Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

We still have time to mess this up!

Despite his magical powers, I don’t think Trump is thinking this through, to be honest.

When do the post office & the dmv weigh in on the wuhan virus?

In my day, never was longer.

Consistently wrong since 2002

T R E 4 5 O N

When someone says they “love freedom”, rest assured they don’t mean yours.

The words do not have to be perfect.

Teach a man to fish, and he’ll sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

This has so much WTF written all over it that it is hard to comprehend.

“What are Republicans afraid of?” Everything.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

Perhaps you mistook them for somebody who gives a damn.

The willow is too close to the house.

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. let’s win this.

Sadly, there is no cure for stupid.

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

The worst democrat is better than the best republican.

Their freedom requires your slavery.

Schmidt just says fuck it, opens a tea shop.

If you are still in the GOP, you are an extremist.

You don’t get rid of your umbrella while it’s still raining.

You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Dem Fundraising Open Thread: Dogs Are Good!

Dem Fundraising Open Thread: Dogs Are Good!

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Not intended as a counter-argument to TaMara’s post, but the dogs would probably argue it was…

Another fundraising spokesdog:

Reader Interactions

73Comments

  2. 2.

    Scout211

    Let’s go to the social psychology research! Republicans prefer dogs, Democrats prefer cats.

    Huh.  Who knew? I guess Democrats running for office this year had better start using their cats in their fundraising.

    Based on a large sample, we found that greater conservatism predicts less liking for cats and a greater preference for dogs over cats. The fact that our results were consistent across explicit and implicit measures, and also after controlling for relevant demographic factors, means that this analysis provides the strongest and most direct evidence to date that political identity is a robust predictor of pet preferences. One implication of this research is that the differences represented across the political spectrum would seem to filter down into everyday life, influencing even rather distal phenomena like pet preferences. A greater understanding of why and how these differences emerge will hopefully provide a greater understanding of why partisan differences seem so difficult to bridge.

  4. 4.

    Almost Retired

    I’m off to pick up the Grand-dog, a sweet-natured pit bull mix who is terrified of fireworks.  My son’s idiot neighbors go to Tijuana every June to stock up, so his whole street has a Battle of Berlin vibe all weekend.  My neighborhood is quieter.

    “The dog doesn’t want to be alone, Dad, and you’re old so you aren’t going out, right?”  I  took umbrage, of course, but didn’t admit it was true.

  5. 5.

    ColoradoGuy

    TFG famously hates all animals, unless they’re on a plate, burned to a crisp, and covered in ketchup. And his sons are even worse.

    Surely we can use that, by showing our animals in a funny context? The GOP are humorless religious fanatics, we are funny and human and love our critters. Look how Patron has become the mascot of a whole nation, while Putin scowls at the end of a 30-foot table, alone, aloof, and hated by the whole world.

  8. 8.

    Alison Rose

    @Scout211: A thing I have found–which, to be clear, I am not saying is universal at all–is that people who hate women tend to also hate cats, and vice versa. So it’s no surprise to me that Republicans would be less feline-friendly, since it’s of a piece with their vehement misogyny.

  9. 9.

    Geminid

    @Scout211: Republicans may have dogs, but how well do they treat them?  Ted Cruz’s dog might have some choice words on this subject if it could speak!

  11. 11.

    Splitting Image

    @Scout211:

    Based on a large sample, we found that greater conservatism predicts less liking for cats and a greater preference for dogs over cats.

    Dogs are more likely than cats to do as they’re told. Cats tend to be independent thinkers. Therefore Republicans like dogs more than cats.

    Also, dogs give conservatives the unconditional love that they think everyone ought to give them.

  13. 13.

    Scout211

    @trollhattan: Oh no!

    TBH, this is social psychology, not science!

    I say this as Mr. Dr. Scout spent his academic career teaching and researching in the area of social psychology.

    The study is about preferences and trends not likes vs dislikes.

    I think you are safe trollhattan.

  20. 20.

    NutmegAgain

    Always here for the dogs! And since it’s the (damned noisy) holiday, and my Murphy is clinging on because she’s just that obstinate. Well she has always hated loud bangs–thunder, fireycrackers, idiots with guns. I think she was tied out a lot in her first 8 years. I recently learned there is such a thing as dog earmuffs/coverings, intended to mute the loud noises. One brand I saw was developed for military dogs, and they also have some pretty boss looking dog goggles. Like Snoopy in the Baron von Richthofen cartoon, but I digress. Have any of you dog-having jackals ever tried noise-reducing ear covering for dogs?

  22. 22.

    NutmegAgain

    @Scout211: thanks for the clarity.  I like cats just fine, and have been owned by a number of wonderful ones over y lifetime. But, when the chips are down, a dog is a necessity. I’m the kind of person who bought my car b/c I could get a couple of Newfies in there easily; I decided on the house where I live since the yard was already fenced, I only run the AC when the dog needs it… et cet. Never been a Republic, although I might have voted for one in MA, like against John Silber (spit).

