Animal Cruelty in Politics?

So, I'm guessing you're aware that the political season is upon us for the presidential race later this year. You can't miss it (though I don't watch TV so I don't have to see the endless ads there.) I don't often bring up politics because it is such a hot button issue. But... 

You may have heard this story making its way around the internet and news outlets. It seems that one Republican presidential candidate (possibly the likliest to get the actual Republican nomination, though that seems to change nightly these days) has a sordid story of animal cruelty in his past. 

Mitt Romney, so the story goes, placed his family dog in a cargo carrier, strapped it to the roof of their car, and headed out on a trip to Canada (in the 1980s). (I read the story at this link, but you can also find it at many news sources, pick your favorite.) And it gets worse. The dog apparently had a bout with diarrhea while they were traveling, and soiled his cage and the car. Romney apparently then stopped at a service station and "washed down Seamus [the dog] and the car, then hopped back onto the highway." 

Romney hasn't denied these claims, or even allowed that putting Seamus ON the car was cruel. He recently told Fox News' Chris Wallace that Seamus loved it up there. 

So, I know you're all animal lovers, so I can guess your take on this story. But, what I want to know is: does a story like this have an impact on how you would choose to vote? There are many big issues in a political choice, obviously, but are stories of animal cruelty in a candidate's past something that you would take into consideration before choosing them for elected office? 

For me, a story like this disgusts me, and I have to wonder about how a person who would do something like this to a family pet would choose to treat other humans. Especially a person who is seeking high political office - the highest in our land in fact. I certainly hope we don't hear more stories like this one as our march towards November continues. 

--Tammy

Comments

[Laurel]

I've heard this story, too, and haven't seen any kind of denial or valid explanation of it. I agree that, for me, it speaks about judgment and empathy. It's so outdated to think of pets as no more than property, so at the very least, it's an area I'd like to see explored more.

No doubt, they will drag out his current family dog and paint a very different picture. It will be interesting to watch what role, if any, the family pet plays in the campaigns. Beau is in the White House and seems to be a very loved and well cared for pet.

[Chris Davis]

Tammy, I'm so glad you posted this story. Last year I posted it on my Facebook page, and it was clear most people are not aware of this part of Mitt Romney's past.

The thought that a man with such poor judgement, capable of abusing a living creature and then tap dancing around the issue, could actually be President of the United Stated is horrifying. The more people who knows about this, the better.