“Bo-bama”

Bo this, bo that. I’ve already been down this road. For readers seeking more “bo-ness” they can view this film about the names I call my dog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEs-2gokGhg

Hey Mike,
I think it might actually be Andrew Jackson.

I love this photo, the gracefully yet gangliness of Obama’s frame, and the focus he puts on the dog.
I hadn’t seen the RFK photo for a long time, and although I think folks are reading way too much into the Kennedy connection, the two photos certainly echo one another.

Thanks Jerry, all these doggy pics make me say “ain’t life grand?”

That was my thought as well. thin face, crazy top-heavy hairdo…

Not only is this a photo of Obama running with his new dog, it’s a photo of Obama in his new HOUSE as well. The shiny clean floors and crisp white lines of this hallway suggest that the White House is still a place of dignity and importance. Obama is comfortable there. Free to BE in the space.. to run with his dog. He looks like he belongs.
The dog’s still on a leash because he hasn’t proven himself yet as being completely fit and trustworthy – unleased – but he is well on his way, seemingly earning the respect of his new pack leader right before our very eyes.

Having recently taken a White House tour, I can tell you the bust at the end of the hall is a version of the Abraham Lincoln bust by Gutzon Borglum, which you can see here: http://www.abrahamlincolnart.com/
They also have a marble version in the Capitol: http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/lincoln_borglum_1.cfm.

1. Leading by following
2. Going the distance
3. No Dog Left Behind

yep, wellesley is right. I got a tour of the WH during inauguration weekend….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/codym/3206077222/sizes/l/in/set-72157612650495911/

Is he consciously bringing Camelot into the 21st Century, cleaning up all its sins, replaying all its high points, putting his own mark on its icons?

I’m not sure about the parallels between the two pictures. Obama is clearly running with the dog, and playing with the dog. He’s looking down at the dog as he runs, and they’re running side by side. The hall is to short for the run to be for exercise, or for any other purpose than the joy of running with and playing with the new puppy. Kennedy is running, the dog is running after him. But they aren’t interacting in any way that involves Kennedy. He’s running, but he’s seemingly unaware of the dog. Not looking at it, not trying to match its pace. The dog is several paces behind him. A run on the beach can have many purposes, such as exercise, or trying to get someplace quickly. It’s not really about the human-dog interaction.

It’s just a lovely, humanizing scene. I am also struck by the youth of this president. Bush was known for being active, but he never seemed particularly athletic or graceful. This is certainly to remind us that the man is not 100% business all the time.

Runnin’ man. But he’s not in good company, overall.

I thought I’d seen enough photos of Obama from the back, but this one is a joy.

I love this photo. It looks like Obama’s feet are both off the ground. He can carry the load but throw it off for a few moments in the now. It portrays a relaxed moment of fun with the dog. This is certainly the gift my dogs and cats give to me.

Necropost? Wanted to come back and note that Bloomberg news today used this photo fantastically with this editorial (compare headline, article):
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aAjl4cILWMHI&refer=politics