  23. 23.

    NutmegAgain

    @zhena gogolia: thanks–yes I have tried the Thunder shirt–no dice. Dog hated it!  (Murphy, my current dog, would be a toddler with oppositional defiant characteristics in another life. Really she’s just a mostly Gt Pyrenees who was maltreated). Also even the largest size isn’t really large enough for a giant breed. Clever people use small Tee-shirts, also.

  24. 24.

    Ann Marie

    @NutmegAgain: Let me know if they make them for cats too (and if anyone has gotten a cat to wear them . . .).  My Harley, whose former owner named him after the motorcycle, used to be terrified of all loud noises.  He’s calmed down a bit as he’s gotten older, but he still tenses at any loud noise.

  25. 25.

    raven

    I said this earlier but it is incredible that Artie was shot with a shotgun (among other brutalities), cowers at the slightest noise behind her and fireworks have no impact on her.

  28. 28.

    zhena gogolia

    I love that bj is a place I can go to find some people who hate the fourth as much as I do.

  29. 29.

    Expletive Deleted

    I wonder if they controlled for geography. Much easier to have cats than dogs in an apartment/as a renter in the famously liberal-leaning urban centers. (I say this as a cat-haver in a famously liberal-leaning urban center).

  30. 30.

    Ann Marie

    @raven: Thanks!  I’m tempted to try it, but he would have to wear it all day, which I don’t think either of us would like.

  31. 31.

    raven

    Fourth of July, 1970 at 7 seconds for about 5 is footage of an anti-war group that somehow got a permit to march in the “Freedom Celebration” and formed up at the start of the parade. About 50 years into it we were set upon by “pro-war” protesters and we had a hell of a donnybrook at Lincoln and Green!

  32. 32.

    Almost Retired

    @zhena gogolia:   One of the great things about having our kids grown up and launched is that we have been able to ignore this stupid holiday for the last few years.

    I’m working on dismantling Christmas expectations next!!

  34. 34.

    Almost Retired

    @raven:  I have a court appearance before a Trump-appointed District Court Judge next month.  I wonder if I can get a Thunder Shirt for that?

  35. 35.

    Suzanne

    My Luna is an old girl now, with a limp and lots of gray in her muzzle. When she was a pup, she tore a hole in her bed on her first NYE because of fireworks fear. It’s never been that bad for her since, but I do usually just stay home on fireworks holidays. I like some of the bigger planned displays, but fuck I hate the goobers who set them off in the neighborhood. Shut up, assholes.

  37. 37.

    Suzanne

    As I age, I am starting to understand the appeal of gated communities. But really I just like the gate and not the community.

  39. 39.

    Suzanne

    @raven: We are all stuck at home with the plague and I just would love to offer everyone in my neighborhood a tall, cold glass of shut the fuck up.

  42. 42.

    Anotherlurker

    @zhena gogolia: I totally agree about hating the 4th.  I have had the experience of watching my first Golden, Bella, trembling, stress breathing a crying on this stupid holiday.  Because of f’n fireworks and asshole neighbors.

    On the other hand, it was always a double-time day at work.

  46. 46.

    PST

    @zhena gogolia:

    I love that bj is a place I can go to find some people who hate the fourth as much as I do.

    The fourth is my wedding anniversary, so I can’t speak harshly of it lest I be taken to be expressing implicit regrets. I was 61 when we wed, so I wanted a date I’d be sure to remember even if I were drifting into senile dementia. We are going out tonight, however, so we can stay home tomorrow and Monday for the same reason as everyone else — so our pup won’t have to face the crackles and booms alone.

  48. 48.

    realbtl

    Real Americans sure love to make noise- loud cars, motorcycles, boats and fireworks.  //

  51. 51.

    NotMax

    ‘@zhena gogolia

    I love that bj is a place I can go to find some people who hate the fourth as much as I do.

    Supreme Court hasn’t brought the hammer down on the holiday yet?

    After all, the word “independence” doesn’t appear in the Constitution.

    //

  52. 52.

    Sure Lurkalot

    I’ve never owned a dog. I like them fine and I greet almost every dog that comes my way on my frequent walks.

    I have had a few cats but have been petless for 12 years. I meant to take a few year hiatus and it got out of hand. I think about getting a young adult cat a lot. Meanwhile, we have one who visits our yard to stalk birds. That I don’t like so much.

  53. 53.

    Salty Sam

    I feel bad for all the dawgs out there suffering from the celebration noise.  I know it’s a real thing, but not in my experience.  I’ve never had a pup that was bothered by it- in fact, we used to raise Viszlas for quail hunting, trained them under a shotgun, and they actually experienced New Years and The 4th as exciting times!  Couldn’t wait to get out there and point at a covy!

    But, I know that’s not the usual thing, and I do feel bad for scared pups.

