CLINTON'S DOG "BUDDY" IS MEDIA'S PET
Newly-Named White House Pooch is Tops in News Coverage
President Clinton's new dog, a chocolate Labrador puppy now named "Buddy," has been a media star for the 12 days since word spread of his adoption by the Commander-in-Chief. A CMPA analysis of 37 major newspapers reveals 240 references to the presidential pooch since December 6, or 20 per day. Socks, the venerable White House cat, was mentioned in 71 news items during the same period -- although those stories focused on the First Feline's reaction to the new White House "petting order."
Not only is Buddy chasing Socks out of the headlines, he is also outshining most of the prospective candidates for the 2000 presidential election. (See Chart.) Only Vice President Al Gore (282 stories) was more visible than Buddy during the period we examined, largely due to his involvement in the Kyoto global warming conference and the controversy over his role in inspiring the lead character in "Love Story."
Buddy is also garnering more publicity than the last Canine-in-Chief, the Bush's springer spaniel, Millie. Millie's best press (88 stories) came in March, 1989, when she gave birth to several puppies. The arrival of her memoirs ("Millie's Book") in bookstores in September, 1990, was cited in 53 stories.
How long can Buddy's media honeymoon last? Not forever, says CMPA President Bob Lichter. "Right now, the press corps is smitten with a case of puppy love. But as all newcomers to the White House learn, the media like to keep their subjects on a short leash. Buddy should enjoy this time -- in a couple of months, he won't be the hot dog he is today."
White House Pets vs. Presidential Candidates Mentions in Newspaper Stories, 12/6 to 12/17 1997
'Buddy,' the Clintons' Dog, Dies
By Associated Press
January 3, 2002, 7:24 AM ESTCHAPPAQUA, N.Y. -- Buddy, the ebullient chocolate retriever who moved from the White House to Chappaqua with President Bill Clinton, was killed by a car near the Clinton home, police said Thursday.
Officer Bruce Cathie of the New Castle police said Buddy was struck Wednesday afternoon in an accident on Route 117, a busy two-lane road at the end of Old House Lane, the cul-de-sac that includes the ex-president's home.
Julia Payne, a Clinton spokeswoman, said neither the ex-president nor his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, was home at the time.
"We are deeply saddened by Buddy's death," the Clintons said in a statement issued by Payne. "He was a loyal companion and brought us much joy. He will truly be missed."
Police said it was unclear whether Buddy was being walked at the time of the accident or had escaped from the Clinton home. He "just darted out in front of a car," said Officer Larry Green.
Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press
He was never more than a photo op for these two, the King and the Queen of Narcissism.
Am so sorry for Buddy; I hope he did not know; and just enjoyed his caretakers, whoever they were. . .
BTW= If I were the driver of the car that hit him, I would consider relocating... like to Argentina.
I didn't catch this host's name, but he's funny ... just said that Buddy's name should be added to the Clinton death list.
The radio host just said on the death certificate, the cause of death will be listed as a suicide!
Neither the ex-president nor his wife was home at the time. Now talking about Secret Service Agent assigned to Buddy.
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