2020 Democrats' pets: Which candidate's best friend deserves to be first pet?

published 25 June 2019

When it comes to long and storied White House traditions, none are as fun — or as cuddly — as first pets. While there are certainly more pressing and important questions for Democratic voters to consider when choosing their nominee to be the nation's next commander-in-chief, you can't help but admit that our national mood would be much improved with a furry (or scaly, or feathery) friend in the Oval Office.

Luckily, at least 11 of the Democrats running for president would have America covered in the pet department. Here's your 2020 ballot of first pet contenders.

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There are no "bad" pets. There are, however, pets that are less than enthusiastic about their humans' goals. Take Artemis, Beto O'Rourke's dog who appeared in all her disapproving glory on the cover of Vanity Fair. "[In the cover photo,] Artemis seems relatively unimpressed with whatever's taking place; her dark expression suggests that she's seen indescribable horrors," worried The Cut. Despite Artemis possessing the Twitter handle @first_dog_usa, she clearly wants out.

When Joe Biden first adopted Champ in 2008, he faced criticism for going to a breeder, HuffPost reports (but don't say you can't teach an old dog new tricks; the former VP recently adopted a new German shepherd, named Major, from the the Delaware Humane Association). Naturally, after all their years together, Champ and Biden share the sort of bond that would be the envy of many candidates and their running mates. Champ also isn't afraid to let Biden know that he can't go golfing while on the job. Like any good first pet, you can count on Champ to keep his human in line.

Points to Gov. Jay Inslee for bringing a picture of his dog to a bill signing, points revoked for it not actually being his dog. Inslee never got a new pup after his last dog, Hailey, died a decade ago, Quartz reports. Instead, if Inslee were to be elected president, his "grand-dog" Tilly would have to fill in (unless that picture at the bill signing is of his other grand-dog, Pepper — it's unclear which is which). We stan a politically active dog, but the country also deserves more than just a part-time first pet.

Rep. Tim Ryan went to the shelter intending to get only one dog, and came home with two. Relatable. Bear, though, is a better candidate for the title of first pet in part due to his proven interest in politics. During an interview with the Los Angeles Review of Books, Bear even tried to contribute to a question about diversity in the Democratic Party. Ryan didn't let his dog steal the spotlight ("Go in the house, go in the house, Bear") but I've got to agree with Bear: Dogs should get to vote, too.

Previous experience in politics is a must for any first pet, and Skye not only meets the requirement, but she's got a record of keeping Colorado's politicians focused on the task at hand. Skye comes from a service background, having been one of 9,000 dogs trained by prison inmates in one the state's signature prison reform programs. We need Skye's dedication to the public in the White House, too. Good girl!

Mayor Pete's dogs have the most-followed Twitter account of any of the 2020 first pet candidates. As Buttigieg can likely attest, that sort of early popularity in a massive field is nothing but a good thing. Of the two choices for first dog, though, Buddy is undoubtedly best positioned to be first pet. Not only does he make great Twitter polls, channel entire moods, and have a burgeoning career as a movie star, he doesn't ever let his one eye slow him down. Buddy's sibling, Truman, is also a very good boy, and it could be argued that the two really ought to co-first pet together, as they are doing in South Bend.

When it comes to four-legged candidates for the White House, Bailey is undoubtedly top dog. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's lovable pooch already has the Twitter handle ready to go (@FirstDogBailey) and is practicing the lines for his oath ("I solemnly swear ... to chase every squirrel ... to lick every hand ... to love all my friends ... to bark when CEOs pay lower taxes than their secretaries"). Bailey is also leading in dog polls, thanks to his "Bailey for first dog" bandanas and "consumer watchdog" collars.

Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii congresswoman: Gabbard likewise doesn't appear to have pets of any kind, nor does she have much of a record talking about cats and dogs. That being said, Gabbard grew up in a cult-like group that follows the teachings of guru Chris Butler, who "has condemned homosexuality, once arguing that it led to 'an increasing number of American women [keeping] dogs for sexual purposes,'" Vox reports. Uh, okay. F

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.

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