  54. 54.

    sab

    My city isn’t having 4th of July because 8 cops killed a young man on a routine traffic stop. Citizens are angry, so mayor said no citywide celebration this week, I’d rather have my dog and cats freaked by fireworks than this family be bereft.

  55. 55.

    sab

    @NotMax: It is in that declaration thingy that the rightwing doesn’t know isn’t in the Constitution. The paper from before they got together and had to agree on a few basic governing principals.

  56. 56.

    NotMax

    Federal holiday fun facts.

    Contrary to popular belief, official federal holidays have not existed since the beginning of the United States. In fact, the first official federal holidays were not enacted until 1870 when the first four holidays were formally recognized into law.
    [snip]
    It is important to note that these federal holidays only apply to federal government workers across the nation. There is no such thing as a “national holiday” where the federal government requires states to partake in these holidays.
    [snip]
    1870: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day are established as holidays only for federal employees in the District of Columbia.
    [snip]
    1885: Federal holidays are extended to all federal employees in the nation. Source

  58. 58.

    Ksmiami

    @Geminid: based on Romney’s roof riding pooch- Well, their inhumane nature goes along with their treatment of floofers

  61. 61.

    Suzanne

    @Ksmiami: There’s been some genuine hilarity around my house this evening.

    “I’m wearing too many pants.”

    “No offense, Mom, but that is the stupidest thing you’ve ever bought.”

  63. 63.

    Suzanne

    @MagdaInBlack: Yeah, I don’t really want that much space. About an acre would be plenty. i’d like to have a guest house and a swimming pool. A moat sounds fucken great, though. Maybe alligators.

    I don’t really get entertaining. Like, i like to have some friends over for board games and pizza or to drink beers and play bocce and shit-talk in the backyard. But big parties? Terrible.

  65. 65.

    MagdaInBlack

    @Suzanne: oh there wouldn’t be any people, just 20 acres of trees as a buffer zone, with a little house in the middle. And that BF moat all the way around

    Definitely alligators.

  67. 67.

    Suzanne

    @MagdaInBlack: That’s reasonable. I have never been attracted to rural living, but the pandemic and the Trump administration have made me really anti-people. I’m what Jim Gaffigan describes as “indoorsy “.

  69. 69.

    Matt McIrvin

    @Scout211: I love both dogs and cats. Dogs are (usually) sweet, loving animals to an extraordinary degree. But I have cats because they’re easier, frankly. Raising a dog right is a much bigger commitment of time and effort. They are needier animals, more potential trouble, and usually just larger.

    I do like the wildness of cats, though, the way they endeavor or pretend to live almost like wild animals even though they’re in your house getting fed by you and clearly want you around. They are also extremely funny animals, even with regard to the trouble they get into.

  70. 70.

    Matt McIrvin

    @NotMax:

    Contrary to popular belief, official federal holidays have not existed since the beginning of the United States.

    I wasn’t aware there was a popular belief on this subject.

  71. 71.

    Quiltingfool

    I just got done hosting a big 4th party.  Whew, it’s done.  Successful because all the food was eaten, the children had fun, people visited with each other…but I was not a fan of the fireworks.  We live in the country and our neighbors were invited, so I don’t think we bothered anyone.

    Now, I play sociable well, but honestly I could do without the big party.  But, my husband likes it, and I love him, so I can do it once a year.  And I generally find someone interesting to visit with, so it’s okay.  But it’s over!  Yay!  I can work on a quilt tomorrow!

  72. 72.

    Matt McIrvin

    Right now our cat Jess is in her usual position sitting on my wife’s lap just purring and purring. She can do this all day.

    The people who say cats don’t love you don’t understand cats. They don’t exhibit the kind of fawning affection that dogs do. But just wanting to hang out is important for a cat.

  73. 73.

    J R in WV

    Wife calls it West Virginia zoning — see, we don’t have much zoning in WV, so if you want to control your viewshed, you have to own it. We started with 90 acres more or less, which means no one has really done the math to compute the actual acreage, the number was made up when the first sale occurred. But we’ve bought quite a bit more as the years have passed by.

    We bought 30 or so more from neighbors when they bought their farm next to ours. Then the other neighbors bought a large unimproved property at the head of the hollow, and we went in halves with them, 100+ acres, so now we pretty much own all the land we need to look at from our place.

    I have threatened that if someone wanted to put in a trailer park, it would be adjacent to the biggest hog lot in the county. A hog lot on the edge of our property would be invisible from the houses, yet would be a powerful disincentive for potential lot renters driving past to the trailer park. One neighbor has a shooting range on his farm, we can hear bangs, sometimes oddly frequent as in fully automatic, or really boomy, like T’s black powder cannon. They’re far enough away up a twisty hollow that it doesn’t bother anyone.

    And our dogs grew up with gunfire around, either deep/turkey hunters or target shooters, so loud booms don’t even cause a twitch. Started last night, in spite of the rain.

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