from – who cares? It’s a nice gesture on Senator Kennedy’s part to give it to them but who cares?” Gingrich added.
Perhaps it was a partisan difference, but Democratic strategist and CNN contributor Donna Brazile had kinder words for the new first puppy.
“What’s not to like about this dog?” Brazile said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union. “He’s cute. He’s adorable. But, I hope he’s potty trained,” she joked
From CNN Politics
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For once I agree with Gingrich. This focus on the Obama dog is fairly stupid. I would much rather focus on how the Republicans who got us into this economic mess in the first place are trying to act as if they now have all the solutions to get us out of it and how with a straight face they put out an alternative economic 'plan' that still has us trillions in debt but are complaining about the President's policies. Now, that is 'fairly stupid'.
Republicans always have something bitter to ad. Face it Newt, the Obama's are a good looking bunch, and its part of the reason America fell in love with them. You on the other hand, not so much!
It's official. The GOP *IS* a bunch of cranky old white guys.
Woof woof – As Obama's economic abd budge policies are taking this country to the dogs -- it is probably a good thing they now have a dog in the administration who can relate to the President's dog doo doo policies to dats
I care.
Considering the abhorrently stupid behavior of the Republican Party over the last 3+ months, I don't think Gingrich should be calling anything about the President stupid. The dog is probably better "potty-trained" than most of the GOP.
Gingrich that is why you are not the president of the Unite State of America, because I can see you have no feeling for the little people. Just look at you beating up on little girls calling their puppy “fairly stupid” shame on you Gingrich.
What do you want people to focus on Gingrich? You lost! Any thing concerning President Obama you will not like it any way, so go home and take your chill pill.
i'd loathe to agree with the likes of Gingrich, but he is right. why is the media making such a big deal of the most mundane family details of our President? I'm sure President Obama is wondering the same thing!
But hey, when a woman suing her mother over a dog makes headlines in CNN.com, then the first family getting a dog for their children is big news indeed!
Wow...sour grapes much? Gingrich isn't missing any opportunity to bash the new guy, as long as it'll keep his own name in the news. Get a life, Newt!
I'm sorry to say, but Newt is right. There are more important things going on than the Obamas dog.
And who cares enough to ask Newt Gingrich what he thinks of the Obama dog? Of course all the hype is ridiculous, but it is the media making all the hype. Do you think the Obama family wants all this paid attention to their getting dog for the children? But perhaps with all the bad news about the economy, yesterday in Iraq, the piracy on the high seas, this is some really nice news for a change!
And I have one of these dogs. She would even cheer up Mr. Gingrich.
Republicans don't get it. Americans want some diversion and good news during these tough economic times. The dog story makes everyone happy.
he sounds bitter. what did the puppy ever do to him?
Why would Gingrich say something so "stupid" And quite frankly, I don't recall seeing so much "hype" about it . I am happy for the Obama girls and the first family.
Mother of God, Newt. Are you so wounded by not being in power any more that you have to get down on other people's pleasure in a PUPPY? Maybe, considering your history, I shouldn't be surprised at the heartlessness, but I had more or less thought you were smart enough to realize that the American public loves its children and dogs! Poor, poor public relations, Mr. G'rinch.
Sounds like Newt is a bit jealous that the Obamas got a puppy from Kennedy and he didn't.
I'm sure Newt will defriend Kennedy on facebook as a result.
Newt is really coming out of his seams because they got the puppy from Sir Ted Kennedy......I am thrilled that the girls finally have their pet. It's not stupid. Newt is.......
Oh come on. Newt is just a grumpy, nasty old man. People have been making a big deal about White House pets for years. Let them! It's a nice change from the doom and gloom we normally see in the news these days. Newt comes across like the bitter old dude who sits on his front porch and yells at kids to get off his yard. Bah.
I really, honestly, never thought I would agree with Gingrich on anything. Weird.
Gingrich has and always will be useless. Another loser who should just go away...
"Fairly Stupid" a strange comment from Mr. Gingrich who at 12 lobbied for a zoo for his hometown. We are a nation that loves it pets and in light of the tough times we are in a little levity is welcome!
I hope the Obama family enjoys the new addition to their family!
Terrance Craion
Happy Easter Everyone!
Why are you reporting on, or worse yet , why are we still listening to Newt Gingrich and what he has to say? I thought he went down with the Bush ship. Maybe his parents didn't allow him to have a dog when he was young!
poor NEW,T he just can,t give up,he just can,t shut up ,realy i,m no dog lover , but i could care less whos got what , and where .hes anice guy if he would only go home and shut up.he had plenty of tricks up his sleeve while he was in office,and got kicked out.
Gingrich launches his bid for the White House in 2012 by bad-mouthing an adorable puppy. Smart move. Will he be kissing babies on the campaign trail, or slapping them?
And what the Grinch has to say..."who cares?". Just shut up Newt. Not everything is an issue. I think it is wonderful to have a vibrant family in the White House, sings sets, gardens, kids, dogs and all. Good grief Newt.