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
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Work for us | Help
Gingrich, who is this guy?
This is great! The girls finally have their dog. Give them their day, Newt. You can deflate birthday balloons with all that hot air. Grow up! They are children for crying out loud!
Newt, more people care about the Obama's dog than about what you have to say. How does it feel to be part afterthought, part laughingstock, Newt?
I surely am glad that a Democratic strategist hopes the dog is potty trained. I think this woman needs to do what she gets paid for and don't worry about the dog. These people are supposed to be highly educated professionals ( at least while they are in the public eye) but they can really act so stupid at times. Really makes you want to get an education.
Bloward Gingrich's own words could be used to refer to how lots of us feel about anything that such a slimy opportunist has to say: "Who cares!"
Didn't Newt take 7 years to get through college ? Didn't he marry his high school teacher (first wife) who was twice his age ? It looks to me like Newt is "fairly stupid".
Only a republican could find a way to diminish someone elses pleasure. Policy differences notwithstanding, would it really have been that hard for Gingrich to just say "Its a nice dog"....without belittling that experiene?
Chill Newt. Your position on a young family getting their first puppy dog is solidifying the public's opinion that you are a sour faced, old grumpy Grinch of a Gingrich.
How interesting White House Press does not want to spend a lot of time on the President's bow to Saudi head of state, however, they are willing to spend hours on end covering the White House puppy!!!!
And I also think all this focus on Gingrich is fairly stupid!! Who cares what a Newt says or thinks?
Gingrich did not have much compassion for his wife either when he dumped her while she was on her deathbed. He and his kind never change... Hannity... Limbaugh... Coltier...
Cold... ice cold.
What is next for Republicans? Are they going to actually stomp puppies to death at their next convention? I'm sure that'll appeal to their base, too.
While this is a silly fluff story, we have had them about every president. We all knew Bush's dog. So the question is, why are Gingrich and the Fox clan so sensitive about this? Talk about bitterness and jealousy.
now...how about back to the economy, the war, etc.
...at 6 months the pup should be potty trained.
Too bad we can't say that for Newt.
Dear Newt,
I hope you are enjoying your post-politics retirement, I guess, but I really don't care. Who should?
It's nice that you can still draw a larger crowd than any of the recent presidential hopefuls of your party. But, really, who cares? You guys are out of the picture, right? Isn't that what the voters said? You might sell be thinking, who cares?
We care. It is the people's country, not the politicians. It is Malia and Sasha's generation's country. If we can give them a little friendly space, by honoring the choice of their doggie, how is up to you, or anyone, to rain on that parade? To rain on any kid's parade?
You have had your turn in the light, and I, for one, don't care if we never hear from you again.
What a bitter person Mr. Gingrich is.
newt is just a miserable old man! why shouldn't we be excited about a pet? it's not something new that the public show interest in the first dog! heck, when i was a kid i sent millie bush (the springer spaniel) a letter and i got a paw print signed post card back. i still have it! newt's a killjoy!
I seldom agree with Gingrich but he is right...the media hype over a personal family issue for the Obamas is beyond the pale.
And Gingrich would know...I suspect he is jealous because it takes the focus away from the incredibly stupid things HE says on a regular basis!
There goes that old guy named Newt again. He continue to miss the mark. I would hope with the daughters having a dog, would inspire other people and children in particular to get an animal and love it. Also, this may inspire others to get a pet who is in need of a home.
Poor! Poor ! Poor Newt, he will continue trying to catch up. The world of enlighten ideas has past him by.
I think a lof of people were interested in this story!! It's fun, it's really about the kids, and Newt just seems like a bitter old man. Oh wait, he is, he's a Republican!
The first time I have ever agreed with Newt. I'm happy for the children, the puppy will most certainly enrich their lives but let's get on to the important things. I am amazed at how the media gets obsessed with issues like this and people are homeless and wondering how to make ends meet. It's time to get your priorities squared away and start talking about important issues and let this family alone.
Dennis
Sounds like Newt didn't get his annual visit from his easter bunny!
Gingrich is trying to get a fresh air out of the story.
My God the Republicans need to learn to mask their bitterness a little better lol...
I think Newt is fairly stupid. I am glad he does not have better things to be concerned with then the new first dog. And I mean that.