The Gift Of Barney Blarney

Dear Dog Lady,

Now that Saddam has been caught like a dog, what’s the latest poop on Barney, the White House terrier-ist? I hear there’s another holiday video about Barney. How can I see it?

Sandy, Los Angeles, Calif.

Sandy, prepare to see meaty canine eye candy. “Barney-Cam II: Barney Reloaded’ was released by the White House just as U.S. forces dug up Saddam Hussein. As far as Dog Lady can tell, there’s no connection between the two -- except that the unearthing of Bad Santa Saddam and the Barney video both make for compelling viewing.

This year’s “Barney Reloaded” -- which can be viewed under "Dog Lady's Tax Dollars At Work" on the links page -- has a much more complex plot than last year’s “Barney-Cam.” In this edition, various White House officials hound Barney, the adorable Scottish terrier and First Pet, to complete the holiday decorating at the presidential home.

Andrew Card, the Chief of Staff, pleads with Barney to get to work. Karl Rove, the president’s political advisor and patron saint of the Fox News Channel, sits entangled in Christmas lights and begs Barney to help him. Ari Fleischer, the former White House press secretary, distracts the dog with a poker game. Bill Plante, veteran CBS correspondent, holds the microphone to catch a few dog soundbites. And President George W. Bush, who wears a ten-gallon hat while romping with Barney in the snow, lectures his dog about the rewards of diligence and hard work. The rambunctious Scottie is too busy chasing a soccer ball to listen.

Barney also prances through the formal rooms. His paw nails click on the polished floors. He noses a red ball ornament and stops to admire the elaborate gingerbread house that is the centerpiece of this year’s White House holiday theme, “A Season Of Stories.” In the end, First Lady Laura Bush, the only sensible pet handler in the production, holds Barney under her arm and compliments the cuddler for his decorating sense.

It’s slick fiction. Even Dog Lady can’t believe a dog is in charge at the White House. For Bush enemies, this Barney video could be a mother lode of opposition research.

Regardless of politics, there’s no denying Barney as an effective propaganda tool.

The feisty terrier engendered much public sympathy when President Bush dropped him on the Texas tarmac in September in front of a group of surprised Little Leaguers. The President didn’t mean to fumble Barney, but he dropped the ball when Mrs. Bush handed off the dog as they prepared to board Air Force One. Barney tumbled to the ground, landing with his stubby feet in the air. The President scooped him up and, later, the White House had to issue an assurance that Barney was fine. “Barney-Cam II” proves the dog’s durability.

Last Christmas, “Barney-Cam I’’ got over 50 million hits when it launched on the White House Web site (also available for viewing in "favorite sites"). This year, the potential audience is huge for a worldwide terrier tune-in

Posted by Dog Lady at December 16, 2003 09:08 AM