At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this week, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice had a prime speaking spot. However, though the convention featured many prominent Republican leaders such as presidential candidate Donald Trump, vice presidential nominee JD Vance, and his wife Usha Vance, the most loved and eye-catching appearance was that of Jim Justice's pet English bulldog, Babydog.
Babydog the bulldog
Babydog has made appearances alongside Jim previously as well, such as the briefings during the COVID pandemic, each time undoubtedly and without fail to win the hearts of everyone present. The bulldog was brought in to sit beside Governor Jim Justice in a black leather chair while he was giving his speech.
The video of his speech was uploaded on X, watch it here:
Governor Justice said, "Babydog has got a prediction for everybody here, she says that we will retain the House, the majority in the House, we are going to flip the United States Senate and overwhelmingly we are going to elect Donald J Trump and JD Vance in November." He added, speaking on behalf of his dog, that she was confident in this prediction because ''we're worth it''.
Babydog sat by his side panting and smiling, as the media captured the national celebrity and her owner.
The 62-pound English bulldog was born in 2019 and was subsequently adopted by Governor Jim Banks. She is a born political superstar and has been an asset to Justice's endeavours in the last few years.
She even had her slogan during the pandemic, ''Do it for Baby Dog''. The campaign by Governor Justice aimed at encouraging the citizens of his state to get vaccinated and was met with a huge positive response.
After her appearance at the RNC, it was announced that Babydog would be getting her very own bobblehead. These plans were revealed by The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum of Milwaukee shortly after the conclusion of the convention.
Even Jim Banks, who is running for U.S. Senate this year, said, ''I don't know about you, but thank god Babydog is a Republican,'' according to several outlets.
The role of political pets
This instance reminds us of the eminent role that political pets can have in rallies. An article by The Conversation described their role as providing light relief in times of political and social strife. There is a reassuring sense of political continuity and business as usual, they wrote. It is true, that one cannot help but smile when our favourite animals make appearances on television amidst widespread political tension in the country.
Another perspective by Current Affairs is that these pets convince voters of the politician's humanity. It can be difficult for the public to connect with the government, but these pets make it easier for voters to look at the politician's point of view, as dogs generally are, good judges of character. It garners free media attention and is overall beneficial for politicians to adopt a furry sidekick.
Like Babydog, Barack Obama's dogs Bo and Sunny, in addition to 10 Downing Street's Larry the Cat, have received similar media recognition.
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