We don't need Mitt's "outside-the-car" policies

By: Daisy

This week, the human world was abuzz with the news that Mitt Romney has all but clinched the Republican nomination for President of the United States after the departure of former Sen. Rick Santorum. So I thought I'd touch on the differences between Mitt and the Democratic incumbent, President Obama, in a key aspect: The way they drive with their dogs.
Mitt, as we are likely aware, drove with his Irish setter Seamus in a crate atop the family station wagon during a 12-hour trip from Boston to Ontario in 1983. President Obama, meanwhile, sits with his Portuguese water dog Bo safely inside his armored limousine, as shown in a photo tweeted by adviser David Axelrod this year.
These examples have profound implications for America.
Mitt's treatment of Seamus shows the candidate is an improviser, like the man I once saw on the North Cambridge bike path who placed his dog in a crate on a scooter. Mitt, I believe, places great value on finding solutions that are "outside-the-box" -- or "outside-the-car," if you will. This comes from his MBA training at Harvard Business School, right across the Charles River from my home turf in Cambridge. It further shows itself in his career as governor of Massachusetts. After all, who would have thought that a Republican governor would end up passing universal health care?
The problem with Mitt's improvising is that he comes off as someone who will do whatever is expedient to get something accomplished. He'll act like a liberal to pass health care in Massachusetts, then turn against his own plan because Republican presidential voters don't like it. This is summed up in the "Etch A Sketch" comments of his adviser Eric Fehrnstrom when he discussed changing tactics between the primary and general election campaigns: "You can kind of shake it up and we start all over again."
On the other hand, from that photo of Obama taking the time to make sure Bo is comfy in the presidential limo, instead of leaving him to his own devices "Up on the Roof," I can tell that the president is more thoughtful than his challenger. Look at Obama’s left hand, positioning Bo so he can enjoy a view out the window. (If Bo is like me, his doggie breath will leave some smudges on the glass.) Clearly the president has a more caring, hands-on approach to running the country. Unlike Mitt, not only did he pass universal health care in 2010, he's staying committed to the plan even though it is under attack by the Supreme Court.
America, the choice before you is now clear. I am a mere Westie and even though my bark is loud, I admit my presence is tiny (especially compared with an Irish setter or Portuguese water dog). But I know this: When I ride in the back of my human friend Rich's Corolla, I appreciate the accommodating touches of a nice soft Scottish tartan blanket over the seat, as well as a little plastic cup for water (thanks to my human friend Laura). I also appreciate that I'm not strapped atop the car like a pair of skis, a bicycle or a kayak. When it comes to being responsible on a car trip, or serving as President of the United States, it's better to think “inside-the-box” like Obama as opposed to “outside-the-car” like Mitt.

Daisy is a 9-year-old West Highland white terrier living in Cambridge, Mass. Her column appears regularly.