Paw effort from pet-loving pollies

FORMER US president Harry Truman once said: “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”

It’s advice that has been followed by successive presidents, like Richard Nixon, whose cocker spaniel Checkers is remembered more fondly than its owner. Modern politicians know that they need to flaunt their relationship with their animals to seem more human. But today that flaunting has reached new heights, or lows, as it moves onto the internet.

When Malcolm Turnbull was elected Opposition Leader this week, it thrust his family into the spotlight, furry members included, because his internet site (www.malcolmturnbull.com.au) features blogs by his dogs. It seems it’s two-legs-good and four-legs-even-better at the Turnbull estate, as the adventures of JoJo and Mellie take centre stage on his website, more prominently than even his two children.

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Tagged as: Animals, Australia, Cocker Spaniels, Dogs, Harry Truman, Malcom Turnbull, Opposition Leaders, Politicians, Presidents, Richard Nixon, United States

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